Paths with History: The Lignum Crucis. GR 250.1

 The Lignum Crucis Path, or "Apostle's Way" (82 km long), is a pilgrimage route linking four sites devoted to the Holy and True Cross; it was established in 2010 by the project's promoters: the Holy Cross Brotherhoods of Granja de Rocamora and Abanilla, and the municipalities of Granja de Rocamora (Alicante), Orihuela (Alicante), Abanilla, Fortuna, Molina de Segura, Archena, Ulea, and Villanueva del Rio Segura, to reach the finish of Caravaca de la Cruz and visit the Christian relic located there.

That picture was taken near to Begastri (see previous post), the final stretch of the journey (8 to 10 km to finish). The fact that this sign is located next to the Begastri Archaeological Park is a treat for history lovers. This route retraces the journey of the relics, linking the Vega Baja of Segura region with the holy city of Caravaca de la Cruz. As they pass by Begastri, the walker traverses the very lands that, fifteen hundred years ago, housed the most important episcopal seat in the southeastern peninsulan uniting Visigothic heritage and devotion to the Vera Cruz relic (True Cross) on a single map.

You can see the complete route map, here.