Central Way, Central Way via Braga, Southern Central Way, Atlantic Central Way
The Central Way, the Central Way via Braga, the Southern Central Way and the Atlantic Central Way form a network of routes centered around the main pilgrimage path to Santiago from Portugal. The Central Way begins in Lisbon and serves as the backbone of this group of Jacobean routes, continuing as the Portuguese Way from Tuy upon entering Spain. Meanwhile, the Central Way via Braga is a variant of the former that passes through that city. The Southern Central Way is a long extension of the main route starting in Faro, the capital of the Algarve, while the Atlantic Central Way is a detour from the latter route along the Alentejo coast.
The Central Way is the primary historical pilgrimage route to Santiago from Portugal, starting in the capital, Lisbon. Currently, some sections of its path are also used for pilgrimages to Fatima. From Porto, the path splits into various branches that can be somewhat confusing, but the main route continues northward to the Spanish border, where it connects with the Portuguese Way from Tuy. It traverses the districts of Lisbon, Santarem, Leiria, Coimbra, Aveiro, Porto, Braga and Viana do Castelo, passing through the cities of Santarem, Coimbra, and Porto.
The Central Way via Braga is a variant of the Central Way that diverges from Porto to pass through the monumental city of Braga before rejoining the main route in the charming town of Ponte de Lima. It passes through the districts of Porto, Braga, and Viana do Castelo.
The Southern Central Way, also known as the Central Way of Alentejo & Ribatejo, is a long extension of the Central Way that allows pilgrims to travel to Santiago de Compostela starting from the city of Faro, in the far south of Portugal. It crosses the districts of Faro, Beja, Setubal, Evora and Santarem, connecting with the Central Way in the city of Santarem.
The Atlantic Central Way is a variant of the Southern Central Way that detours along the Alentejo coast between Castro Verde and Santiago do Cacem, following the routes of the Christian Reconquest south of the Tagus River. It runs through the districts of Beja and Setubal, notably passing through Porto Covo and Sines.
The Metro Map of the Central Way, Central Way via Braga, Southern Central Way and Atlantica Central Way is designed to be printed as a 184.5 x 30 cm poster. Those interested may contact Cool Hispania via email at info@coolhispania.com.
