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Travel
A Modern Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
The great pilgrimages attract many followers in the religious world who wish to tread the well worn path that others have followed before them. Along with Jerusalem and Rome, one such place that draws much attention is Santiago de Compostela.
For believers who follow the teachings of the Catholic religion, pilgrims and other observers often come to Santiago to discover where St. James was laid to rest. More recently the place has found interest from city dwellers who wish to take a long weekend away and see something completely different.
Walk some of the path that St. James took
Every year many thousands of people visit to walk some of the path that St. James took by foot which culminated at Santiago. Participants each year feel elated to have walked the same path as St. James.
The walk is not a short journey. In fact it takes as long as one month to complete. Many followers will end the long journey at the Cathedral where relics are believed to have been located since back in the 9th century.
At the end of the service in celebration of St. James and the same path walked, attendees mark their completion in different ways. There are simple handshakes, and more emotional kisses and enthusiastic embraces.
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela One of the world’s great cathedrals
Catholic Kings Hostel Pilgrim accommodations
Rajoy Palace Former prison and choir lodgings
Quintana Square Ideal for ghost hunters
Museum of the Galician People Archaeological artefacts, paintings, sculptures
Right at the end of the service there is an enormous botafumeiro which expels incense with satisfying curls of smoke. It is suspended overhead, weighs in at over fifty kilos, and swings back and forth at speeds of over fifty kilometres an hour while incense swirls around the cathedral. It is quite a sight to see.
The practice dates back to medieval times where matters were conducted a little differently. Back then, the botafumeiro was lit up in a similar manner early in the morning to act as an air freshener after pilgrims in the hundreds has slept on the floor the previous night.
UNESCO World Heritage City
The city of Santiago de Compostela is now a UNESCO World Heritage City which encompasses Galician Sanctua Iacobu (otherwise known as St. James), as well as the local grounds where many are buried which is known as Latin Composita Tella. The place has become one where many come to gather, debate and learn different practices that hark back to times past, away from the modern era.
The central area that receives much focus is the Plaza do Obradoiro. It has the City Hall, the Cathedral, and the pilgrim's hostel from the 15th century within sight. The hostel has changed beyond recognition though, now having been converted into five-star luxury accommodation, Parador Hostal dos Reis Católicos.
The hostel is actual part of a government hotel chain. It is perfectly situated for exploring all that Santiago has to offer visitors. It was previously a hospital for pilgrims who had made the extended journey on foot, but was transformed into a hostel in the 1950s. Try IceLolly.com for ideas on where to stay.
Claim the certificate
A novel extra for hikers who make it to Santiago is the certificate that is issued to confirm their arrival in what is known as the City of St. James. The history in the city is quite amazing. There are buildings that date back to the 12th century and some from the 15th century. It's possible to climb the 110 stone steps up to the Cathedral rooftop to enjoy the best view. Anyone with even a passing interest in medieval history, religion or culture is sure to find the place quite fascinating.
The streets near the Plaza do Obradoiro are festooned with an array of more modern shops, drinking spots, cafés and restaurants. Many of these places offer somewhere to sit outside while you take in the surroundings and rest your weary feet.
The route for the Way of St. James
The route for the Way of St. James can be as long as 880 kilometres starting from the French border. The aforementioned certificate of arrival is only issued to walkers who have covered at least 100 kilometres or rode 200 kilometres. There are markers along the routine using the official design of a scallop shell which indicate how much farther to the city.
The landscape along most of the route is a sea of green shades with undulating hills and valleys, ideal for the cows that produce close to half of the milk consumed in Spain. The Way is often near the coastline too, so seafood is commonly available in restaurants along the route.
Galicia is a region with much to offer the casual visitor or tourist. Santiago de Compostela is central to Galicia and attracts both pilgrims and tourists by the droves each year. Northern Spain has a rich history and culture that is well worth exploration.
Photo by aherrero via Flickr Creative Commons
- We've Had Enough Of City Life...
When we woke up yesterday morning, the sun was shining. We were trying to decide between a walk up the road into the hills behind the hostel, or a walk into downtown to see the cathedral. I checked google maps, and the road up into the hills only goes...
- By Air, Sea Or Land: Must-see Cities For Your Bucket List
We all have different interests and ideas about which places in the world we like to visit before we depart, but there are a certain number of cities for example, which end up on numerous bucket lists. You might even get to visit some of the places using...
- Six Of The Best Day Use Hotels In Nyc
You may or may not have already heard of the day use hotel revolution which is transforming travel. Start-up companies are offering rooms during the day with late or early check-in to allow for more flexibility than booking a hotel room for a whole night....
- The Beautiful Second Cities Of Europe
Consider a European holiday, and tourist favourites Rome, Paris, London and Madrid spring immediately to mind. But Europe is so much more than the sum of its capital cities: there are stunning second cities to explore that offer just as much, and in some...
- Top 7 Places To Visit In The Charming City Of Seville
Seville is probably the most charming city in Spain. And its laid-back atmosphere, strongly contrasts with the hustle and bustle of Madrid and Barcelona. I love this city with all my heart and for many good reasons. The climate, the beautiful streets,...