Way of St. James

The Way of St James, or St James' Way, (Spanish: El Camino de Santiago) is one of any number of pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in north-westernmost Spain. It has been one of the most important Christian pilgrimages since medieval times, the others being to Rome and Jerusalem. It has been in existence for about 1000 years. It has attracted a growing number of modern pilgrims from around the globe.

Development of St James' Way

The earliest records of visits paid to the shrine dedicated to St James at Compostela date from the 8th century. This was the most renowned medieval pilgrimage; and the custom of those who carried back with them from Galicia scallop shells as proofs of their journey gradually extended to other forms of pilgrimage. Once a system of penance had been established by the Church, part of the rituals of confession and absolution, pilgrimages were established as adequate punishments assessed for certain crimes. The Catholic Encyclopedia noted:

Related Topics:
Compostela - 8th century - Galicia - Scallop - Penance - Catholic Encyclopedia

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"In the registers of the Inquisition at Carcassone… we find the four following places noted as being the centres of the greater pilgrimages to be imposed as penances for the graver crimes, the tomb of the Apostles at Rome, the shrine of St. James at Compostella, St. Thomas's body at Canterbury, and the relics of the Three Kings at Cologne." http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12085a.htm

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Prior to its existence as a Catholic pilgrimage, the route had significance with Romans and Celts that lived in northern Spain. The site is thought to have previously been a Roman shrine. To this day, many pilgrims continue the route to coast of Galicia and Cape Finisterre (Fisterra in Galician), the westernmost point of Europe. To the Romans, Finisterra represented a sacred location as the end of the world. These pagan influences can still be seen along the way and amongst the pilgrims themselves.

Related Topics:
Romans - Celts - Cape Finisterre - Galician - End of the world - Pagan

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