Astorga stands at the meeting point of the French Way and the Via de la Plata, two of the most important pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. Founded during the Roman period under the name Asturica Augusta, the city was once an important administrative and commercial center. Its Roman past can still be explored through archaeological remains, ancient walls, mosaics, and underground galleries.

The city’s most distinctive monument is the Episcopal Palace, designed by Antoni Gaudí in the late 19th century. With its towers, pointed arches, and Neo-Gothic details, the building resembles a fairy-tale castle. Its white granite exterior changes appearance throughout the day as the light moves across its walls. Today, the palace is home to the Museum of the Camino, which displays religious art and objects connected with the history of pilgrimage.

Nearby stands the impressive Cathedral of Santa María, which combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural elements. Astorga is also famous for its traditional chocolate-making industry and for its location in the historic Maragatería region. The combination of Roman heritage, religious architecture, and local traditions makes Astorga one of the Camino’s most interesting stops.