The Monastery at Samos

Posted on by Pete Schloss

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 photograph is courtesy of a German pilgrim who has a drone. 
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The entry to the monastery church. The picture was taken at night. 

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.

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This is the main altar. 
The vestry were the priests’ robes for mass are kept along with articles such as chalices. 
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The halls are covered in incredible murals.

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Our tour director! 
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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.

The cloister courtyard 
One of the side chapels
This side chapel is dedicated to Saint Benedict 

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.

This small chapel is the origin of the monastery. The tall Mediterranean Cyprus that stands next to the door is at least 500 years old. 

10 thoughts on “The Monastery at Samos”

  1. 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 !!

  2. 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.

  3. Mary Day says:

    Just beautiful! I’ve sent your blog post to my very devout Catholic son who hopes to be on the camino in 2027.

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