Name: The Circular Journey
Start: 2022-07-03T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2022-07-10T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Flores del Camino

Flores del Camino Retreat Centre

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44 reviews

Jul 3 - 10, 2022

Group size: 6 - 12

The Circular Journey

Flores del Camino

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Flores del Camino Retreat Centre

Email address verified
Facebook verified

44 reviews

Jul 3 - 10, 2022

Group size: 6 - 12

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.

Schedule
Schedule
The Circular Journey
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.

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Accommodation
Accommodation
The Circular Journey
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).

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Location
Location
The Circular Journey
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.
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How to get here?
How to get here?
The Circular Journey

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.
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Schedule

The Circular Journey

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.

This was my second time experiencing a retreat at Flores. Everyone and everything was wonderful once again. We were treated with the most loving hospitality and provisions. Room accommodations are great, food was excellent and everything was way above average! But most of all the loving environment felt like a warm hug.

By Carol M for Easter Retreat 2024 on Apr 13, 2024

The Easter Retreat 2024 at Flores del Camino expanded my perception of the meaning behind the Catholic Easter Mass. Participating as one unfamiliar with the Mass it had a deep affect; those with a background in the ritual spoke of a profound return to the best of what they loved in their early Catholicism. The week was very thoughtfully arranged to be reflective and what I would call "healing". Highly recommended for people of any background who want a deeper understanding of the subtleties between the religious and the sacred, and how what is above can be an experience below.

By G G for Easter Retreat 2024 on Apr 12, 2024

The Easter retreat was a beautiful experience from start to finish. The accommodation was warm , comfortable and welcoming and the food plentiful and delicious. The retreat was reflective, spiritual and thought provoking and has left a very deep and lasting impression. Alexander, Basia and Bertrand are a wonderfully gifted team and Flores del Camino is a hidden gem.

By Anne G for Easter Retreat 2024 on Apr 11, 2024

It was a wonderful retreat. The location and hosts were excellent, food and wine fantastic, and the retreat leaders had clearly done their planning. I would definitely recommend both the retreat and Flores del Camino. I’ve enjoyed identifying “sacred architecture” in the past two weeks as my husband and I continued to travel in Spain and France. Thank you!!

By Gayle O for The Fourfold Inner Path ~ A Quadratos Retreat on Oct 19, 2023

This retreat was exceptional in its intentionality, calm, spaciousness, integratedness, and warmth. The retreat leaders were well-prepared, thoughtful, and created a beautiful integrated experience of learning and exploration. Flores was a beautiful, peaceful and comfortable space.