The Original Way was used by the first pious persons from the newly formed principality of Asturias. It is the first way of pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
The king Alfonso II the Chaste did the pilgrimage from Oviedo to Santiago on this way, at the begining of the IX century. The king played a decisive role in the confirmation of the exhumated mortal remains in Compostela and he founded the first basilica destined to worship the Apostle. He contributed at the same time doing donations and promoting the establishment of the first monastic community to worship Santiago's altar.
The city of Oviedo was the starting point of the Original Way. From this city the way was safe and crowded and it changed only its status after León was established at the end of the X century as the new capital of the kingdom, and welcoming therefore, the present French Way. Nonetheless, due to the spiritual value of the way, it remained as an alternative way for, basically, two reasons: the relics of the cathedral of San Salvador de Oviedo, " Who goes to Santiago and does not visit San Salvador, goes to the services's house and does not visit the lord" said the speech, and the Basilic of Lugo with its permanent exhibition of the Holy Sacrament.
The numerous hospitals settled along the 369 km. of this way shows up its importance. They were used basically to support the pilgrim thus they were obliged to go through rough and difficult areas.
Although the Original Way starts from Oviedo, we present here the alternative from León (it was choosen by the pilgrims to visit San Salvador de Oviedo): León, Pola de Gordón, Arbas, Casa Tibigracias, Puente los Fierros, Campomanes, Pola de Lena, Olloniego, La Manjoya, Oviedo, El Escamplero, San Juan de Villapañada, Salas, Tineo, Pola de Allande, Grandas de Salime, Fonsagrada, O Cádavo, Castroverde, Lugo, Palas de Rei, Melide, Arzúa, Arca, Santiago de Compostela.
