Gallur Alagón

21,7 Kms

Aragon…

The Ebro river will be the pilgrim’s companion through part of Aragon, an extraordinary region with an extraordinary history.  The Ebro makes its way to the Mediterranean Sea, and has transported not only goods and people, but also cultures. Pilgrims will sometimes see “Moorish style” ornaments and architecture, the imprint of North African Muslim cultures that once dominated parts of this region.

But Aragon is associated even more dramatically with the coming of the Christian tradition to Spain. It’s told that St. James the apostle came through this region to evangelize Spain and near Zaragoza, while he was in a moment of discouragement, the Virgin Mary appeared to encourage him. Even today, in Zaragoza’s cathedral, you will find the shrine of La Virgen del Pilar (Our Lady of the “Pillar”), which commemorates this appearance to St. James. Perhaps you too will find encouragement from Our Lady at this moment in your pilgrimage.

Fortify yourself before you leave Zaragoza, and consider taking a rest day here to relax in this wonderful city. Because soon after Zaragoza you will enter the most lonely and difficult part of the Camino Ignaciano, the desert of “Los Monegros,” named for the black-looking hills you will see in the distance as you journey along. Los Monegros are the closest thing to desert landscape to be found anywhere in Europe.  The region is scorching hot during the summer and subject to brutal windstorms during the winter. There are few hostels or shops. A pilgrim must not to underestimate this inhospitable environment. This is absolutely not the moment for foolish heroism. If you decide to walk, be sure to carry enough water, avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day, and plan your rest stops ahead. For many pilgrims, a better choice will be not to walk Los Monegros but to take a bus from Zaragoza or from Pina de Ebro to Fraga (Intermodal Bus Station, Tel: 902 490 690).

But if you choose to continue on foot, God’s blessing be with you, and know that one pilgrim—Ignatius himself– has walked this very way before you, during an era when it was even more lonely and difficult.

The more desperate things seem, the more must we hope in God. When man’s aid fails, God’s is close at hand.

No difficulties for cyclists

aunque hay un tramo de la carretera CV-911 que tiene bastante tráfico y hay que ir con cuidado.

Gallur: Km 0.
Luceni: Km 8,2.
Alcalá de Ebro: Km 12,5.
Cabañas de Ebro: Km 16,5.
Alagón: Km 21,7.

Trail

Step's sketch

Altimetry

The weather in Alagón