Calle Major in Villava, Navarre province, Spain by Ton Van Zeijl

About "Calle Major in Villava, Navarre province, Spain"

by Ton Van Zeijl

About the artwork

Walking along the paths of the Camino Francés to Santiago de Compostela.

In spring 2024 (April - May), I walked from Saint-Jean-Pied-Port in the south-west of France through the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela. A walk of about's 1000 km through the Spanish countryside with beautiful views, small villages and big cities. It is the classic pilgrimage route through Spain with a great, friendly atmosphere along the way, plenty of accommodation and delicious food. One of the reasons why this route is so popular, I think. Also because of the great diversity of landscapes and the many historical and monumental sites. For me, the starting point is Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, because I wanted to get to Roncesvalles via the Pyrenees, the first stop being in a beautiful monastery. Several routes meet in Roncesvalles and you then continue your route via Pamplona, Burgos and Léon to Santiago de Compostela. At the point where the two roads meet, there is a monument with the inscription: 'and from here all roads become one'.

During my walk to Santiago de Compostela, I came across many types of facades with doors decorated with beautiful texts, paintings, gable stones and or fine metal fittings. Sometimes they were also very dilapidated. I took a series of photos of them, some of which hang on my wall as a reminder of my inspiring journey. Now also here in my shop at Werk aan de muur. Take a look around, you might want one on your wall too.