Almost nothing is known about the monastery of Samos during the first centuries of its existence. The oldest of its architectural remains is the small chapel of San Salvador, dating from the 10th century and it still stands next to the tree that gave it its nickname: Ciprés( cypress) chapel. For some historians the chapel was the germ of the monastery, but most think that it was of only secondary importance, probably intended for guests, noble or regal pilgrims with their retinues.

Regarding the church of the monastery, we know that in the twelfth century it was rebuilt in Romanesque style, but of this building only a beautiful Romanesque door has survived. The current architecture of the whole monastery began to be built in the sixteenth century, after a devastating fire in 1533 or 1534 which almost completely destroyed the cloisters and convent dependencies.

Capilla de San Ciprés

The monastery of Samos has for centuries played a major role in a section of the Camino de Santiago that runs between Triacastela and Sarria, following the fertile plain that runs parallel to the route cited in the Codex Calixtino and most of the pilgrimage itineraries. The abbey sits on a bend in this glen, with the river Ouribio washing up against its walls. Both the river and the majestic architecture of the abbey are what bestow an identity on the town that, like the municipality, owes its Name to the monastery.

Make no mistake: the pilgrim’s baggage must only contain what is strictly necessary. You must bear in mind that it will accompany you everywhere for many kilometres, perhaps between 15 and 35 kilometres daily, depending on your physical form and your objectives. It is therefore just common sense to realize that overloading your back can be one of the worst errors in the ‘way’, one which may result in damage to the ankles and knees.

Two Galician men undertook the extreme challenge in 2010 of walking more than 6,000 kilometers to Santiago. Many choose to do the Way adventure as a peronal challenge, but in the case of Andrés Fraga and Juan Rivas, "Coru", the challenge went a little further. Taking advantage of the last Xacobeo Holy year in 2010, they decided to try something truly original. They chose to do the Way of St. James from the northernmost point in Europe: Nordkapp (North Cape) in Norway. Over seven months, eleven countries and 6,300 kilometers they lived out a unique experience. Fraga confesses that he would not repeat it, but he does not regret this once in a lifetime adventure.