History of the Camino De Santiago

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 embark on El Camino Tours today, whether they are drawn by history, faith, reflection, or the experience of following one of Europe’s great pilgrimage routes.

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 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 walk the Camino for adventure, sport, reflection, or as a spiritual retreat from the bustle of modern life. If you are comparing the different paths people follow today, our Camino Route Overviews can help you understand the main options.