Monte do Gozo facts for kids
Monte do Gozo (meaning "Hill of Joy") is a famous hill located in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain. It's a special place for Christian pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James). From this hill, pilgrims can get their very first glimpse of the three tall spires of their destination, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Standing at about 370 meters (1,214 feet) high, Monte do Gozo is often the last hill pilgrims climb before reaching the cathedral. It's still about one to two hours' walk from here to the city. Traditionally, pilgrims would shout with joy when they finally saw the cathedral from this spot, marking the end of their long journey.
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Location and Access
Monte do Gozo is located about 4.5 kilometers (3 miles) outside the city center of Santiago de Compostela. You can reach it by walking the Camino trail or sometimes by a 20-minute local bus ride. The hill is just under a kilometer past a small village called San Marcos. It rises about 70 meters (230 feet) above the walking trail and 110 meters (360 feet) above the city itself. Many bicyclists also enjoy visiting this hill.
Pilgrim Facilities
The hill is home to a large area called Ciudad de Vacaciones Monte do Gozo, or "Monte do Gozo Holiday City." This area was built in 1993 to help pilgrims. It includes a big hotel and hostel with 500 beds, a camping ground, and the large Auditorio Monte do Gozo. This outdoor concert venue has hosted many famous international music artists. The entire area also has gardens and walking paths, covering about 65 hectares (160 acres).
History of the Development
The Holiday City was built in 1993, which was a special Holy Year for St. James' Day. The local government helped create it. While the hotel and hostel have been helpful for pilgrims during busy times, some people have found its appearance not very appealing. For example, some books have described it as not fitting well with the historic and religious feel of the area.
The View and History
The actual Camino trail on the hill is paved with asphalt. The hill is surrounded by eucalyptus trees and other buildings. These have made it harder to see the cathedral clearly from Monte do Gozo in recent times. A guide for the Camino, John Brierley, suggests that pilgrims should not expect too much from the view today. He also notes that the small chapel of San Marcos is the only thing left on the hill that truly feels historic.
Papal Visit and Sculptures
Pope John Paul II visited Monte do Gozo in August 1989. He led the final mass for World Youth Day that year. There are sculptures on top of the hill. The most noticeable one (shown in the picture) was placed there to celebrate the Pope's visit. Its base also shows a pilgrimage made by Saint Francis of Assisi in the early 13th century.
See also
In Spanish: Monte do Gozo para niños
