The "Miracle of Light" - San Juan de Ortega (30 kms from Burgos)

After a 12-kms walk through the Oca Mountains you reach San Juan de Ortega.

Six kilometers further you will encounter Atapuerca.

San Juan de Ortega was born in 1080 in the village named Quintanaortuño (40 kms north from Burgos). He became a priest and - with Santo Domingo -  commenced building bridges to serve the pilgrims (one bridge is still visible between Agés and Atapuerca). The two also accompanied (groups of) pilgrims through the deserted Oca Mountains, full of vagabonds. San Juan died in 1163 and was buried in a chapel. In 1477 Isabel la Católica gave the order to build the church which - today - stands at San Juan de Ortega. It is thought that the monastery which stands alongside the large church was commenced earlier by San Juan himself after returning from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When his ship was caught up in a storm on the Mediterranean Sea, he begged the Lord to save his life and that of all others  on board. In return he would erect a monastery. The sea calmed instantly and the monastery was built.

In 1974 the "Miracle of Light" was discovered. Twice a year the equinox sunbeam illuminates the capital of the Announcement. This happens on the 20 March and 22 September at 5.05 pm (solar time and weather permitting). The light enters through a window on the top left hand side of the main entrance (above the car; photo below left). This is what you will see on 20 March / 22 September:

 Left: a rather basic refuge (no heating; often no hot water),

and a good bar which serves "Morcilla de Burgos"  (blackpudding; blutwurst).    

        Right: one of San Juan's early Masterpieces (from his "bridge period"),

just outside Agés.