Five Reasons to Walk the Pilgrimage Route of a Lifetime
Bathe in the Holy Light of one of Christianity’s Three Major Holy Cities
Santiago de Compostela is one of the three major holy cities in Christianity, alongside the Vatican and Jerusalem.
Seek out the Church Engraved on Coins
Have you noticed the three designs on the back of euro coins issued by Spain: the portrait of the Spanish king, the Spanish writer Cervantes, and an exquisite cathedral? This cathedral isn’t the Seville Cathedral, where Columbus’s remains are interred, nor is it the famous Sagrada Familia in Barcelona—it’s the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
Journey to the End of the World
In ancient times, Santiago was a remote and impoverished village in Spain, earning it the title of “the end of the world” in the Middle Ages. However, the real “end of the world” lies further west at Cabo Finisterre, known locally as the edge of the earth. A marker at the cliff’s edge bears the inscription “0,00K.M.,” symbolizing the “geographical” endpoint of the pilgrimage route. Beyond this marker lies the roaring Atlantic Ocean, marking the culmination of the journey.
Embark on a Ritualistic Journey
Before setting out, a qualified pilgrim should carry a pilgrimage passport (to collect stamps from restaurants and accommodation along the way), wield a walking stick, and preferably adorn themselves with a scallop shell and a gourd. Fear not of getting lost, for scallop shell signs and arrows (often yellow) along the route will guide your way. Upon reaching the Santiago Cathedral, those who have walked over 100 kilometers or cycled over 200 kilometers will receive a La Compostela certificate.
Engage in Dialogue with Your Inner Self
The Camino de Santiago is a path to the inner self. Along the way to Santiago, you’ll encounter pilgrims and hikers from around the world, exchanging greetings with a “Buen Camino” (Have a good journey). Yet, most of the time, you’ll find yourself alone with only the sound of your footsteps, engaging in profound dialogue with your inner being.
