The Camino Francés has run through the center of Reliegos since the 12th century, heading towards the walled town of Mansilla de las Mulas. At the same time, archaeological traces of the settlement date back to the Stone Age and Roman times. If you are considering Reliegos as a destination, you can decide whether the route, the town’s history or its traditional architecture should be the focus of your stay.
Camino Francés and Historic Roads
The route of the Camino Francés through the center is a specific point of reference for Reliegos. The Codex Calixtinus places the settlement on the eighth stage between Sahagún and León. This stage designation adds a historical context for the pilgrimage route to the town’s location.
Roman roads are also part of Reliegos’ history: three Roman military roads met here. The Roman Vía Trajana, also known as the Calzada de Peregrinos, runs through the town. These two details show different aspects of the history of Roman roads: the meeting of roads and the route of a named road through Reliegos.
Earthen Construction and Underground Wineries
Reliegos’ traditional vernacular architecture combines adobe bricks and rammed earth with timber frames, a roof made with woven branches, and a covering of curved clay tiles. Adobe bricks are shaped building blocks; rammed earth refers to compacted soil used as a building material. This distinguishes the two earthen construction methods from the also-mentioned timber and roofing elements.
Earth and brick are also found in the underground wineries: they are built from these materials and traditionally served for storing wine. After being restored, they are now used as meeting places. The current social use may vary from one winery to another.
Archaeological Traces and Local Keepsakes
A Palaeolithic site is located in the La Toza area. A total of 118 different objects were recovered there from the surface. Remains from Roman times have been preserved in the Vallorno area, including a tegula inscribed “Legio VII.” These two archaeological contexts span the period from the Stone Age to the Roman era, but do not refer to the same place.
Part of the original structure of the medieval pilgrim hospital in Reliegos has been preserved. The parish church of San Cornelio and San Cipriano houses Baroque carvings of San Antonio Abad, San Lázaro as a pilgrim, San Cornelio, San Cipriano and Christ. A report updated on 25 August 2026 reported the collapse of part of the church’s suspended ceiling. Check current access before visiting.
The Pendón de Reliegos is also part of the local heritage: it consists of six red silk strips and two green strips, joined by borders embroidered with gold thread. Another historical reference is the Reliegos meteorite. The meteorite, to which the recovered fragments belong, was found in Reliegos in 1947; it is a stony meteorite, or chondrite.
A Specific Point to Consider When Choosing Accommodation
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Discover more destinations: San Cristóbal De Valdueza, San Juan De La Mata, Villafeliz De La Sobarriba, Serrilla, Castropodame, Prioro, Orellán, Naredo de Fenar.
Go to the main travel overview: León.
