About Casa Banderas
Casa Banderas is ancient stone built property on the Royal French route of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. It is in the process of being restored and will soon serve as a pilgrim refugio where weary pilgrims will be able to rest for the night, but at present it is what an estate agent would call a renovator's dream.
The name, which means "House of Flags", was given by locals as a result of the owners habit of hanging three flags at the entrance to the house. These are the Spanish national Flag, the Galician flag and the very colourful South African Flag.
As the pilgrims, having left Sarria 20 km behind, approach Portomarin with only 2km ahead, and the dam on the Rio Miño still to cross, they pass through the tiny village of Vilachá in the parish of As Cortes. It is in this village that Casa Banderas is located, surrounded by wonderful ancient archtecture and many beautiful neighbours.
Every Summer hundreds of pilgrims pass this door on the final lap of the Santiago pilgrimage.
We are situated near the end of the long thirsty walk which passe the 100km mark. Leaving Sarria you will climb somewhat passing Barbedelo then peaking near to Ferreiros. From here you descend the dozen or so kilometers to Portomarin which can be thirsty going. What a pleasure to find a litle oasis in the tiny vllage of Vilacha.
If you are in the Village and you are at the marker stone with 91,5km enscribed on it then you have passed our entrance by no more than 50 paces. You cannot miss the stone as it has a Yellow Spanish post box mounted atop.
News - JAN 2009
2008 Visitors
We can happily report on a successful 2008 year. We have had many delightful visitors who have, with shoulder to the wheel helped us along our way. For pictures click here.
The Main House
This is 95% complete and only needs another few weeks to finish. Pictures of these works are on our Facebook page which you can access without signing up to Facebook simply by clicking here.
Opening
Casa Banderas will reopen early April and again provide drinks for thirsty pilgrims as well as beds for friends and private guests. Work on providing over nighting for a few passing pilgrims will start in earnest this year and the red tape war started.
Website
The website is now being partly and very slowly updated. Thanks to Benjamin for a great effort with the original. He takes orders, and you can visit his site at www.benjaminbell.net.
The Red Door
New Zealand author Thea Hughes has used Casa Banderas and its large red Port Cullis as the location for her new romantic novel set along the Camino. To read the Amazon blurb click here.
Confraternity of Saint James of South Africa The city of Santiago Information on the Camino Municipal - Unofficial Municipal - Official Municipal - Official Information on the Province of LugoLinks
CSJSA
Santiago de Compostela
Camino de Santiago
Sarria
Portomarin
Paradela
Lugo
If you are in the area and would like to make contact with us the numbers to call are +34 (607) 43 12 77 and +34 (982) 54 53 91.
