Monte do Gozo

[1][2] At 370 metres (1,210 ft),[3] it could be the pilgrims' last hill and optional last stop before reaching the cathedral, with between one and two hours' walk still to go, and by tradition is where they cried out in rapture at finally seeing the end of their path.

[2] While the hotel/hostel has helped relieve the city proper of accommodation pressure during peak times, its appearance itself has not always been viewed favourably, with one book calling it a "modern grief"[3] and another characterizing it as "soul-crushingly awful".

[3] The hill is surrounded by eucalyptus trees,[3] which along with suburban structures have largely obscured the potential view of the cathedral from Monte do Gozo in recent times.

[6][4] Camino guide writer John Brierley cautions pilgrims not to expect too much from this stop (if made) and says that, "The tiny chapel of San Marcos is the only thing left on the hill that gives any sense of history to this romantic sounding place.

[4] Sculptures reside atop it;[6] the most dominant one (pictured) was placed to celebrate that event,[4] and portrays on its base both John Paul's visit and a pilgrimage of Saint Francis of Assisi in the early 13th century.