Castelo do Neiva

Castelo do Neiva holds deep significance for the Camino. Its Igreja de Santiago is considered the oldest church dedicated to the Apostle St James outside of Spanish territory. The church sits on a hilltop above the village, reached by a short climb from the main route.

Pilgrims cross the Rio Neiva via a stone bridge before entering the parish. The Albergue de Peregrinos Don Nausti (20 beds across 3 rooms) operates from March to October, located beside the Capela da Senhora da Guadalupe. The albergue is run by a pilgrim support association and offers complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits, plus a washing machine and dryer.

The parish also features a Santiago Pilgrim monument and connects to the ancient Via Veteris (Karraria Antiqua), one of the oldest road alignments on the Camino route through Portugal.