Nourish the soul with this transformative journey. Build community as we explore the history of inspired designs from ancient petroglyphs to gothic cathedrals and palaces along the Camino de Santiago. Experience hands-on workshops in sacred geometry and rose window construction. We'll take time for photography and sketching amongst iconic architectural masterpieces and the breathtaking countryside. Forge new friendships as we enjoy the flavors of the Spanish culture, including the chocolate museum and a local winery. Discover yourself again, by design.

A collaboration between John Hornsby, Gabriel Swinney & Flores del Camino (Bertrand Gamrowski, Basia Goodwin)

Bertrand Gamrowski (PhD)  is co founder of Flores del Camino Retreat Centre. He has a background in mathematics.  He specialises in the use of geometry in Christian art & architecture & has made a large body of research relating to the 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 practise.

Basia Goodwin (MA) is co founder of Flores del Camino. She is an alumni of 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.

John Hornsby has spent the bulk of his 25-year career in experiential design work.  He is an artist & designer, creative connector, & a problem solver who loves fusing symbolism & strategy to design. As an avid supporter of the creative sector, John works at the intersection of community, story, & design.  He enjoys sketching & journaling of his travels along with teaching & facilitating meaningful conversations. 

Gabriel Swinney is the founder & managing principal of Swinney Creative, located in Asheville, North Carolina. He specializes in commercial, architectural, & interior photography; & loves integrating edge technology like drones, 3D imaging, VR/AR into his projects. The fuel for his creativity is a sense of adventure & wonder. His favourite pastime is exploring ancient pilgrimage routes in faraway destinations.

Sunday  3rd.     Welcome 

15h-19h Check-in

19h30

Induction tour & Welcome dinner

Bringing the group together

Day 1 ~ Monday 4th. 

Morning workshop (3h): Introductions to pilgrimage & geometry

Afternoon workshop (1h30): Preparing tea-stained paper 

Resting time

Evening Intention fire (intention for the week)

Day 2 ~ Tuesday 5th.  

Morning: Visit to León Cathedral 

Afternoon workshops (2 x 1h30): Dividing the circle ~ The petroglyphs of Galicia

Day 3 ~ Wednesday 6th.     

Tour of the Mountains of León

Peñafadiel petroglyphs, Cruz de Ferro, Forge of Compludo, Peñalba de Santiago, Valley of Silence, Bierzo wine tasting

Day 4 ~ Thursday 7th.     

Morning workshop (3h): Pointed stars & the creation of harmonious ratios. Drawing our first rose.

Afternoon visit: Astorga: Roman museum, Gaudí Palace, chocolate museum

Day 5 ~ Friday 8th.    

Morning team activity: real size drawing of León rose window on the ground. How the medieval masons would have brought their drawings to life.

Afternoon workshops (2 x 1h30): Kissing circles ~ putting the journal together

Day 6 ~ Saturday 9th. 

Morning workshop (1h30): the twelve roses of León

Late morning & afternoon: return to León

Cathedral (has our gaze been changed by this week?), restaurant, San Isidoro, & if possible San Pedro de Escalada.

Sunday 10th.

Wrap up

Final touches to the journal

Departure after breakfast and before noon

The schedule is representative of the actual retreat but maybe subject to changes, for example due to the weather or other circumstances.

All accommodation consists of individual or double ensuite bedrooms.

Accommodation will be at Flores del Camino or in our nearby partner hotel of a similar standard (about 150 metres away).

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.