Samos, June 18, 2026.
Dear Followers, Friends, Family, and Christine.
Today, Charlie and I took our first rest day. Tomorrow we are on to Barbadelo and the last 100 km to Santiago.
We toured the Benedictine Monastery at Samos. Monasterio de San Julián de Samos was founded in the 6th Century.
This huge facility has a current population of less than 20 monks. I imagine that vast areas are vacant and perhaps even neglected.
However, the church and side chapels are magnificent as is the vestry.
The halls are covered in incredible murals.
Over the ages, the monastery has suffered fires, the most recent of which was in 1951. Like the mythical Phoenix, it continues to rise from the ashes.
Unfortunately, the tour was entirely in Spanish. My choices were either to try and follow along on a translation app or to take pictures. Pictures won.
This is one of the largest and oldest monasteries in Europe. To provide some details and context here is a link to an article in Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monastery_of_San_Xulián_de_Samos
The Wikipedia article also has a link to the monastery website, which is in Spanish. Translation is available.
Christine, I am thinking of you. 49 years ago today you became my wife. Love, me.
Peace, Everyone and Buen Camino. Pete.
Ann says:
Loved touring this magnificent monastery. It had a special meaning for my sister Ellen and I as our uncle Fr Kevin Gorman was a Benedictine priest ! Enjoying your daily updates on your travels on the Camino !!
Pete Schloss says:
Thank you, Ann. It’s so good to hear from you! I hope that life is smiling upon you and those dear to you. Pete.
Laura Gust says:
I love the beautiful artwork on the walls. And the poignant building and Mediterranean tree that was the start of it all. Pictures are beautiful.
Pete Schloss says:
Thank you, Laura. How I would’ve loved to wander through the abandoned portions. Haunted?