Viana

About this stop

A little about Viana

Viana is a historic town founded in 1219 by King Sancho VII of Navarre as a defensive outpost against the Kingdom of Castile. Its strategic location near the border of the two kingdoms made it an important stop for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. The town's rich history is evident in its well-preserved architecture, including the Church of Santa María, which dates back to the 13th century and features a beautiful Gothic façade.

Throughout the centuries, Viana has welcomed and provided shelter to countless pilgrims, including Cesare Borgia, a prominent figure in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Borgia, a cardinal, military leader, and member of the infamous Borgia family, died in Viana in 1507 and was initially buried in the Church of Santa María. His remains were later moved to the Church of San Francisco in Viana, where they can be visited today. This historical connection adds to the town's significance as a stop on the Camino de Santiago.