Nourish the soul with this transformative journey. Build community as we explore the history of inspired designs from ancient petroglyphs to gothic cathedrals and palaces along the Camino de Santiago. Experience hands-on workshops in sacred geometry and rose window construction. We'll take time for photography and sketching amongst iconic architectural masterpieces and the breathtaking countryside. Forge new friendships as we enjoy the flavors of the Spanish culture, including the chocolate museum and a local winery. Discover yourself again, by design.
A collaboration between John Hornsby, Gabriel Swinney & Flores del Camino (Bertrand Gamrowski, Basia Goodwin)
Bertrand Gamrowski (PhD) is co founder of Flores del Camino Retreat Centre. He has a background in mathematics. He specialises in the use of geometry in Christian art & architecture & has made a large body of research relating to the 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 practise.
Basia Goodwin (MA) is co founder of Flores del Camino. She is an alumni of 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.
John Hornsby has spent the bulk of his 25-year career in experiential design work. He is an artist & designer, creative connector, & a problem solver who loves fusing symbolism & strategy to design. As an avid supporter of the creative sector, John works at the intersection of community, story, & design. He enjoys sketching & journaling of his travels along with teaching & facilitating meaningful conversations.
Gabriel Swinney is the founder & managing principal of Swinney Creative, located in Asheville, North Carolina. He specializes in commercial, architectural, & interior photography; & loves integrating edge technology like drones, 3D imaging, VR/AR into his projects. The fuel for his creativity is a sense of adventure & wonder. His favourite pastime is exploring ancient pilgrimage routes in faraway destinations.
Sunday 3rd. Welcome
15h-19h Check-in
19h30
Induction tour & Welcome dinner
Bringing the group together
Day 1 ~ Monday 4th.
Morning workshop (3h): Introductions to pilgrimage & geometry
Afternoon workshop (1h30): Preparing tea-stained paper
Resting time
Evening Intention fire (intention for the week)
Day 2 ~ Tuesday 5th.
Morning: Visit to León Cathedral
Afternoon workshops (2 x 1h30): Dividing the circle ~ The petroglyphs of Galicia
Day 3 ~ Wednesday 6th.
Tour of the Mountains of León
Peñafadiel petroglyphs, Cruz de Ferro, Forge of Compludo, Peñalba de Santiago, Valley of Silence, Bierzo wine tasting
Day 4 ~ Thursday 7th.
Morning workshop (3h): Pointed stars & the creation of harmonious ratios. Drawing our first rose.
Afternoon visit: Astorga: Roman museum, Gaudí Palace, chocolate museum
Day 5 ~ Friday 8th.
Morning team activity: real size drawing of León rose window on the ground. How the medieval masons would have brought their drawings to life.
Afternoon workshops (2 x 1h30): Kissing circles ~ putting the journal together
Day 6 ~ Saturday 9th.
Morning workshop (1h30): the twelve roses of León
Late morning & afternoon: return to León
Cathedral (has our gaze been changed by this week?), restaurant, San Isidoro, & if possible San Pedro de Escalada.
Sunday 10th.
Wrap up
Final touches to the journal
Departure after breakfast and before noon
The schedule is representative of the actual retreat but maybe subject to changes, for example due to the weather or other circumstances.