Useful Tips for the Salvadorana Certificate in Oviedo (2024)
The Camino de San Salvador is a spectacular connector Camino de Santiago route. The route connects the Camino Frances in León to Oviedo, which is the start of the Camino Primitivo route.
Oviedo has always been a significant pilgrimage site. In fact, the Cathedral San Salvador in Oviedo was the second most important site for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela.
Today, pilgrims can receive the Salvadorana, the official document for completing the mountainous San Salvador Camino route from León to Oviedo.
Here’s all you need to know about the Salvadorana Certificate and how to get it in Oviedo.
Table of Contents
- Where to Get the Credencial del Peregrinos in León
- Overview of the Camino de San Salvador Route
- Where to Get the Salvadorana in Oviedo
- Do Tour the Cathedral San Salvador
- Conclusion Tips for Obtaining the Salvadorana Certificate
Where to Get the Credencial del Peregrinos in León
In order to obtain the Salvadorana in Oviedo, you’ll need a Credencial to collect stamps, just like any other Camino de Santiago route.
The Credencial allows pilgrims to sleep in albergues, or pilgrim hostels. Pilgrims collect stamps in their Credencial from albergues, cafes, churches, and points of interest to obtain their final Compostela in Santiago de Compostela.
Many pilgrims will start their Camino de Santiago route in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to walk the most popular Camino route, the Camino Frances. The Camino Frances passes through León, which typically spans about 3 weeks of walking.
If walking on the Camino Frances to León, most pilgrims will already have their pilgrim’s passport or Credencial.
Some pilgrims choose to just continue collecting stamps in their current Credencial del Peregrino. Others choose to grab the official Ruta de San Salvador Credencial.
In my opinion, I think the San Salvador Credencial is a must as it’s loaded with information on services and all the accommodation options on this rather intrepid Camino route.
Albergue de las Carbajalas
In León, the Albergue de Peregrinos del Monasterio de las Benedictinas, or Albergue de las Carbajalas sells the official Credencial for the San Salvador Camino route. This Albergue is steps away from the Camino Frances near the Plaza del Grano. The Albergue sells the Credencial del Peregrino for 2 Euros.
The volunteers here are so helpful and kind. They can often provide up-to-date information about the Camino de San Salvador route. You’ll also get your first stamp in your Credencial!
If looking for a no-frills place to sleep in León the Albergue de las Carbajalas is super supportive of pilgrims walking the Camino de San Salvador. route Rooms are simple dorms separated by men and women and there is a basic kitchen. Breakfast is offered by donation.
Albergue de las Carbajalas | Find it here: Pl. Sta. María del Camino, 7 | Pilgrim Credencial Required | Beds: 134 | Cost: €10 (suggested donation) | Hours: 11:00 – 21:30 / Open March – Mid-December
The Albergue de las Carbajalas is close to tons of necessary services from laundromats, grocery shops, cafes, and more. However, there are plenty of places to sleep in León if the Albergue is full or are looking for solitude the night before you depart.
Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago de León
Another useful place for pilgrims in León is the Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago de León (Asociación de Amigos del Camino de Santiago de León).
This association has Credencials for the Camino de San Salvador route and can provide useful insights for pilgrims. The Credencial del Peregrino costs 2 Euros from the association.
Find them near the giant roundabout of Plaza de Santo Domingo. Be mindful that they run with limited hours, but are responsive to inquiries by email and messages on WhatsApp. Here’s how to contact them.
Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago León | Find it here: Av. Independencia, 2, 5 Izq, 24001 León, Spain | Hours: Mon – Fri, 11:00 – 13:00 & 18:00 – 20:00
Quick Overview of the Camino de San Salvador
The standard route for the Camino de San Salvador is from León to Oviedo. For me, this makes the most sense as you arrive at the Grand Cathedral in Oviedo to collect the Salvadorana for completing the route.
The Camino de San Salvador is officially marked at around 75 miles (121 KM). However, don’t underestimate the distance of this Camino de Santiago route. There are plenty of ascents and descents through the mountains. The trail is quite tough, but the rewards are seeing some of Spain’s untouched beauty.
Most pilgrims complete the Camino San Salvador route over five to seven days.
The official starting point of the Camino de San Salvador is right before the Plaza San Marcos of León. The trail twists through the mountains and small hamlets. There are some tough mountain passes and fairly remote trails.
This isn’t a typical Camino de Santiago route as it’s more like a trek through the mountains.
The Camino San Salvador offers pilgrims trails through the region of Castile and León and the beautiful Asturias region. There are some highlights along the way, like old monasteries and pre-Romanesque churches. However, the true magic is the ability to feel “closer to the veil” in the solitude of hiking in nature and staying at authentic albergues.
Don’t miss a chance to sleep at Bendueños Albergue. This is one of the best albergues on any Camino de Santiago route.
The end of the Camino de San Salvador is in the Plaza de la Catedral at the San Salvador Cathedral in Oviedo. The Cathedral is filled with relics including the famous Holy Shroud that are found in the Holy Chamber.
San Salvador Route Credencial Stamps
Make sure to stamp the Credencial del Peregrino in order to obtain the Salvadorana certificate in Oviedo. Technically, pilgrims should have two stamps per day to receive the Salvadorana. However, this route has limited services, especially at certain stages.
