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An Unforgettable Pilgrimage in Spain: Climbing to the Birthplace of Reconquest

Tradition and Sanity

At the end of last month, over the three days of July 26-28, I took part in the fifth annual Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Christendom (Peregrinación Nuestra Señora de la Cristiandad), which begins in the ancient city and episcopal see of Oviedo and ends at the shrine of Covadonga, built to commemorate the victory of King Pelayo over the Muslims in 718, which is seen as the start of the Reconquista of the Iberian peninsula, as the Muslims were driven out slowly over the course of the next eight centuries until their final defeat in Granada. It was a splendid pilgrimage. I am so glad I went on it, and I would encourage everyone out there who would like to do a “Chartres-style” pilgrimage but without the downsides of 20,000 people to give this one a try. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.traditionsanity.com/subscribe