Camino Day Four- Pamplona to Puente de la Reina (16.5 Miles)

We did 43,482 steps today. We walked out of the city of Pamplona with other early riser pilgrims. We made our way to the country and the hike up to the sculpture called the Alto Del Perdon. It is a steel sculpture depicting pilgrims from different eras. The text reads, “Where the path of the wind crosses the stars”.

Not far from there is a memorial symbolizing the recognition and reparation for the 92 people assassinated by the Francoist repressive regime.

The hill down is steep and full of loose rocks but we made it safely into a town called Urterga with another closed church, The Church of the Assumption, built in the 13th century. We stop at every Church, most are not open.

We had a delicious lunch at a bar- we were so hungry! We then started our last few miles to Puenta La Reina where we stayed the night. But not the easy road for Chris and John, we decided to see one more church.

The Church of Santa Maria de Eunate built in 1170 was off the road we were traveling on to Puente la Reina by 2.6 miles. We had already walked 8.6 miles and decided to take the detour to see this medieval Romanesque Church.

The church is not in a town and it’s solitary location in a broad valley between mountains enhances its spirituality and charm.

The lack of historical documentation concerning the church’s construction has produced many theories. Some say it is construction of the Templar Knights (protectors of the pilgrims on the way) or construction by a certain lady (“Queen”) called Dona Sancha who built it as a funerary chapel for her own burial.

The more plausible theory is that it was founded by a medieval Brotherhood of people from nearby  villages as a centre  in the service of Santa Maria de Ornate and for the benefit of living and deceased brothers.

It is a gorgeous octagonal building that is not symmetrical. The slots for windows have onyx for glass. It is very meditative inside. Very old and very beautiful.

We made it to the hotel at 4:30, tired with hot feet. Showered, rinsed out our clothes and a pilgrims dinner and off to bed.