On the Way of Saint James

The Silver Route, the southernmost of the Ways of Saint James, runs for hundreds of kilometers from Seville to the city of the Apostle. In its Galician stretch, the ancient Roman itinerary crosses places of extraordinary beauty and deep historical and spiritual significance. Among them, the parish of San Xiao de Arnois stands out, a place of prayer, welcome, and tradition that preserves the memory of Saint Paterna, whose tomb is located in this parish church.

The parish of San Xiao de Arnois, belonging to the municipality of A Estrada, is located in a natural environment of great scenic richness. The Ulla River marks its western boundary and has been, since ancient times, a fundamental communication route for pilgrims and travelers crossing the historic Ponte Ulla Bridge. The Way runs between hills, forests, and small villages that preserve the essence of rural Galicia, offering the pilgrim a space of serenity and encounter with nature.

The main spiritual treasure of Arnois is found in the parish church of San Xiao. On one of its sides, an ancient early medieval sarcophagus is preserved that, according to tradition, houses the remains of Saint Paterna. This tomb, integrated into the church and presided over by a Baroque altarpiece, constitutes a valuable testimony to the antiquity of Christian worship in these lands and a place of special devotion for the faithful and pilgrims who travel the Silver Route.

For centuries, Arnois has been a place of rest and hospitality for those walking to Santiago de Compostela. In addition to the spiritual richness offered by visiting the church, the pilgrim can enjoy the renowned Galician cuisine, where traditional products such as octopus, empanada, and the wines of the region stand out, an expression of a culture that knows how to welcome with simplicity and generosity.

The life of the parish is deeply united to devotion to Saint Paterna. Every year, in mid-October, the festivities in her honor are celebrated, bringing together neighbors, pilgrims, and visitors in days of prayer, liturgical celebrations, processions, and fraternal gatherings. These festivities constitute a living expression of the faith and traditions that have given identity to this Christian community over the centuries.

For those who travel the Silver Route, San Xiao de Arnois represents much more than a stage of the Way. It is a place where history, spirituality, and heritage come together to offer the pilgrim a space of rest, prayer, and encounter with a Christian tradition that remains alive around the figure of Saint Paterna.