The Way of St. James
(or El Camino de Santiago de Compostela)
The Way of St. James is an ancient pilgrimage route that leads to Santiago, Spain, where the remains of St. James were buried in the 9th century. Since that time millions of pilgrims have walked the Way to the cathedral in Santiago.
The primary reason for pilgrimage in the Middle Ages was religious. People believed in the spiritual power of relics, and they were willing to travel hundreds of miles on foot or on horseback to be close to them. There was also a social aspect to pilgrimage from the beginning, which modern pilgrims enjoy as well. On the Way today you’ll meet people from all over the world with all sorts of spiritual perspectives and with as many other sorts of motivations for walking.
Many say that a pilgrim’s journey to Santiago begins at home. This is true, but for practical reasons, American pilgrims walk the Camino, or parts of it, from European starting points such as St. Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, for those looking for a 6-week walk, or places such as Tui or Ferrol, Spain, for pilgrims seeking a shorter walk.
There’s not a Right or a Wrong way to make your pilgrimage. Just make one.
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