‘Pilgrim Information’ center temporarily closes until March 1
Starting November 1, the Informação ao Peregrino (Pilgrim Information) center will be closed, with plans to reopen on March 1. According to José Luís Sanches, President of the Board of the Via Lusitana Pilgrim Association, the temporary closure is due to the significant decline in the number of pilgrims at this time of year and the harshness of winter, making it unfeasible to keep the center operational with such low demand. The drop-in visitor numbers between September and October was already noticeable, highlighting the limited activity expected in the coming months.
Located in the Igreja da Conceição Velha (Church of Conceição Velha) in Lisbon, this office provides guides, maps, credentials, and personalized support to pilgrims on the Caminos de Santiago and Caminho de Fátima. Visitors receive guidance on itineraries, accommodations, and points of interest, along with advice for physical and spiritual planning of their journey. Created in collaboration with the parishes of São Nicolau and Santa Maria Madalena, the center is managed by Via Lusitana, in partnership with the National Center for Culture and QuoVadis, operating daily from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM to assist pilgrims and other visitors.
Since its inauguration on May 11, the center has recorded approximately 850 visitors, a number considered a success given its recent opening and novelty. More importantly, explains José Luís Sanches, “is that we have received very positive feedback from those who visit us”.
In terms of visitor demographics, about 57% were women and 43% men, representing 53 different nationalities. Most visitors were Americans (around 145), followed by Italians (72), and Portuguese in third place (60), almost tied with Spaniards (59). Close behind, and still in considerable numbers, were French, Germans, Brazilians, Australians, and British visitors. While some were simply curious about the topic, many visitors sought information for future pilgrimages or visited the center because they lived in or were passing through Lisbon, even if the city is or will not be their starting point for the Camino.
