Albergue de San Nicolas

Albergue de San Nicolas in Itero del Castillo

Albergue de San Nicolás Overview

Type: Albergue de San Nicolas in Itero del Castillo is a private pilgrim-only albergue run by the Italian association Confraternita di San Jacopo di Compostella (Perugia) — exclusively for those on the Camino Francés holding a pilgrim credential.
Location: Situated in the small hamlet of Puente Fitero (also referred to as near Itero del Castillo), Burgos province, Spain — alongside the historic bridge over the Pisuerga river and just off the main Camino route.
Opened: The restoration of the historic 12th-/13th-century hermitage/hospital began in 1991 and the hostel was inaugurated in 1994.
Accessibility: The building is the ancient hermitage of San Nicolás (Romanesque origin) and while lovingly restored, it offers a fairly basic accommodation experience: beds for a small number of pilgrims, limited modern amenities (no full kitchen, limited infrastructure) and volunteers as hospitaleros. Reservations are not accepted, so arrivals are first-come first-served.
Contact:
Phone: (+39) 3664 496 584
Email: centro.santiago@unipg.it
Website: (No dedicated website found; information available via local municipal listing)

Albergue Facilities

Rooms: Shared dormitory arrangement; total capacity around 12 beds.
Prices: Accommodation offered on a donativo / voluntary donation basis.
Total Capacity: Around 12 pilgrims.
Reservations: Not accepted — bed space is first-come first-served.
Pilgrim Credential: Required — must hold the pilgrim’s credential to stay.
Operating Season: Open typically from May to September/October (summer season only) — check for current exact dates.
Hours: Access usually from early morning (07:00) until midnight (24:00, door remains open).

Learn everything you need to know about Albergue life on the Camino de Santiago

Albergue Amenities

• Basic kitchen / communal area (fridge, simple facilities) — but not a fully-equipped modern pilgrim kitchen.
• Shared bathrooms: several showers and toilets; warm water.
• Hand-wash laundry area or space to dry items (limited infrastructure).
• Heating/modern climate control: very minimal — the building retains historic character.
• Wi-Fi / Internet: Not guaranteed — many pilgrims report minimal or no internet.
• Communal room for fellowship: includes communal dinner and breakfast (donativo) creating social atmosphere.
• Outdoor/grounds: Historic setting next to the ancient bridge; ambience is a highlight rather than modern outdoor lounges.
• Bicycle storage: Limited dedicated storage; building constraints due to historic nature.
• Bed linens/blankets: Basic bed setup in historic dorm; your own pillowcase/liner recommended.

Pilgrim Insight

Many pilgrims who stay at the Albergue de San Nicolás describe the experience as a quiet, reflective stop rather than a buzzing modern hostel. The setting — in a Romanesque hermitage by the old bridge over the Pisuerga — adds a strong sense of history and pilgrim tradition. The communal meal and breakfast (on donation) are well-noted for the welcoming spirit and the opportunity to meet fellow walkers in a more intimate setting.

Because the bed-space is limited, arriving earlier in the afternoon is advisable; if you go later you may find it full. Also, if you’re expecting high-spec modern facilities (strong Wi-Fi, personal lockers, electric lifts) you may be disappointed — treat this place more as a pilgrimage experience than a luxury stop. Overall, it’s valued by pilgrims looking for atmosphere, tradition and community over high-tech comfort.

Check out the other Albergues in Itero del Castillo.

We have also self published a Camino Francés Journal for Pilgrims walking the route so you can record all your day-by-day memories. Have fun and journal away…