The Chapel of San Marco in Sarria is one of those little-known places worth discovering during a stay in Portomarín. Set on Monte de San Marco, in a quiet, elevated spot, it combines rural landscape, religious heritage and a small necropolis carved into the rock.
Although the chapel belongs to the municipality of Sarria, it is close enough to Portomarín to include in a trip around inland Lugo. It is especially worthwhile if you are staying at PortoHome and want to discover places with history beyond the usual Camino de Santiago visits.
The present building is part of a religious and funerary site. Next to the chapel are three graves carved directly into the rock, the most unusual feature of the site.
The sources consulted link the site to a possible earlier medieval church known as Santo Adrao. However, the historical information available does not make it possible to pin down every stage of the site's development, so this link should be treated with caution.
You can find out more about the site in these articles (in Spanish):
Tombs of the Chapel of San Marco
The San Marco necropolis in Sarria
The small necropolis is made up of three human-shaped graves carved into the stone next to the chapel. Two of them are very close together, while the third lies beside another wall of the building.
They offer a glimpse of medieval burial practices and help you understand the historical value of the site. As they are fragile heritage features, please look at them without stepping on them, moving stones or disturbing the surroundings.
The visit is short, but it has the special appeal of places that are still off the busiest tourist trails.
Another reason to come here is the landscape. Monte de San Marco is a natural viewpoint over the Sarria area, with a wide panorama of the Lugo countryside.
It is a good place to stop, enjoy the silence and take in the landscape at your leisure. For information on its location and access, see the official page for Monte de San Marco on Sarria Tourism.
Before you set off, check the route on an up-to-date map app and the condition of the last stretch, as part of the access may be on a dirt track.
You can combine a visit to the Chapel of San Marco with other places nearby and make it a half-day outing from Portomarín.
Some of the most interesting options are:
That way you can put together a route that combines history, nature and the Camino de Santiago without travelling far.
Staying at PortoHome lets you discover Portomarín at your own pace and plan trips to lesser-known places such as the Chapel of San Marco.
After exploring Monte de San Marco, Sarria or the nearby routes, you can return to a spacious, fully equipped home in Portomarín. PortoHome has several holiday homes and apartments for couples, families and groups, from PortoHome Ático to PortoHome 1, PortoHome 2 and PortoHome 3.
Each home offers a comfortable, flexible way to enjoy the Camino de Santiago, the river Miño and the best spots in the area.
Check our available homes and make PortoHome your starting point for discovering Portomarín and inland Lugo.
Autumn transforms the stage from Sarria to Portomarín: fewer crowds, colourful woods, pleasant walking temperatures and 22 kilometres of the French Way to the river Miño.
Read article →
Beyond Portomarín's best-known sights, the Miño hides viewpoints, old paths and landscapes worth discovering. Here are four very close to PortoHome.
Read article →
How to choose the best accommodation on the Camino de Santiago: what to look for to rest well after each stage, and our PortoHome homes in Portomarín.
Read article →