route 17 San Lázaro – mount Gozo

This name is since from this point pilgrims can observe for the first time the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago, hence the joy it produces among the pilgrims. It is mentioned in the Codex Calixtinus in the 12th century. The importance of the place was underlined by the Archbishop of Santiago Diego Xelmírez, who around the year 1105 ordered the construction of the church of Santa Cruz in this place, to facilitate the prayer of the newly arrived pilgrims. Its consecration gave rise to an impressive procession of the clergy of Compostela that took place on the day of San Marcos, and is probably the current chapel of San Marcos.
In 1992, when the Compostelan Holy Year of 1993 was about to begin, a big part of the land of Mount Gozo were used for a recreational complex and for welcoming pilgrims. Nowadays, we can find an inn and a camping site for hundreds of people, as well as a café, restaurant, laundry and assorted shops. Furthermore, it has multiple green areas perfect to take walks in, a soccer field and free pools.