I had no problems getting my Salvadorana with only one stamp on certain days. Don’t stress if you can’t find more than one stamp per day. If staying in Albergues along the route, this should be no problem.
Stamped Credencials are shown in Oviedo to receive the completion certificate of the Salvadorana.
Where to Get the Salvadorana in Oviedo
Congratulations upon arrival to Oviedo Spain! The Camino de San Salvador is no easy feat and few pilgrims choose this challenging route.
The only way to receive the Salvadorana is to walk the Camino San Salvador from León to Oviedo.
There are two places in Oviedo to receive the Salvadorana certificate: the Municipal Albergue de Peregrinos de Oviedo and the Cathedral of San Salvador.
The two places offer two different styles of Salvadorana certification. Technically, you could get both if you wish.
You can receive the final stamp in the Credencial from either the Municipal Albergue in Oviedo or at the Cathedral. I got both!
Municipal Albergue de Peregrinos de Oviedo
The way passes by the Municipal Albergue de Peregrinos de Oviedo, which issues the Salvadorana completion certificate.
The Salvadorana issues by the Albergue in Oviedo
- Printed in Color
- Cost: 2€
You don’t have to sleep here to obtain the documents, but it’s a no-frill albergue for those continuing to follow the way on the Camino Primitivo. Oviedo offers plenty of accommodation options.
Albergue de Peregrinos de El Salvador | Find it here: C. Leopoldo Alas, 20 Oviedo Asturias Spain | Pilgrim Credencial Required | Beds: 65 | Cost: 7.50€ | Hours: Open Year Round, High Season: 14:00 – 22:00, / Low Season: 16:00 -22:00
This Albergue opens late, so keep that in mind if planning on visiting the church.
The man who issued me my stamp had beautiful calligraphy writing, so I kind of regret not paying for the Salvadorana certificate here!
Catedral de San Salvador
The Camino de San Salvador ends in Oviedo at the impressive Cathedral of San Salvador of Oviedo. This was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Asturias and played a significant role in the spread of Christianity.
Remember, if you complete the Camino de San Salvador route from León to Oviedo, admission to visit the San Salvador Cathedral is free. Get the certificate first before touring the Cathedral.
The Oviedo Cathedral will issue the certificate by signing your name, and stamping the certificate. The Salvadorana can only be issued during visiting hours.
The Salvadorana issued by the Cathedral in Oviedo
- Simple document in hues of brown
- Cost: Free
Cathedral San Salvador | Find it here: Pl. Alfonso II el Casto, s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain | Entrance Fee: €7, free for pilgrims with the Salvadorana | Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10:00 – 13:00 / 16:00 – 18:00, but hours vary a lot by season, so check the official website
Do Tour the Cathedral San Salvador
The Salvadorana includes free entrance to the San Salvador Cathedral in Oviedo and it is worth visiting.
The church was constructed during the 9th century but includes a mixture of architectural styles as it has changed throughout the centuries.
By far, it holds one of the important relics, the supposed Holy Shroud that covered the face of Jesus after the crucifixion. The Shroud is kept with other relics in the Holy Chamber. Here, find the impressive sculptures of the twelve Apostles.
The church has a striking main altarpiece, a cloister with a nearby pilgrim cemetery, a chapter house, and a few small chapels. For me, the small Chapel of Saint Eulalia was the most memorable.
There is a large statue of “El Salvador.” Next to Him on the plaque is the saying of the Camino de San Salvador “Whoever goes to Santiago and not to Salvador visits the servant and forgets the Lord.”
If you wish to climb the Old Tower, you’ll need to pay an additional fee.
After visiting the Cathedral de San Salvador, I highly recommend heading to Monte Naranco to tour the Pre-Romanesque Churches of Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are some of the most unique churches on any Camino de Santiago route.
Pilgrims can walk from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela on the Camino Primitivo. The route takes typically two weeks to complete and is said to be the first official Camino route.
Conclusion | Salvadorana Certificate Tips
In short, this is a quick guide on how to obtain the Salvadorana Certificate after walking the Camino de San Salvador route.
Additionally, find out tips on where to pick up the Credencial de Peregrinos in Leon, an overview of the San Salvador route, and the two different varieties of the Salvadorana certificate.
As always, I wish you a Buen Camino for whichever road you choose
Did you collect The Salvadorana for completing the Camino de San Salvador? Any updates I should know about? Let me know in the comments below!
Pack This Post for Later! Pin It!
Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
I checked into the Albergue at Oviedo at 4pm. There was a very long queue and it took a long time. However like you I noted the beautiful writing on my Credencial and did not get the Certificate, I regret that as I love writing in Ink and this man was so quiet and dedicated he was disappointed people were not taking the Salvadoranna from him. However if you’re not going to stay there you’re not going to want to wait.
Hey Una-
Thanks for sharing your experience! I still regret not taking the Certificate from the Albergue in Oviedo, too.
I went out exploring in the afternoon and returned later in the evening to do my paperwork. I agree that it might not be ideal for people who aren’t staying there to receive the Certificate from the Albergue, except if they come back around dinner time or later.
Buen Camino!