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Pilgrimage in Spain: Santiago de Compostela
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Santiago de Compostela is the Way of Saint James, a Christian pilgrimage that began more than 1,000 years ago. It is more than a single pilgrimage, and more of a series of ancient pilgrimage routes across Europe that have been brought together under the banner of one of its most famous. They all have Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in north west Spain as their final destination, and is enjoyed by people of all kinds year after year. Religious and non-religious walk side by side, young and old together, women and men and children. For many in Europe, it is a historical journey over paths worn by their ancestors hundreds of years before them, and it remains one of Spain’s largest tourist attractions.
Once the most prominent holy site for Catholics to visit, it has lost some fame to the newer pilgrimage sites like Fatima and Lourdes in recent decades, but many devout Catholics still make the long journey in devotion to St. James. Santiago’s elaborate and magnificent cathedral, medieval buildings, and humble streets draw thousands of tourists annually. Walking, biking, or riding horseback on the paths of the historic Camino de Santiago are the most popular ways to make the trek. Below, enjoy a video about the pilgrimage and consider planning a vacation to make it your own.