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The Albergue Mosteiro de Vairão opened on the 25th of July 2013, Saint. James’s Day as a result of Ana Lobo and Pedro Macedo’s work, a couple of pilgrims and hospitaleros on the Camino de Santiago

The facilities were granted by the Assembleia Distrital do Porto, the monastery owner (the Municipality of Vila do Conde is the new owner since july 2015). An establishment team was created through a protocol including Junta de Freguesia de Vairão and the Association Espaço Jacobeus. In 2015 a new pilgrim association was created to manage the albergue - Villa Valeriani (the name of Vairão in ancient times), with Carla Silva as president.

Vairão Monastery, which is very well located and has over a 1000 year history, is the ideal place to receive the pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. The foundation of the Albergue enabled the recovery of the facilities and the opening of the Monastery to the local and international communities, promoting its value.

With the opening of this Albergue the Caminho Português de Santiago is “complete”: in what concerns to the connection between Porto and Santiago de Compostela. The Caminho Português de Santiago is used by around 10, 000 pilgrims every year. The albergues are now within 25km from each other, the distance between Porto and Vairão. This distance is considered “natural” among the pilgrims.

Currently, the albergue has 50 individual beds distributed by 12 rooms, several sanitary facilities, kitchens, a dining room, lounges and a meditation room. We also have 30 beds for groups. For meals pilgrims can phone the Catiago Restaurant and they will bring food (meat or fish), soup, bread, fruit and a drink for 6,5 euros (+351 252 663 304). There is also the Otília Snack-bar (200m) and D. Miguel Restaurant (700m) and the possibility to prepare the food in one of the two kitchens.

In 25th of July 2015 opened the Pilgrim Museum - Camino de Santiago Interpretation Centre.

The reception of pilgrims is guaranteed by Alice, José Maria and their family who live opposite the Monastery, also with the help from other volunteer hospitaleiros. The pilgrims show their satisfaction through the guest book.

Local groups and individuals as well as volunteers, namely the Sunday School Group, are in charge of the recovery and animation of the albergue. We received invaluable support from American Pilgrims on the Camino, German associations and many pilgrims, including John Brierley.

On the first three months the albergue received 323 pilgrims from 35 different nationalities, covering the five continents.

Do you want to be a volunteer hospitaleiro?

If you did the pilgrimage to Santiago, you have free time and want to give back to the Way some of what you received, join us. To be a volunteer hospitaleiro (albergue host) is to ensure a fraternal welcome to the pilgrims and practice the true "love of neighbour".

Just for a day or for a few weeks, you will enjoy a monastic environment of peace and quiet (we
have one room with private bathroom, specially for you) and be able to share meaningful experiences. Your help will make a difference and make the Caminho (more) special for many pilgrims.

Contact us for more information, indicating your motivation, skills and availability…

A wing for Santiago!

[we already opened the new wing with the support from donations. new donations will be directed for maintaining the infrastructures]

We are launching a fundraising campaign for the opening of a new wing to receive pilgrims. Our goal is to have 49 beds and to offer a new kitchen, a new refectory, lounge and locker rooms. The wing is on the 2nd floor (currently the albergue is on the 3rd and 4th floors).

The roof needs to be fixed, the interiors must be painted, the floor must be improved and there is the need for bed bases. Our aim is to raise the necessary means and do the work during Lent in order to open the new wing on Easter Day. Our estimated budget is 950 euros.

Every donation must be delivered at the monastery or sent via bank transfer to IBAN PT50 - 0045 1465 40270597129 39 (BIC/SWIFT CCCMPTPL) - new bank account. 

shell - donations >= 10€

stones - donations >= 15€

backpack - donations >= 20€

pilgrim - donations >= 20€

arrow - donations >= 10€

We have the support of Luisa Sousa (blog Um Caminho para Todos and Mini Fimo) who designed and offered an exclusive edition of miniature figurines regarding the Camino de Santiago. To all of those who give us a donation will be offered a miniature of their choice.

The donors will get the miniatures in Porto, Vairão or by mail. Please contact us for further information.

The functioning and work of Albergue de Peregrinos do Mosteiro de Vairão is exclusively based on volunteer work and donations. We are a nonprofit organization. Every financial resource is used to provide support to the pilgrims, including the restoration works at the monastery.