Villafranca Montes de Oca was founded by the Romans a little south of the present village under the name of Auca. The place was the bishop's seat until 1075. According to tradition, Saint Indalecio, a disciple of the Apostle James, was the first bishop and suffered martyrdom here.
Church of St. James (Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol), late 18th century. The building was erected on the same site where the cathedral and another church had previously stood.
Ascent to the Montes de Oca.
What is there to discover along the way?
At Montes de Oca, at 1080 m, there is a monument for the victims (the Fusiliers) of the Spanish Civil War.
Here we are standing on Mount Oca, the highest point of today.
There is not much left of the originally dangerous, dense oak forests. The Way of St. James leads across a wide (fire protection) forest aisle.
San Juan de Ortega comes into view.
The last metres to the stage destination St. Juan de Ortega.
Photos: Gerhard, Rosmarie
Calzada - Belorado
St. Juan de Ortega
