The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of Saint James, is a historic pilgrimage route leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. Its history dates back to the 9th century when the remains of Saint James were believed to have been discovered. Since then, pilgrims have embarked on this journey seeking spiritual fulfillment, penance, or simply adventure.

During the Middle Ages, the Camino de Santiago became one of the most important Christian pilgrimages, along with those to Rome and Jerusalem. To accommodate the growing number of pilgrims, countless churches, monasteries, and hospices were built along the route. These establishments provided shelter, food, and spiritual support to the weary travelers.

The Camino holds both religious and cultural significance. It played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity throughout Europe and contributed to the development of Romanesque and Gothic art and architecture. Over the centuries, the route fell into obscurity but experienced a revival in the late 20th century as interest in pilgrimage and cultural heritage grew.

Today, the Camino de Santiago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to attract thousands of pilgrims from all corners of the globe. There are several routes to choose from, the most popular being the Camino Francés, stretching approximately 780 kilometers from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela. Regardless of the chosen route, the Camino offers a unique opportunity for self-discovery, reflection, and cultural immersion amidst breathtaking landscapes and the camaraderie of fellow pilgrims.

There are several routes for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. The Camino Francés is the most famous, stretching from France to Santiago. This is the path that I will be following.

The Camino del Norte follows the northern coast of Spain. The Camino Portugués starts in Portugal. The Via de la Plata crosses the western part of Spain. The Camino Primitivo is the original route. The Camino Inglés starts in Galicia. These are just a few examples of the Camino de Santiago routes available to pilgrims. Each route offers a different experience, allowing pilgrims to choose the path that resonates with them the most.