About The Camino

The Camino de Santiago is a network of ancient pilgrim routes coming together at the tomb of St. James (Santiago in Spanish) in Santiago de Compostela in North-West Spain.  While there are a number of established routes leading to Santiago from all directions, the most popular (the one we are taking) is the Camino Frances, which crosses the Pyrenees Mountains along the Spanish-French border starting in St. Jean Pied-de-Port. This Camino route stretches westward and covers nearly 500 miles that traverses an idyllic northern Spanish countryside. Millions of people from all over the world have traveled this trail for over 1,000 years. 

In the Middle Ages, pilgrims sought forgiveness of their sins and admission to heaven.  The Camino remains, for many, a quest of faith yet walk for various reasons. Some begin with no spiritual impetus in mind, but nevertheless are drawn to examine their personal beliefs and life purpose.  Some seek penance, others enlightenment and still others are in it simply for the intense physical challenge and sense of adventure.  Whatever their motivation, no one can predict just how their path will unfold, who they will meet, what personal demons or angels they will face, or what transformations they will undergo by the trail’s end.  Yet all progress toward the Cathedral in Santiago, where tradition has it that the remains of the Saint are buried. 

Most pilgrims choose to carry a scallop shell with them to symbolize their journey in honor of St. James. According to legend, scallop shells are said to have covered St. James’ body after it was found on the shores of the Galician coast. 

Another, perhaps more useful symbol is a walking stick to aid a weary pilgrim on his or her journey. Most pilgrims also carry a credential or “pilgrim's passport”, which is stamped with the official St. James stamp of each town the pilgrim passes through. It provides proof to the Pilgrim's Office in Santiago that the journey is accomplished according to an official route and is also necessary if the pilgrim wants to obtain a compostela, a certificate of completion of the pilgrimage.

Regardless of whether a pilgrim’s journey begins for religious, spiritual or cultural reasons, each pilgrim will be required to put their heart-and-soul into their physical trek and the meditative nature of the Camino offers the perfect landscape in which to dedicate contemplation. Pilgrims follow the path amidst the villages, towns, rivers, mountains and fertile valleys that have changed the lives of millions of pilgrims who walked before them.

If you would like to find out more about the Camino de Santiago, you can read about it HERE

or watch the movies: 

The Way with Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez

Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago a documentary which was filmed in 2009