| What makes it historical? |
Foncebadón rose to popularity during the 12th century when a hermit named Gaucelmo set up a hospital, hospice, and church for Pilgrims crossing the high mountains of León! The town had already been known along the Camino for having planted 800 stakes in the ground to mark the path. Unfortunately, the Protestant Reformation and the Napoleonic Wars, as well as newer, safer routes, led to the decline of Foncebadón as its residents fled to warmer temperatures and better prospects in Madrid! Now, thanks to the rising popularity of the Camino, Foncebadón is slowly rising from the rubble, though in all honesty, it is still mostly rubble! Still, that really adds to the mystical beauty of this village in the heights, especially when it’s misty! |
