The Village of Castrojeriz
The hike today is the second shortest hike day with only 11 kms. Walk no further, Castrojeriz is a must stop in the Camino. After leaving Hontanas you will find the ruins of a Templar hospital of San Anton built in the 11th century. However, Castrojeriz is earlier than medieval times, Castrojeriz is of Roman times. A document lists a battle between Deocitano – Duque de Cantabria against Pompeyo in the year 3940. This document written in the year 1771. The difference is 2,169 years. In 1771 that would have been about 169 b.c. , which is about a right time frame since the Romans decided to invade Iberia around 218 b.c.
The ruins of the fortress at the top of the mountain are a Roman fortification of the time of 169 b.c. The ruin is not a Templar fortification, it is a Roman fortification. Deocitano fought against Pompeyo and won a decisive battle in Castrojeriz. The imposing Roman fortress can be reached on a walking path located a little further after the plaza square. The view from the fortress is endless. This fortress is over 2,000 years old and well preserved. The fortress has a lot of intrigue. The sister of Rey Alfonso XI was murdered at this fortress by Rey Enrique. Some recent investigations show that she may be buried at the Church located in the entrance of the Village. Castrojeriz is a fascinating medieval village full of history located in the meseta region of Burgos.
Castrojeriz has several albergues. The municipal albergue is located at the plaza. There are several small hotels. Castrojeriz has several good restaurants and bars. One local dish is sopa de ajo [ a local garlic soup ]. The streets in Castrojeriz are narrow and follow the circular path of the mountain. Castrojeriz has spectacular sunsets. There is bus transportation between Burgos and Castrojeriz. There is a bus the leaves Castrojeriz early evening and reaches Fromista. It is well worth it to to make a stop here and spend the day at Castrojeriz. This village is in a league of its own.
Hontanas to Castrojeriz ~ 11 kms distance. Difficulty 3 /10 .
Elevation
