The Ponte de Abreiro, in the municipality of Mirandela, and the center of the town of Murça were the arrival and departure points, respectively, for the fifth stage of the pilgrimage along the Portuguese Way of St. James Leon de Rosmithal, held last weekend. The 11.4-kilometer route was attended by around 70 pilgrims and representatives from the Municipality of Póvoa de Lanhoso, including Ricardo Alves, advisor to the Presidency's Office, and technicians Francisco Machado and Orlando Fernandes.
This walk is part of an initiative to restore, promote, and enhance the historic itinerary that recreates the journey of Leon de Rosmithal, Baron of Blatna, to Santiago de Compostela in 1466. The passage through the territory of Mirandela was marked by the inauguration of the route's identifying signage, reinforcing the municipality's integration into this Jacobean itinerary. The creation of a public hostel in the parish of Abreiro was also promised soon.
In Póvoa de Lanhoso, directional signage had already been formally inaugurated during the S. José Walk, as part of the Festas de S. José 2026. After entering the municipality of Murça, participants covered another 10 kilometers to the town center. They were welcomed at the Tourist Office by the vice-president of the Municipal Chamber, José Santos, where they could stamp their pilgrim credentials. The mayor announced the upcoming installation of signage in the municipality.
The stage concluded with a symbolic blessing of backpacks in the Praça 5 de Outubro, alongside the parish priest of Murça, Father Ricardo Machado. The Way of St. James of Leon de Rosmithal crosses 12 municipalities in Northern Portugal, from Freixo de Espada à Cinta to Braga. A cooperation protocol signed on March 20, 2024 aims to enhance and promote the territories and standardize actions for the route's certification.
The pilgrimage continues on November 7, further advancing the restoration of this route that unites heritage, landscape, culture, and spirituality across the region.
