Camino de santiago8/30/2023 ![]() Up until the Reformation and dangerous times of the 16th century the routes were well travelled, and earliest records are of those coming through the Kingdom, now the Principality of Asturias, are from the 8th century. For Christians the world over, walking this route has meant a guaranteed forgiveness of sins the other two prolific Christian pilgrimages being Via Francigena to Rome and the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The reason that so many pilgrimage routes developed, all with the endpoint of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is that this is considered one of the three most important places of Christian worship in the world. The church has been destroyed and rebuilt several times but the tomb and relics were always protected, and the current cathedral was built on the site in 1075 with many extensions and developments over the centuries. It wasn’t until 829AD, that King Alfonso II of Asturias and Galicia had a church built around the site believed to have been St James’ tomb, following an apparition that took place there. However, his remains were then brought back to Galicia and buried in a tomb. He then met his demise in Jerusalem during the persecution of Christians in 44AD, and was beheaded. St James is the protagonist of the Camino de Santiago though, as he was the one who is believed to have brought Christianity to the Iberian Peninsula. Signs of Celtic traditions in Galicia and around the Camino include pallozas which are stone huts similar to other Celtic ones in Ireland and Scotland, as well as traditional grain and maize storing huts called hórreos, which are also believed to have been of Celtic origin. ![]() Indeed, Galicia is considered the seventh Celtic nation by many, the Celtic tribe known as Gallaeci having settled here, with influences in the language and culture still seen today. Some hikers or pilgrims continue beyond Santiago de Compostela as far as the Galician coast at Cape Finisterre, which would have been the final destination sought by worshipful pagans and Celts. It is worth noting, however, that prior to St James this was also a well used route during pagan times, and then again by Romans, with some believing that the site of the current cathedral may once have been a shrine to Roman gods. Alternatively, take a Spanish course in the Picos de Europa – and head out each day after class to walk selected sections of the Camino del Norte. ![]() It’s a great chance to practice your Spanish with other pilgrims – from Spain, or further afield. You won’t be short of company on the Camino Francés – it’s the most popular route, and you’ll be trekking alongside others the whole way. Even more rewarding is the sense of achievement you’ll feel on walking into Santiago’s cathedral after a week or more of challenging terrain, and sharing the special moment with the other exhausted yet exultant pilgrims. Your stamp-filled Pilgrim’s Passport, along with the Compostela certificate, are pretty unique as far as souvenirs go. It all adds to the sense of pilgrimage though – and this is one of the world’s truly iconic walks. You’ll cover distances of 15-21km per day over varied terrain, and the weather is notoriously changeable in northern Spain, so be prepared for sunburns and soakings – sometimes all in one day. ![]() It may be hugely popular, but this is no walk in the park. ![]()
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