Finisterre

Finisterre, "The end of Land" it is also known as "The End of the Coast of Death"

Its name came from the latin language "Finis Terrae" The ancient Romans believed that here, the land finished and the sea began.

Many piligrims arriving to Santiago de Compostella, end their journey in Finisterre.

There are many legends about Finisterre and the relationship between the piligrimage routes in Spain and coming from all over Europe, to Finisterre.

It is all connected to the Apostol Santiago, believed that his body was transferred to this land, by his disciples.

It is also believed that the piligrimage from Santiago to Finisterre is a pagan piligrimage and the piligrimage from Santiago to Muxia (60 km north of Finisterre), a Christian piligrimage. The legends say that the Virgin of La Barca appeard to Santiago (St James) in Muxia, giving him direction and guidence.

The Cape of Finisterre is 3 km past the village. Very steep, high cliffs above the sea, where the wind is blowing very strong.

I see and feel the many places where pilgrims have sat and as a symbol of purification and of a new start, have burnt their clothes and left some tokens or messages to be taken by the wind.

The sunset, has been described by many, as incredibly beautiful. The skies today will not share it with me, and as many paradoxes in life, it is not really necessary for me to see it today.

"Ara Solis" The Altar to the Sun adoration, where the sea devours the sun in the end of land. The Phoenicians and Caldeans, who name it "Ara Solis" built this Altar in the honour of the King Star.

The legends also says, that the Apostol Santiago, ordered to destroy this Altar, because it was a pagan cult. Although, other legends say, that in Christiane times, the "Ara Solis" became the Hermitage of San Guillermo.

For me, walking and arriving in Finisterre was very special. In my past 2 pilgrimages, I did not have the time to walk this route, because of not enough time. This time would be the right moment for me to complete it.

A strong feeling seeing the granite sign post, with the Jacobean scallop symbol, marking the km. 0 

Very rewarding moment. Now my piligramage that started March 6, will be complete.

The albergue is very near to the port. In the afternoon I see the sailors and fishermen arriving in their colourful small boats, bringing in their catch. 

Octopus, hake, monk, lobstairs, crabs and many other fish that I have not seen before. In a small wooden chair sitting sourrounded by their nets, the fisherman fix their nets and prepare them, for tomorrow. Walking by in green and black gum boots, carrying heavy plastic containers with crushed ice mixed with the fish. They are going to the afternoon fish market, where the auctioneers will get the best price for them.

We enjoyed a delicious plate of octopus in garlic sauce and a casselore of monk fish with prawns. Albariño wine and delicious brown bread. 

The dessert was the best chocolate almond flan, that I have ever had.