The Camino del Salvador crosses the Cantabrian Mountains from León to Oviedo, linking the Camino Francés to the Camino Primitivo and allowing pilgrims to venerate the sacred relics in Oviedo Cathedral. A medieval saying captured its importance: "Whoever goes to Santiago and not to the Savior, visits the servant and leaves the master."
📜 History & Significance
Following the Islamic invasion in the 8th century, precious relics from Jerusalem were brought to safety in Oviedo, including what is venerated as the Holy Shroud—the cloth believed to have covered Christ's face after the Crucifixion. King Alfonso II built the Cathedral of San Salvador to house these treasures, establishing Oviedo as a pilgrimage destination rivaling Santiago itself.
In 1075, during the reign of Alfonso VI, the Holy Ark containing the relics was opened, revealing its sacred contents. This discovery drew countless pilgrims to make the mountain crossing from León. The Holy Chamber (Cámara Santa) became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
🥾 Route Overview
The route covers 120-128 km in 5 challenging stages through the Cantabrian Cordillera, with more than 3,000 meters of accumulated elevation gain. From León, pilgrims cross the medieval bridge and head north through mining towns and mountain villages to reach Oviedo.
Most stages average 25 km through demanding but beautiful terrain. The route passes pre-Romanesque churches that predate the Camino Francés, connecting pilgrims to the earliest days of the Compostelan pilgrimage.
☩ Key Pilgrimage Sites
León Cathedral - The starting point, with its spectacular Gothic architecture and medieval stained glass, some of the finest in Europe.
Basilica of San Isidoro - In León, housing the Pantheon of the Kings with remarkable Romanesque frescoes.
Santa Cristina de Lena - A 9th-century pre-Romanesque church and UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the oldest standing churches in Spain.
Oviedo Cathedral - The destination, with the Cámara Santa housing the Holy Shroud, Holy Ark, and relics brought from Jerusalem.
🎫 The Salvadorana
Pilgrims who complete the Camino del Salvador receive the Salvadorana, a certificate equivalent to the Compostela, recognizing their journey to the Savior in Oviedo.
📚 Further Reading
Curated resources to help you research and plan your pilgrimage on the Camino del Salvador.
