San Antón, albergue (Castrojeriz)

The Ruins of San Anton monastery, that has nearly a thousand years of history of hosting and treating pilgrims. Now one of the most atmospheric and spiritual places to stay in on the Camino Frances! Even without hot water (there is running water and a fully functional flush toilet!) or electricity (the days are long now anyways!), the fairly recently added albergue inside the ruins has very comfortable beds under a roof for a quiet night's sleep. Capacity is at 12 beds, most pilgrims opt for the comforts of Castrojeriz hence I was the first one at noon and we were only 5 in total in the end. Last but not least we were treated with warm hospitality by the experienced and genuine volunteering hospitaleros with intimate small group conversations over a lovely dinner.

Many people have their own ideas about the most unique experiences on the magical path that is the camino, and most I didn't stay at so can't comment. But, I'm not sure anything could match our stay at this beautifully haunting atmospheric ruins underneath the milky way. The venue was matched only by the warmth of the hospiteleros, especially Antonino. The energy of the place is amazing, and I think there were 14 of us staying there on what was a perfect Indian summers evening at the start of October (no coincidence this randomly coincided with my birthday :)). We ate, we drank, we laughed, we hugged, we cried and we all seemed to be aware of just what a once in a lifetime experience it was we were all lucky to live that spell-binding night encompassed in the soaring ruins of this beautiful place. Yes there is no electric, and basically no phone connection - and I hope they never change that. We washed up by torch-light, we slept underneath the stars pointing us all to our ultimate destination, and we awoke to eat breakfast by candle-light and I don't think any of us ever wanted to leave really. Without doubt this one experience encompassed everything that is magical and special about the camino, and why in the world we live we must do our best to preserve things like this - it reminds us how beautiful, magical and simple life is. The Albergue is a Donativo, and I hope everyone supports it in the spirit it is intended. One thing is for sure, you cannot put a price on a night at this simply magical place and with the amazing volunteers that make it possible. I hope one day I will return - and I hope nothing will have changed.

Amazing and unique place to stay during the camino, the energy of the place is magical! There are only 10beds to stay, however please be aware that no electricity or hot water but this is part of the experience! Antonino and Francisco have been amazing hosts!

One of my favorite stays on the Camino. Loved being off-grid and the beauty of the ruins. Wonderful volunteer hosts.

An incredible place in the way. I had never expected to find such a lot of popins in the middle of the "arid" meseta.