The Camino de Santiago Francés descends from the Crucero de Santo Toribio along the Camino de la Cañada to San Justo de la Vega. As it leaves the village, it follows Calle de los Vientos and crosses the River Tuerto.

Route guidance and rest stop

The Crucero de Santo Toribio is located 250 metres past kilometre 40 of the N-120, heading towards Logroño–Vigo. At the edge of the village, there is a rest area by the River Tuerto, with trees and tables for pilgrims. If you rely on these facilities, check their condition before your visit.

Church and historical traces

The Iglesia de los Santos Justo y Pastor dates from the 16th century. Only the tower with its bell gable remains of the original church building. The church houses a depiction of Saint Justus created by Gregorio Español in the 16th century, as well as a Gothic chalice with Lombard decoration.

El Crucero hill also links local history with religious tradition. According to local tradition, the Crucero marks the place where the bishop of Astorga stopped in the 5th century after being driven from his episcopal see. A hermitage stood at the site of the Crucero on the hill known as “El Crucero” in the 17th century.

San Justo de la Vega lay on one of the Roman roads that led from the ancient city of Asturica Augusta. A sarcophagus was also found in the village; it is considered one of the few examples of Paleo-Christian art in the province of León. In 1869 it was transferred to the Museo Arqueológico Nacional without its lid, and it remains there today.

Religious art and processions

The collection of the Cofradía de la Sta. Cruz y N.P. Jesús Nazareno includes the “atado a la columna”, its oldest work. It may date from the late 16th or early 17th century. La Urna, as the work is known locally, is made of walnut and dates from the early 19th century.

Holy Week customs take place on specific days and at certain times. On Maundy Thursday afternoon, La Oración en el Huerto is carried in a procession by twelve bearers. The Carrera de San Juan takes place on Friday morning during the Encuentro procession.

On Good Friday, the Calvario de Nazarenos is sung on Calle de La Carrera. It comprises 14 stations depicting different moments of the Passion of Jesus Christ. In the afternoon, La Urna is carried in a procession. The Miserere, Psalm 50 from the Book of Psalms, is also sung in the Mozarabic rite during the processions.

Rattles announce the various Holy Week events from Good Friday until the end of Holy Saturday, because bells may not be rung until the Resurrection. On Easter Sunday, members of the Cofradía carry the Resucitado along Calle de La Carrera. In another procession, the images of Saint Santo Toribio and the Virgen del Rosario, accompanied by the Pendones, are carried up El Crucero hill. If you plan your trip around specific Holy Week events, check the dates for the year of your trip.

Christmas and New Year traditions

There is also a seasonal opportunity to discover local customs outside Holy Week: San Justo de la Vega’s Christmas and New Year traditions include Christmas songs performed by the “chavales” and “quintos”, as well as the well-known Pastoradas.

Discover more destinations: Quintanilla de Losada, Valdoré, Siero De La Reina, Molinaseca, Noceda Del Bierzo, Villaseca De Laciana, Santovenia De La Valdoncina, Torre Del Bierzo.

For the wider travel overview: León.