The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage to the tomb of Santiago (Santiago) in the city of Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia, northwestern Spain.
As a Christian pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago dates back to the 9th century, with the first pilgrims from beyond the Iberian Peninsula making the journey in the 11th century.
But people have traveled this route for much longer than this. Since Phoenician times, nearby Cape Finisterre was a vital exchange point for those wishing to sell their products by sea to Great Britain.
However, it is probably a myth to say that there was once a ‘pagan pilgrimage’ to Cape Finisterre. There is no evidence (mere legends) that the area was worshiped by the Celts as the “end of the world.”
Camino de Santiago today
Either way, today Cabo Finisterre has become a perfect secular goal for those who want to walk the Camino de Santiago. Although there are still devout Christians walking the route, many more people do so for the opportunity to enjoy the fantastic scenery of northern Spain.
Modern pilgrims carry a ‘ credential ‘ or ‘pilgrim’s passport’ that is stamped in every hostel or town they pass through on the way to Santiago. Upon arrival at the Cathedral of Santiago, the credential is exchanged for a certificate to honor the achievement.
These are the most common questions that people tend to have about the Camino:
- How long is the Camino de Santiago?
- When should I do the Camino de Santiago?
- What are the routes of the Camino de Santiago?
- Where does the Camino de Santiago start?
Camino de Santiago Essentials
- Camino de Santiago: what to pack
- Dangers of the Camino de Santiago
