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Viewpoint · Santiago de Compostela, Galicia
Mount of Joy (Monte do Gozo)
Hill about 5 km from the cathedral, on the French Way, where pilgrims first caught sight of the towers of Santiago. It has a monument and a pilgrim hostel.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Mount of Joy (Monte do Gozo)
Monte do Gozo is a hill of about 370 meters elevation east of Santiago, on the final stretch of the French Way. The name, hill of joy, comes from medieval tradition: from there pilgrims first caught sight of the cathedral towers after weeks of walking, and many would kneel or run to be the first in the group to see them.
At the top is the small chapel of San Marcos and a bronze monument with two pilgrims pointing toward the city. Another monument commemorates Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1989 during World Youth Day, which brought hundreds of thousands of young people to the hill.
In the 1990s the slope received a large pilgrims’ hostel and recreational areas. Today the view of the towers is partial because of trees and buildings, but the place remains a symbolic stop before entering the city.
From Monte do Gozo to Praza do Obradoiro is about 5 km, roughly an hour’s walk through the neighborhoods of San Lázaro and Porta do Camiño.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour; add 1 hour more if you walk down to the cathedral.
Best time
In the morning, as pilgrims do, to reach the cathedral before the noon Mass.
How to get there
It is about 5 km from the center, near the airport road. City buses stop nearby; on foot, the route follows the yellow arrows of the Way.
Tip
Do as the pilgrims do: take a bus or taxi to the hill and walk the final 5 km to the Obradoiro, following the yellow arrows. Bring water and comfortable footwear.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mount of Joy (Monte do Gozo)
Why is the hill called Monte do Gozo?
Because from there the pilgrims caught their first sight of the cathedral towers after the long walk.
Can you walk from Monte do Gozo to the cathedral?
Yes. It’s about 5 km along the French Way, roughly a one-hour walk.
Can you still see the cathedral from Monte do Gozo?
The view of the towers today is partial because of trees and buildings.