In pilgrim fellowship within an intimate  circle of fellow companions, join us for a soulful two day (three nights) mini retreat on the Camino de Santiago in a beautiful space dedicated to receiving pilgrims and a centre for creativity and contemplation, inspired by themes of pilgrimage and journey.

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We offer a moment of pause and reflection to contemplate the labyrinth, symbols of transformation and journey deep into the rhythms of sacred art of the Camino. Experience presentation and practical classes in sacred geometry and directed sacred art as a meditation practice. You will create a beautiful rose window "mandala" design and paint it using natural pigments from camino earths and precious stones mixed with gum arabic - a natural tree resin.  We offer nourishing meals under the pergola and a time for sharing under the fruit trees, by the fire under the Milky Way.

This retreat is open to pilgrims of the foot and spirit. You  do  not  need  any  prior  experience  or  skills,  only  to  be curious!  We  welcome  people  from  all  walks  of  life,  all  faiths  or  none. Flores del Camino is situated in the historic village of Castrillo de los Polvazares considered one of the most beautiful villages in all of Spain. 

Basia Goodwin (MA) studied at the Princes School of traditional Arts, specialising in the use of geometry in traditional arts, craft & philosophy.  In her creative practice she works with a variety of mediums, ceramics, glass, makes & paints with natural pigments, using local Camino ocher earths.

Bertrand Gamrowski (PhD) is co founder of Flores del Camino. His background is in economics & mathematics.  He specialises in the use of geometry in Christian art & architecture & has made a large body of research relating to the use of geometry in art of the Camino de Santiago. He finds joy & fulfilment in teaching & sharing what is not just an intellectual exercise but a “practical philosophy” hands on & embodied practise.

Monday 16th.     Welcome 

15h-19h Check-in

19h30

Induction tour & Welcome dinner

Bringing the group together

Day 1 ~ Tuesday 17th.     

Retreat

Day 2 ~ Wednesday 18th. 

Retreat

Thursday 19th.

Departure after breakfast and before noon

All accommodation consists of individual or double ensuite bedrooms on site at Flores del Camino.

Castrillo  de  los Polvazares   is   considered  one  of  the  most  beautiful  villages  in  all  of Spain.  We  are  situated  200km  east  of  Santiago  de  Compostella,  in  the  heart  of  the Maragateria  region, at the foot of the mountains of Leon.

The  village  is  a  heritage  site,  dating  back  to  the  16th  century.  It  is  in  complete  harmony  with  its  natural  surroundings  made  up  entirely  of  local  red  and  orange   coloured  stones.  They  contrast  to  the beautiful  old  arched  wooden  doors  painted  green,  blue  and  red.  The  village  sparkles  in  the  Spanish  sunlight  and  the  stones   seem  to  catch  fire  and  glow  at  dusk.

The  people  of  the  village, known as  "Maragatos",  are  proud  of  their  traditions  and  customs. You  can  see  their  beautiful  traditional  dresses  and  dances  every  year at  the  "La  Magdalena"  festivities.  The  patron  Saint  of the village -   Mary  Magdalene  is  celebrated   at  the  end  of  July.  

The  surrounding  landscape  is  breathtakingly  beautiful - open  and  vast  with  lots  of  wonderful  paths  to  explore.  Experience  an  explosion  of  wild  flowers in  the  Spring  and  a  landscape  of  golden  platinum  hues  in  the  summer.

The  retreat  centre, Flores del Camino,  is  a lovingly  renovated  old  stone  Maragato  house.  It  is  made  up  of  ensuite  rooms  nested  around  a  charming  courtyard  with  a  vine  and fruit  trees,  with   beautiful  spaces  for  meetings  and  creativity.  

You will find detailed explanations to get to and from Flores del Camino on our website.

Should you still want tailored assistance for your airport transfers, please select the add on option.