The Columbian or Royal Way of Seville

From the Guadalquivir valley and through the heart of the Sierra Norte, a route that takes you from Seville to the monastery of Guadalupe (Cáceres) and has its origin in a pilgrimage made by overseas sailors, either to pray for a good voyage, to give thanks to the Virgin for the riches obtained or for a safe return.

The pilgrimage from Seville to Guadalupe was taken by Columbus in 1493 and 1496, by Hernán Cortés in 1528, after his journey through Aztec territory and by the Catholic Monarchs on numerous occasions. It is 340 kilometres in 14 stages, 6 of them in Andalusia, and offers a broad cultural, natural and religious heritage. 

The Monastery of Guadalupe was a point of reference for pilgrimages, since it was not only undertaken by legendary figures of history, such as those already mentioned, it was also undertaken by sailors, tourists and travellers, who as an act of faith or out of cultural interest came to pay homage to the Virgin there. The pilgrimage to this temple was taken by thousands of captives from the dungeons of Algiers or from the oars of Turkish ships, whilst many soldiers left in search of adventure and later returned to give thanks to the Holy Mother. 

Very little of the original route now remains, since much of it has been lost or is now under asphalt. This is quite a recent initiative, and an attempt is being made to restore this historical route as much as possible and to enable you to enjoy an unforgettable adventure. It gives you an opportunity to discover and enjoy, in a calm and peaceful way, all the cultural, natural and historical heritage of the different provinces through which it runs (Seville, Badajoz and Cáceres), as well as being a link between towns that provide pilgrims with all they need.