History of the Camino De Santiago

The Camino de Santiago is Europe’s most important significant and internationally renowned pilgrimage route, as well as a world-known UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Way of St James or Camino de Santiago derives from a medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, in northwestern Spain, where tradition has it that the remains of apostle Saint James (also known as Saint Jacob) 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.

The route was highly travelled during the Middle Ages. Kings and queens, knights, and saints from many different nations made the pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Sant-Iago. 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 re-discovered in the late 20th century. Ever since, on a yearly basis, tens of thousands of modern-day pilgrims have been walking the 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 mainly by foot but also by bicycle, horseback, or by car. Many still walk the Way as a Christian pilgrimage, whilst others are walkers who travel on the Camino for adventure, sport, or as a spiritual retreat from the bustle of modern life.

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