History of O Pedrouzo
O Pedrouzo is the main village of the municipality of O Pino (A Coruña), in the parish of Arca, and the last stop before Santiago for many pilgrims on the Camino Francés. The area appears in medieval itineraries: in 1417 Nompar de Caumont ended a stage at “Dúas Casas”, now placed at A Rúa in the same parish.
A quiet village, a fountain of eternal youth on the way in and the last night before the Obradoiro.
Origins and the Camino
The Roman and medieval road between Lugo and Santiago is the backbone of this municipality. Hamlets such as Ferreiros, A Rúa and Amenal often appear in the classic pilgrimage itineraries.
In 1546 Villuga’s road guide already lists “Almenar”, today’s Amenal, on the way to Compostela.
Anecdotes, curiosities and legends
In 1666 the Italian pilgrim Domenico Laffi wrote that at Amenal they rested and changed their clothes, knowing Santiago was close.
Legend says that anyone who washes in the water of the Santa Irene fountain, beside its Baroque chapel, stays young. Local tradition also used it against crop pests.
What not to miss in O Pedrouzo
- Santa Irene chapel and fountain
- Church of Santa Eulalia de Arca: O Pedrouzo’s parish church
- Amenal: hamlet named in old itineraries
Pilgrim tip
Do as pilgrims of old did and keep clean clothes for tomorrow: at Lavacolla, the Codex Calixtinus says, they washed before entering Santiago.
