The historical San Antón monastery: a resting spot for pilgrims on the Camino

As a historical monument on the Camino de Santiago, the San Antón monastery serves as a fascinating slice of the past. Founded in 1146 by Alfonso VII, the ancient structure dates back to the 14th century and is located two kilometers east of Castrojerán, at the northern limit of the locality of Villaquirán de la Puebla. Known as the Royal Xenodoquio of Saint Anthony the Abbot, the monastery was a protected site under the king’s rule, indicated by the royal coat of arms on the church portal and the vault keys.

The monks of San Antón performed various ceremonies to bless objects, including the Tau, a cross used by the founder of the order to symbolize the liberation of the firstborn sons of the Hebrews, lambs, bells, and other items. The monastery’s hospital was the seat of the General Encomienda of the Order of Saint Anthony, with over twenty encomiendas (properties) under its control in different kingdoms of the Crown of Castile and Portugal.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons