PICO SACRO
The mountain that was always on my horizon
Is one of the most recognisable geographical landmarks around Santiago de Compostela. Its prominent presence in the landscape has made it a long-standing reference point, both for its distinctive geology and the cultural and legendary significance associated with it.
Location and physical characteristics
Located in the municipality of Boqueixón, just a few kilometres from Santiago de Compostela, Pico Sacro rises to 533 metres above sea level. Its pyramidal shape, unusual in the Galician landscape, makes it visible from many points across the region.
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Its composition is mainly quartz, which reached the surface millions of years ago due to the movements and changes experienced by the mountains at that time.
A distinctive feature is the long natural fissure known as the Queen Lupa Street, which has contributed to reinforcing the perception of the mountain as an exceptional place.
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A mountain tied to Jacobean traditions
Pico Sacro appears in medieval texts under the name Monte Ilicino and is closely linked to the narrative of the traslatio of Saint James’s remains. Tradition places here the episode of Queen Lupa, who, according to legend, attempted to hinder the disciples by sending them to a dangerous place. These stories helped establish the “sacred” character of the mountain and integrate it into the Camino de Santiago tradition.
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Its visibility throughout the region made it a natural reference point for pilgrims and travellers over the centuries.
Caves, remnants and heritage
The mountain preserves cavities and small structures associated with ancient uses, though determining their precise function is not always easy.
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On one of the slopes of Pico Sacro stands the chapel of San Sebastián, linked to an ancient monastery founded in 911. The current building, the result of later additions, has retained its function as a small sanctuary associated with the traditions of St James and the legends surrounding the mountain.
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This combination of geological, religious and legendary elements explains why Pico Sacro has long been considered a symbolic landmark.
A landscape reference
Pico Sacro also stands out for its visual impact on the Ulla valley and the southern area of Santiago. Its silhouette serves as a point of orientation and shapes the surrounding landscape, becoming a recurring subject for observers and landscape photographers.
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A personal relationship with the environment
In my case, Pico Sacro has been part of my everyday landscape since childhood. Its constant presence on the horizon made it a familiar feature and, at the same time, a symbol of the area's landscape and visual identity.
Pico Sacro is one of those places where photography allows you to read the landscape and interpret the territory, making visible what defines this region.
Photos: ©Juan Carlos Asorey
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