The Camino de Santiago is Europe’s most significant and internationally renowned pilgrimage route, which people have walked since the Middle Ages. And it’s not difficult to see why people continue to embark on El Camino Tours today!
The Way of St. James, or Camino de Santiago, derives from a medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, where tradition has it that the remains of the apostle Saint James are buried.
The medieval Christian world had three major pilgrimage sites: Jerusalem in the east, Rome in the south, and Santiago de Compostela in the west. Between the 11th and 13th centuries, Santiago de Compostela was by far the most popular of the three.
Kings, queens, knights, and saints from numerous nations made the pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago. Hospitals and hospices were built along the routes and enjoyed royal patronage. The Way of St. James and the city of Santiago became the most internationally visited part of Europe.
The Reformation and the wars in 16th-century Europe led to the decline of the pilgrimage, until the Camino was rediscovered in the late 20th century. Ever since, tens of thousands of modern-day pilgrims have been walking several routes to Santiago de Compostela across Europe.
In 1987, the Camino de Santiago was declared the first “European Cultural Route” by the Council of Europe, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Thousands of folk make their way to Santiago de Compostela by foot, but also by bicycle, horseback, or car. Many still walk the Way as a Christian pilgrimage, while others are walkers who travel on the Camino for adventure, sport, or as a spiritual retreat from the bustle of modern life.
Whatever your reason for walking the Way of St James, Walk the Camino is here to help you on your journey. Browse our full selection of Camino Walking Tours and book the trip of a lifetime.
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