Where have the old markers gone?

Felipe · Jul 16, 2016

If you have walked recently the Camino frances, you will probably have noticed that the Xunta (the Galicia government) replaced the old "mojones" or markers (dated from 1986) with brand new ones. This caused a polemic in Spain (with even a petition in change.org), because many people considered them as part of the Camino patrimony.
Where have the old markers gone? The whereabouts and destiny of the 200 replaced markers was unknown. Well, it is not a mistery anymore. According with this note in La Voz de Galicia, they are in a store (more than in a yard), and the Xunta is weighing what to do with them. Many associations have asked for one, I suppose that for commemorative or patrimonial reasons. I guess that even some persons, non-Spanish associations and museums could be interested, and well-disposed to pay a reasonable amount for a marker. Besides its historical significance, they could be considered as art objects (they were designed by Antonio González Trigo and carved by Manuel Mallo, of the “Sagrada Familia” fame). Problem could be, I suppose, that they are, uhm, slightly heavy.
A related issue is that the new markers offer sometimes dual indications, with around 30 routes or variants considered as "complementary" (indicated with a "C"), which , apparently has been confusing and sometimes has brought the opposition of local people.

DurhamParish · Jul 16, 2016

I think one of them would make a heck of a headstone for my future grave.

gollygolly · Jul 16, 2016

Would love for these 'mojones' that have stood witness to the many who have passed them to be re-instated. There seems to be an urge by some in Galicia / Spain to show that the area / the country is contemporary and modern ! Some of the ghastly super-modern albergues that have been constructed in places leaves me aghast at the missed opportunity to convert an abandoned, historic building which may even have once been connected with the Camino. It seems, at least to me, that the same applies to the 'mojones' - out with the old and in with the new !

The decision of way-marking along any of the Camino's seems to be a quite fraught matter. Recently completed the Camino de Invierno where the way-marking is approaching excessive in places, while there are sections where there significant doubts as to the direction that the route was taking. This was especially the case in the final stage of walking towards Rodeiro. Total paucity of arrows or stones indicating the Camino, except right in the centre of the small town I came across this abandoned stock-pile :

sabbott · Jul 16, 2016

gollygolly said:
Would love for these 'mojones' that have stood witness to the many who have passed them to be re-instated. There seems to be an urge by some in Galicia / Spain to show that the area / the country is contemporary and modern ! Some of the ghastly super-modern albergues that have been constructed in places leaves me aghast at the missed opportunity to convert an abandoned, historic building which may even have once been connected with the Camino. It seems, at least to me, that the same applies to the 'mojones' - out with the old and in with the new !

The decision of way-marking along any of the Camino's seems to be a quite fraught matter. Recently completed the Camino de Invierno where the way-marking is approaching excessive in places, while there are sections where there significant doubts as to the direction that the route was taking. This was especially the case in the final stage of walking towards Rodeiro. Total paucity of arrows or stones indicating the Camino, except right in the centre of the small town I came across this abandoned stock-pile :

Yes, I also recently walked the Invierno, and I got turned around coming down from Alto de Faro, and ended up improvising on country roads all the way to Rodeiro. Had some good conversations with local folks along the way who tried to steer me in the right direction. As usual, being "lost" turned out to be part of the adventure. But isn't it always great to see those old friends the yellow arrows and mojones up ahead, just when we've given up the idea that we will ever get back on the Camino again?

Anemone del Camino · Jul 17, 2016

I can't help but think the Xunta could make good money selling molds for people to make these at home, even if out of platre de Paris, andjust the facade.

Carol06 · Jul 17, 2016

I really missed the old markers in Galicia this time. Some of the magic had gone. And as for the metal mileage plates on them that people were stealing.......... aargh!

t2andreo · Jul 17, 2016

I would like to know where the 111 Km marker, formerly at the top of the steps and around the corner in Sarria got off to. In April, I photographed the concrete base, where the mojone WAS, but is no longer. That particular marker was a bit of a milestone for all who walked the Camino Frances.

After that, I believe there was a somewhat iconic, 99.8 Km marker near the cafe in Morgade. I missed that one. I do wonder if it was replaced as well.

I leave for Santiago tomorrow to start a month's volunteer service at the Pilgrim Office. See you there...

MaxfromMO · Jul 23, 2016

DurhamParish said:
I think one of them would make a heck of a headstone for my future grave.

We would seriously consider the purchase of one of these for the exact same purpose.

SusanH · Jul 24, 2016

I'll take one in my backpack!!!

Deleted member 3000 · Jul 24, 2016

In January before Melide

mspath · Jul 24, 2016

falcon269 said:
In January before Melide

Sic transit gloria mundi /Thus passes the glory of the world.

DurhamParish · Jul 26, 2016

SusanH said:
I'll take one in my backpack!!!

And have it carried forward by Jacotrans.

notion900 · Jul 26, 2016

I saw one of the old Deputation ones that 'got away' last week, still in place somewhere around St Irene or after. Ironic to spend money replacing markers that had nothing wrong with them.

It seems the Xunta is very heavy handed and unimaginative as an organisation, in a lot of ways. All the new albergues are built off the same plan, including the one in Boimorto, where the picture windows look straight out onto the council refuse depot! Duh! I always imagine it is staffed by Walter Mitty types who think they are 'making their mark' on history.

And while we are on the subject of defacement - has anyone seen the new motorway workings?

Deleted member 3000 · Jul 26, 2016

notion900 said:
Ironic to spend money replacing markers that had nothing wrong with them.

Wrong distances. Graffiti. Employment (albeit an element of make work). Their money, not mine. Spruce it up a bit. Make it easier for pilgrims with consistent arrows. More reasons to replace them than not replace them in the eyes of those who are responsible for maintaining the cultural resource. There probably were valid reasons even while there was disagreement.

dougfitz · Jul 26, 2016

There is still an old marker just before O Cebriero, and there was a new marker just before it. You should be able to read the distances, and appreciate how much difference there had been between the markers and actual distances. Presuming, of course, that the new markers are reasonably accurate.