Petition calls for public albergue in Vila do Conde

The lack of public accommodation in Vila do Conde, following the closure of the Santa Clara albergue, has led to the creation of an online petition addressed to the City Council, which has already gathered 434 signatures. The document calls for the reopening of the municipal albergue or the creation of a new one, to ensure accommodation for pilgrims in the municipality, even without a reservation or outside regular hours, regardless of their financial means.

The petition has been promoted by the Associação dos Amigos do Caminho de Santiago de Viana do Castelo (Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago of Viana do Castelo), although the local group Vila do Conde nos Caminhos de Santiago (Vila do Conde on the Caminos de Santiago) states that it was the first to promote the initiative. In parallel, the Grupo dos Amigos do Caminho de Santiago da Póvoa de Varzim (Group of Friends of the Camino de Santiago of Póvoa de Varzim) reinforces the request with an open letter to the president of the City Council, highlighting the importance of sheltering pilgrims in the spirit of the Camino and warning of the exclusion of pilgrims with fewer resources.

The municipality of Vila do Conde has not yet clarified what will be done with the former Santa Clara albergue, which remains closed. The online petition can be consulted and signed here.