History of the Camino

The Camino de Santiago, “Way of St. James”, is a real place in Northern Spain. The official routes to Santiago de Compostela originate from all over Europe, with most converging onto the oldest route, the Camino Frances, French Way, starting in St. Jean Pied de Port on the French border, running high in the Spanish Pyrenees to Roncesvalles, then west to Santiago, for about 500 miles. This route has been traveled for over 1000 years, with almost 238,000 Pilgrims completing the journey in 2014. Of those, 90% made the journey on foot and only 10% via bicycle. About 16% of the pilgrims are 65 or older.

A brief history and tradition of the Camino: 

St. James the Elder, Apostle of Jesus, and two of his disciples were believed to be buried in 44 AD in what is now Santiago de Compostela. They were forgotten until the 9th Century, when a shepherd had a vision in which he saw a field of stars (Compostela), that led him to the burial site. The local Bishop recognized this as a miracle and immediately declared the tomb to be that of St. James. King Alfonso was informed, he ordered a chapel to be built over the site and became the first Pilgrim. As news of the discovery quickly spread, more pilgrims began arriving and miracles were attributed to the site. Increasingly larger structures were built over the tomb, followed by a massive Cathedral in 1211AD.

Pope Callixtus II was such a huge supporter of this pilgrimage, he had an official guidebook, the Codex Callixtus, published in 1140 AD. The Camino de Santiago follows many original Roman trade routes. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The scallop shell, common along the coasts of Galicia where Santiago is located, is the symbol for the pilgrimage. The shell is seen on signs and literature all along the route as well as worn by modern pilgrims. In ancient times, the shell served practical purposes for the pilgrim: it was the right size for use as a cup for drinking, a plate for eating, or even a bowl. The shell also explains the journey: the grooves, coming together to a single point represent the pilgrim paths from all over Europe ending at the tomb of St. James. 

The Pilgrim staff is a walking stick with a curved head used to carry items, especially a gourd of water. Our modern pilgrims use collapsable trekking poles and carry plastic water bottles to be refilled at frequent fountains along the way.

Since early Medieval times, pilgrims making this journey received a Compostela, or certificate from the church. This gives an indulgence, which frees a person from penance for any sins. As years have passed and masses of pilgrims travel the Camino de Santiago, towns have sprung up with needed services: water, guest houses, markets, and even hospitals. Today, the only rule for receiving the Compostela, is proof of walking the last 100 km, or 62 miles.