Host
Beth Cunningham
Podcast Content
-
Located in North West Spain, the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage is an ancient pilgrim route leading to Santiago de Compostela and the Cathedral of St James. The network of routes was established in the ninth century by St James and soon became popular throughout Europe. It has been estimated that over two million people have used this medieval pilgrimage route since its origin. Along the way, pilgrims can explore many of Spain's cultural sites, beautiful landscapes, and enjoy experiences unique to the Camino de Santiago. From its ancient origins to its current popularity, it is clear that this pilgrimage route is an important part of Spanish culture with a long history.
The Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, is a network of routes in Europe that all lead to the shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. It is the second most popular pilgrimage trail behind only the Hajj to Mecca and is a powerful symbol for many throughout Europe. The main route is known as the Camino Frances , but there are several other pathways that pilgrims may take including the Camino de Madrid, Camino del Norte and Camino Catalan. All of these trails provide an opportunity for those who wish to ride or walk along paths that have been used by Portuguese pilgrims since medieval times. There are several options to choose from depending on one’s needs and capabilities; some choose to walk while others opt to cycle or ride horses along their journey towards Santiago de Compostela. The traditional route begins in Roncesvalles at the Pyrenees and passes through Burgos, Leon and Astorga before reaching its destination at Santiago de Compostela; however some choose a slightly different path by taking one of two additional trails that join from Almeria or Levante in Spain's Costa del Sol region.
The Camino Primitivo, or original way, is the oldest of all the camino routes and was walked by Spanish King Alfonso II in 842 when he completed the first ever pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. It begins in Oviedo and passes through Asturias before joining with the traditional route at Lugo. About 5% of pilgrims choose to take this route, which is believed to have been established during the 9th century in the later Middle Ages. It is seen as a more spiritual journey as it follows an earlier tradition of pilgrimage than that of its more popular counterpart. Although it is not known exactly when this route was established it appears to have been used by pilgrims since at least the 9th century and probably even earlier during the middle ages.
The Camino de Santiago is a network of routes which take pilgrims from their home to the final destination of Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain. There are many different routes and people can opt for whichever route best suits them. The most popular route is known as the Camino Frances and it takes pilgrims on a 5-day trek from St Jean Pied de Port in France, through four stages of heritage charm and beauty, typically ending in mid-summer when arriving in Santiago. The Camino Frances is nearly 500 km long with the starting point being a port near Biarritz, which lies on the border between France and Spain. Other routes include the Camino Portugues which begins in Lisbon Portugal; and the Via de la Plata which starts in Seville, Spain. All of these routes lead to Santiago de Compostela where many pilgrims arrive after weeks or months of walking across Europe.
The Camino de Santiago is one of the oldest and most popular pilgrimage routes in the world, attracting thousands of people each year. Revealing their favorite routes, a credencial provides pilgrims with a passport-like document that proves they have completed the pilgrimage. The Pilgrim's Office in Santiago releases yearly statistics on who completed the route and where they started. It is possible to hike the whole route or just parts of it. Popular months are July and August where too many people can be found on the official route. Pilgrims ate whatever food was available along their journey, although there were some places that could provide a hot meal. Once they had accomplished this journey, some returned home while others continued their adventures around Europe. For many centuries, people have been walking these routes to Santiago de Compostela from their starting point which could be anywhere in Europe or even further away!
The Camino de Santiago experience is a powerful spiritual journey that takes pilgrims across the north of Spain. The most popular route is the Camino Norte which takes pilgrims from San Sebastian through Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia towards Santiago de Compostela. Along this route, pilgrims will traverse green Spain, crossing through picturesque coastal villages and small towns. A tour company can be hired to lead the route which will take pilgrims from San Sebastian to Santiago pass by Finisterre on their way back to their starting point. This pilgrimage route is referred to as Camino Norte and it passes through some of the most beautiful places in Spain. Along this path, travelers will come across many religious sites such as churches and cathedrals, making it an even more meaningful pilgrimage experience. Pilgrims also have the opportunity to visit some of the famous coastal villages in northern Spain such as Finisterre where they can enjoy breathtaking views of Galicia's rugged coastline. The Camino de Santiago offers an unforgettable experience for anyone looking for an adventure and a spiritual journey in one.
The growing route offers the Compostela in Santiago de Compostela, Spain as a destination for Christian Pilgrims, and the Portuguese Way is the second most popular route. Points across Europe are connected with thousands of other routes that make their way to the Camino de Santiago. The Camino Portugues starts in Santona and extends over 800 km to Laredo in Portugal. Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world have set out on this pilgrimage every year for centuries. Another popular route is the Camino del Norte, beginning at Irún and heading north along the coast of Spain before joining up with the Portuguese Way at Melide. It has been estimated that only 6% of pilgrims who attempt to complete this journey actually make it to Santiago de Compostela. It takes an average of 30-40 days to complete and can take some as long as 3 years! For those looking for an adventure, there are plenty of points along the way where one can stop and explore local towns, cities and sights while making their way through Portugal and Galicia towards Santiago de Compostelas.