Learn About the Alto de Perdón, or Hill of Forgiveness
Leaving Pamplona, the Hill of Forgiveness or Alto de Perdon appears on the horizon. This is a steep and testing ascent over 2.5 km, which rewards you with panoramic views and the most remarkable steel sculpture of pilgrims on the road to Santiago.
Alto de Perdón is named after a XIII-century basilica dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Perdón (Our Lady of Atonement), which was obliterated by Napoleon’s troops. Today, a commemorative plaque reminds us that there was once a hospital that attended to pilgrims.
Erected in 1996, the pilgrim sculpture made by Vincent Galbete is today one of the great symbols of the Camino de Santiago. One of the figures is etched with the words.
“Donde se cruza el camino del viento con el de las estrellas.”
Where the path of the wind crosses with the stars.
Visiting the Hill of Forgiveness
After admiring the views and recovering from your climb, the next challenge is the 3.6 km descent to Uterga, which is almost as testing as the climb. Going down is never easy, either.
MTBs can tackle the Alto de Perdon in good weather, but in rain, the clay terrain makes cycling this hill almost impossible. In which case, you take to the road and rejoin the main Camino later.
Whichever Camino route you choose, you will get to visit an astounding array of historical and religious sites. The Camino is not only a spiritually significant path, but it’s a fabulous way of discovering overlooked cultural sites in Spain, France, Portugal, and Italy. Learn more about the wonders you could see by browsing our Camino Walking Tours.
