Madrid inaugurates its first permanent hostel for pilgrims and Jacobean care center
The city of Madrid has taken an important step in its relationship with the Camino de Santiago by inaugurating its first permanent hostel and a center dedicated to the care of pilgrims who choose the capital as the starting point of their trip. The event, held this Thursday, was chaired by Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida, who highlighted the relevance of these new facilities located in the Royal Monastery of the Comendadoras of Santiago.
The Albergue de las Comendadoras de Santiago begins its activity with an initial capacity for 26 people, offering a welcoming space for walkers. In addition, the International Pilgrim Center will provide valuable support to pilgrims, including spiritual guidance, cultural information and historical contextualization of the route.
"This will be a place of faith, support and encounter for all those who venture into this unique experience," stressed Mayor Almeida during the opening ceremony, where a commemorative plaque was also unveiled.
The ceremony included the participation of prominent personalities, such as Juan Carlos Pérez Cabezas, president of the Association of the Camino de Santiago de Astorga, and Cardinal Carlos Osoro, archbishop emeritus of Madrid, along with other authorities and representatives of various Jacobean associations. As a symbolic gesture, these guests inaugurated the facilities by spending the night in the hostel.
Mayor Almeida took the opportunity to praise the attractiveness of the Camino de Madrid, a route that runs through natural environments such as the Sierra de la Pedriza, Cercedilla and Puerto de la Fuenfría. "Few stages offer such spectacular scenery as these," he said.
This project has been possible thanks to the collaboration between the Commanders of Santiago, the Association of Astorga and the International Network of Jacobean Associations, and has received funding from the European Union through the Next Generation EU funds, within the framework of the Spain Tourism Experiences program.
