Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago is a vast network of pilgrimage routes.

These paths lead to the shrine of the apostle James. The shrine is located in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This city is in Galicia, in northwestern Spain. Tradition holds that the remains of the apostle are buried there. People follow these routes for spiritual growth or as a retreat. Today, the paths are also popular with hikers, cyclists, and tour groups.

Many different routes make up this network. The French Way is the most famous path. It gathers about two-thirds of all walkers. Other minor routes are also growing in popularity. Some paths follow old Roman trade routes. These routes can lead to the Atlantic coast at Cape Finisterre. In the past, Romans called this place Finisterrae, meaning "the end of the world."

Some travelers even follow the Milky Way, which is nicknamed "Voie lactée" in French.

History shows that the Camino began in the 9th century. This followed the discovery of the relics of Saint James the Great. By the 10th century, it was a major route for medieval Christianity. In 1492, Pope Alexander VI named it a "great pilgrimage." He placed it alongside Jerusalem and the Via Francigena to Rome. However, the route later declined due to the Black Death and political unrest.

It has since seen a massive revival.

Specific symbols help identify those on the journey. The scallop shell is the most famous symbol. These shells are often found on the shores of Galicia. A myth says a horse and rider emerged from the sea covered in shells. This miracle linked the shell to the pilgrimage. In the Middle Ages, pilgrims carried the shell as proof of completion.

Many also carry a pilgrim's staff, which is a walking stick. Some staffs feature a hook to hang items.

Providing care for travelers was a vital part of the history. During the Middle Ages, hospitals were built to meet the needs of pilgrims. These institutions helped develop the modern concept of a "hospital." Some towns, such as Hospital de Órbigo, still carry these names.

People like María Ramírez de Medrano founded hospitals to protect travelers. Many pilgrims arrived with very little due to illness or robbery. They relied on these places for safety and rest.

The Camino is also a place of cultural exchange. UNESCO inscribed the French Way and Northern Spanish routes on the World Heritage List. This recognizes their historical significance for Christianity. The routes also show how ideas and cultures were shared across borders.

In 1987, the Council of Europe declared it a Cultural Route. This highlights how the paths connect different people and traditions.

Today, the Camino is more active than ever before. Since 2013, more than 200,000 pilgrims have visited each year. This number grows by more than 10 percent annually. A "Holy Year" is sometimes declared at the cathedral. This happens when Saint James's Day falls on a Sunday. Holy Years can occur in 5-, 6-, or 11-year intervals. The next Holy Year is scheduled for 2027.