Torres del Rio, balcony and signs of the Rioga region by Ton Van Zeijl

About "Torres del Rio, balcony and signs of the Rioga region"

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 converge 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 kinds of facades with doors decorated with beautiful texts, paintings and gable stones. Sometimes they were also very dilapidated. I took a series of photos's of them, some of which hang on my wall as a reminder of my inspiring journey. Now also here on Werk aan de muur, because you might want one on your wall too.