Nourish the soul with this transformative journey. Build community as we discover the treasures of the Camino together.

Our journey will be held in three parts.

Part One:   

• Through poetic presentations on the Camino and its sacred architecture, you will discover the symbolism, rhythms & profound patterns in Celtic, Roman, Visigothic, Romanesque & Gothic art.  
• Discover the tools to view, understand and draw the perennial designs in sacred art.
• Experience the joy of geometry as a meditative and contemplative practise. Deepen your appreciation of the visits, inspire the soul and see with new eyes.
  

Part Two:   Visits and on-site sessions (the best classrooms!): 

• the 5,000 year old prehistoric petroglyphs of Peñafadiel depicting labyrinths and other abstract forms, 
• the 4th century mosaics of La Olmeda exhibiting exceptional geometrical patterns,  
• the exquisite pre-Romanesque churches embedded in breathtaking landscapes of the mountains of Asturias: San Miguel de Lillo, Santa Cristina de Lena, 
• the mystical 7th-10th century Visigothic and Mozarabic monastery of San Miguel de Escalada, 
• the two magnificent Gothic cathedrals of Oviedo & León.
• Take a free day to discover Astorga, its many museums, the Gaudí Palace and its gastronomy.
  

Part Three: The final part of our time together is a space for you to reflect upon and express your journey and experiences. This time is flexible and we are here to support you in your individual response. 

• Go for walks in the breathtaking natural surroundings of our village (with ample paths to explore) 
• Bring your favourite design(s) to life. Learn how to collect, prepare and paint with the colours of the landscape (Camino ochre earths and other natural pigments).
• Try your hand at stone carving. Carve a design into stone with the support of master stone mason Nick Durnan. Nick is a deeply skilled and generous teacher (more detailed information about your teachers below).
  
  Gift yourself with this inspiring opportunity to also stay in a renowned heritage site. A stunning medieval stone village, Castrillo de los Polvazares is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. Rest and recharge in a unique setting dedicated to pilgrims, pilgrimage and its art.  Taste Spain with delicious home cooked healthy meals and hand picked wine from the region. Meet like-minded friends. Enjoy one another’s company under the pergola, vine and fruit trees.

Bertrand Gamrowski (PhD) specialises in the use of geometry in Christian art & architecture & has made a large body of research relating to the use of geometry in art of the Camino de Santiago. He finds joy & fulfilment in teaching & sharing what is not just an intellectual exercise but a “practical philosophy” hands on & embodied practise.

Basia Goodwin (MA)  studied at the Princes School of traditional Arts, specialising in the use of geometry in traditional arts, craft & philosophy. In her creative practice she works with a variety of mediums, ceramics, glass, makes & paints with natural pigments, using local Camino ocher earths.   

Nick Durnan (MA) Nick is a highly skilled and generous teacher. He has over 40 years experience as a master stone mason, carver and sculptor conservator of historic buildings. He originally trained as a stone mason at Canterbury Cathedral in the Uk and stone carving and conservation at the city and Guilds of London Art School. He has worked in many English cathedrals including Exeter, Wells, Salisbury, Rochester, Peterborough and Canterbury. 

Sunday 7th.     Arrival, Welcome & Gathering

Check-in at Flores del Camino between 4 & 5pm

Bringing the group together - Welcome dinner 7pm

Day 1 ~ Monday 8th.  

Morning session: Presentation on the Camino, labyrinth. Symbols of pilgrimage and its sacred art.

Afternoon session: Discover the profound patterns of the sacred art of pilgrimage through practical classes in sacred geometry.  

Day 2 ~ Tuesday 9th. 

Early Morning visit: Sunrise visit to the ancient 5,000 year old petroglyphs of Peñafadiel, onsite drawing of the labyrinth and other petroglyph designs. Coffee at Santa Catalina with the pilgrims to Santiago. Optional 2km walk back home on the Camino

Afternoon session: Collect and prepare natural pigments. Introduction to Sacred Patterns through colour. Paint the flowers of life with colours of the earth.

Day 3 ~ Wednesday 10th.     

Visit to Oviedo: 9th century Asturian churches of Santa Cristina de Lena, San Miguel de Lillo. Lunch by Oviedo Cathedral (15th c.) to admire its rose windows.

Day 4 ~ Thursday 11th.   

Morning session: Drawing: Santa Cristina vine, Lillo & the origin of the rose

Afternoon session: Optional, either:

Painting with natural pigments, pattern through colour

Or:

Further explorations of sacred geometry designs.

Day 5 ~ Friday 12th.    

Morning session: Drawing:  the three roses of Oviedo

Afternoon session: Optional, either:

Painting with natural pigments, pattern through colour

Or:

Further explorations of sacred geometry designs.

Day 6 ~ Saturday 13th. 

Visit to the 4th century Roman villa of La Olmeda with exceptionally well preserved mosaics. Geometry on site.
Lunch in a charming medieval nearby town.

Day 7 ~ Sunday 14th.     

Day off : suggested visit to Astorga: Gaudí palace, Roman museum, chocolate museum. Traditional “cocido maragato” lunch in the village. (Activities on that day not included in the price)

Day 8 ~ Monday 15th.  

Introduction to stone carving / or work on a project in a way that inspires you, for example continue painting with natural pigments

Day 9 ~ Tuesday 16th. 

Visits : 7th - 10th century Visigothic & Mozarabic  monastery of San Miguel de Escalada and the 13th century Gothic cathedral of León. Choosing our design for those doing stone carving projects.

Day 10 ~ Wednesday 17th.     

Carving or painting

Evening: Visit to Rabanal on the Camino de Santiago. Vespers in the Romanesque church of Rabanal, followed by dinner in a nearby restaurant

Day 11 ~ Thursday 18th.   

Carving or painting

Day 12 ~ Friday 19th.    

Carving or painting
Wrap up in the afternoon: sharing our creations and reflections together.

Day 13 ~ Saturday 20th. 

Departure after breakfast

The schedule is representative of the actual retreat but maybe subject to changes, for example due to the weather or other circumstances.

... about the retreat centre & our retreats, transport, location, how to get there on our website.

Please read carefully the Terms & Conditions (this retreat is confirmed).