The monument to José Espiño, located in the town of A Bandeira (Silleda), is a public tribute to this priest, writer and researcher closely linked to the study and promotion of the Camino de Santiago. The monolith was inaugurated in 2009 on the initiative of the Association of Friends of the Vía de la Plata–Mozarabic Way of Ourense, with the aim of recognising his dedicated work in the recovery and study of this pilgrimage route.
José Espiño stood out for decades for his efforts to promote and consolidate the route of the Camino, dedicating much of his research to this historic way. The monolith, located next to the main road and the Cultural Centre of A Bandeira, includes an inscription honouring someone considered a true “valedor do camiño” (champion of the Way).
Today, the monument is seen as a symbol of local commitment to preserving the memory of the Camino de Santiago and to the figure of this priest from Silleda, who served for more than half a century and carried out extensive cultural and social work in the region. It is also a point of interest for pilgrims and visitors passing through the area, reminding them of the importance of those who worked to recover and keep the Camino alive.
