What to see and do in Sarria

Sarria is one of the most important towns in the province of Lugo and the place where most pilgrims begin the French Way: from here it is just over 100 kilometres to Santiago, the minimum distance to earn the Compostela. Its highlights include the Letras de Sarria, the monastery of A Magdalena, the Cárcere viewpoint and the Romanesque church of El Salvador.

Being located in the middle of the Jacobean route, the medieval history is closely linked to the pilgrimages and had shelters such as the hospital of San Antonio where they received bed, food and care.

Where to Eat in Sarria

There are many options for pilgrims to eat in Sarria, and moreover, in two very special areas:

• Historic Center: Rúa Maior runs through the oldest part of the town, where you’ll find different restaurants to enjoy a meal or a quick bite.
• Paseo del Malecón: along the banks of the Sarria River, this beautiful promenade also offers many restaurants and terraces perfect for tapas.

Would you like to start the Camino in Sarria with your accommodation booked for every stage? All the details —stages, options and Miguel’s tips— are in our guide to the Camino de Santiago from Sarria.

Sarria Letters

At one end of the historic center, you can take a photo with the Sarria Letters, one of the snapshots that marks the beginning of the journey and a cherished memory every pilgrim takes with them.

Monastery of A Magdalena

This is one of the most emblematic buildings in Sarria, also known as the Convent of La Merced. A construction that stands out for its church, with a plateresque façade and its gothic cloister.

Sarria Viewpoint

Very close by is the Miradoiro do Cárcere, featuring a modern stone cross and the city’s coat of arms, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the town, as well as the old Preventive Prison, a correctional building from the 1930s to 1950s, and the former San Antón hospital, which now houses the courthouse.

Church of the Saviour of Sarria

We are located in the centre of Sarria, near the remains of the Castle of Sarria. There we will find a small parish church with Romanesque features and Gothic elements of the thirteenth century. The façade of the church has outstanding façades, as well as the north wall. The façade is crowned with a belfry from 1860, and the fountain located in the same square, known as the Fountain of San Salvador, dates from the same year.

Church of Santa Mariña de Sarria

This construction is a Romanesque work of the XII century that was replaced by the one we currently have of the XIX century of Gothic appearance. Its two-coloured façade in stone and white and its paintings alluding to the Santa Compaña and its clock in the tower topped with a pyramid-shaped needle are striking. Its interior keeps different representations of the Galician imagery of the 19th century: Christ Crucified, San Xoán and Santa Mariña. It is accessed by climbing a staircase that leads to good views of the surroundings.

Fortress Tower

Walking along, in the highest part, you can see the ruins of a castle from the 15th century, although its origins date back to the 12th century. It was built on an ancient castro and from the top you could see almost the whole of Sarria. Colloquially it is known as "Torre do Batallón" but it is not the correct one. An important fact is that during a revolt it was destroyed and later it was rebuilt again, but due to its abandonment it was brought to the lamentable state that we can observe today.

Malecon Promenade

Located in the centre of the town, it is one of the busiest and most visited places by tourists and neighbours of Sarria. With many bars and restaurants where you can relax and have an aperitif with great views of the river.

Recreational complex of O Chanto

This recreational club on the banks of the river Sarria offers us another vision of tourism. From here we can start fishing activities, hunting in reserves, or even hiking trails that have nothing to do with the Camino de Santiago, and horseback riding.
https://www.sarria.es/