A song for Stage 5 of the Camino Frances to Estella from Puente la Reina. We hope you enjoy the song and please subscribe as we will be putting up more songs. Buen Camino

The hike from Puente la Reina to Estella on the Camino de Santiago is a magical journey that immerses pilgrims in the timeless beauty of Navarre, weaving together ancient history, rustic charm, and captivating folklore. This stretch is often called the “Pilgrim’s Route of the Bridges,” and it invites travelers to walk in the footsteps of countless souls who have sought faith and purpose along this path.

Leaving Puente la Reina, you cross the town’s iconic Puente Románico, the graceful Romanesque bridge built in the 11th century by a queen to aid pilgrims in their journey. Its six elegant arches span the Arga River, and as you tread its timeworn stones, you can’t help but feel connected to the generations who’ve walked before, guided by the same hope and determination.

The trail meanders through fields of wheat and vineyards, dotted with charming villages that hold echoes of the past. In Mañeru, the church of San Pedro rises above the village, a silent sentinel that has witnessed centuries of devotion. The bell tower’s chimes seem to call pilgrims forward, a reminder of the spiritual rhythm of the Camino.

Soon, you reach Cirauqui, a hilltop village with narrow, cobbled streets that appear to tumble down the slopes like rivers of stone. Its name means “Nest of Vipers” in Basque, and though the origins are unclear, local legends speak of a time when the area was a refuge for outlaws. Walking beneath the village’s Roman archway and over remnants of a 2,000-year-old Roman road, you can almost hear the clatter of ancient carts and the echoes of Roman soldiers who once traversed this same path.

The Camino then guides you to Lorca, a village steeped in hospitality. Here, in medieval times, pilgrims could rest at a hospital dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The soothing murmur of the river that flows nearby offers a natural balm for the body and spirit, just as it did centuries ago.

As you continue, you pass through Villatuerta, where another bridge steeped in legend awaits. The story goes that Saint Veremundus, a Navarrese abbot, miraculously calmed the waters of the local river to help pilgrims cross safely. Whether fact or folklore, the tale reminds pilgrims of the Camino’s recurring themes: faith, perseverance, and divine protection.

Approaching Estella, known as the "Star of the Camino," the town’s historical richness shines through. Founded in the 11th century as a vital stop for pilgrims, Estella was once a bustling crossroads for trade and culture. Its streets are lined with Romanesque architecture, most notably the stunning Church of San Miguel and the Palace of the Kings of Navarre, the only Romanesque palace in Spain.

Before reaching the heart of the town, you may pause at the Fuente de los Peregrinos (Fountain of the Pilgrims), a symbolic place of refreshment and reflection. Estella’s welcoming spirit, shaped by centuries of hosting travelers, invites you to rest and recharge for the road ahead.

The journey from Puente la Reina to Estella is more than a hike; it’s a profound connection to the past and a celebration of the enduring spirit of the Camino. Each bridge, village, and legend adds another layer to the tapestry of the pilgrimage, inspiring every pilgrim to reflect on their own journey and the countless stories etched into this ancient path.

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