Origins of the Camino de Santiago: A Historical Journey

The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, north-western Spain. This ancient pilgrimage has deep roots in European history and Christian tradition, with its origins dating back to the early medieval period. The Camino de Santiago has played a significant role in shaping European culture, spirituality and even politics for over a millennium.

Camino de Santiago

The Discovery of St. James’s Tomb

The origins of the Camino de Santiago are inextricably linked to the legend of St. James the Apostle. According to Christian tradition, St. James, one of Jesus Christ’s twelve apostles, travelled to the Iberian Peninsula to preach the gospel. After returning to Jerusalem, he was martyred in 44 AD under the orders of King Herod Agrippa I.

Legend has it that his disciples transported his body by sea to the Iberian Peninsula, where it was buried in what is now Santiago de Compostela. For centuries, the location of St. James’s tomb remained unknown. However, in the early 9th century, a hermit named Pelayo reported seeing strange lights in the sky, guiding him to the long-lost burial site.

The Role of Bishop Theodomirus

Upon hearing of Pelayo’s discovery, Bishop Theodomirus of Iria Flavia investigated the site. In 814 AD, he declared that the remains found were indeed those of St. James. This proclamation marked the beginning of Santiago de Compostela as a place of pilgrimage.

The Early Development of the Pilgrimage

The news of St. James’s tomb spread rapidly across Christian Europe, and pilgrims began to make their way to Santiago de Compostela. The first recorded pilgrimage was made by King Alfonso II of Asturias in 814 AD, shortly after the tomb’s discovery.

Political and Religious Significance

The Camino de Santiago quickly gained both political and religious significance. For the Christian kingdoms of northern Spain, it became a symbol of resistance against Muslim rule in the south. The pilgrimage route served as a means of strengthening Christian identity and unity in the face of Islamic expansion.

The Catholic Church also played a crucial role in promoting the pilgrimage. In 1095, Pope Urban II granted Santiago de Compostela the same status as Rome and Jerusalem as a holy city. This declaration further elevated the importance of the Camino de Santiago in Christian Europe.

The Golden Age of the Camino

The 11th and 12th centuries marked the golden age of the Camino de Santiago. During this period, the pilgrimage route saw a significant increase in the number of pilgrims and the development of infrastructure to support them.

Infrastructure Development

As the popularity of the pilgrimage grew, a network of roads, bridges, hospitals and hostels was established along the route. This infrastructure not only facilitated the journey for pilgrims but also contributed to the economic and cultural development of the regions through which the Camino passed.

The Codex Calixtinus: The First Camino Guidebook

A crucial development in the Camino’s history was the compilation of the Codex Calixtinus in the 12th century. This manuscript, particularly its fifth book known as the “Iter pro peregrinis ad Compostellam,” provided detailed information about the routes, including descriptions of towns, shrines, and local customs. It standardized much of the pilgrimage experience and helped establish the French Way (Camino Francés) as the primary route.

The Codex Calixtinus, also known as the Liber Sancti Jacobi (Book of Saint James), is a 12th-century illuminated manuscript of immense importance to the history and development of the Camino de Santiago. Compiled around 1140-1150, it is considered the first and most influential guidebook for pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela.

The manuscript is not only a historical and religious document but also a valuable source of medieval European cultural, social, and geographical information. The original is preserved in the archives of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.

The Main Pilgrimage Routes

Over time, several main routes to Santiago de Compostela developed, each with its own historical and cultural significance.

The French Way

The Camino Francés, or French Way, is the most popular and well-established route of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. It runs for approximately 780km across northern Spain, from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the French border to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. Some of the major stops on this historic route include Pamplona, Logroño, Burgos, León and Ponferrada. The Camino Francés is known for its well-developed infrastructure, with numerous albergues (pilgrim hostels) and services catering to walkers. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Camino de Santiago

The Northern Way

The Northern Way, or Camino del Norte, begins in Irun on the French-Spanish border and stretches approximately 825km along Spain’s northern coast to Santiago de Compostela. This beautiful route passes through the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia with major cities along the route including San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander, Gijón, and Oviedo.

This route is historically significant as it was used by pilgrims from Northern Europe who arrived by sea. It was particularly important during the early years of the Reconquista, as it provided a safer alternative to the inland routes that were vulnerable to Muslim raids. The route is generally less crowded than the Camino Francés but can prove very challenging due to its hilly terrain and sometimes inclement Atlantic weather.

The Portuguese Way

The Portuguese Way, or Caminho Português, is another significant route of the Camino de Santiago that begins in Portugal and travels north into Spain. The main route traditionally starts in Lisbon, though Porto is a popular starting point for many modern pilgrims. From Porto to Santiago de Compostela, the distance is approximately 240km. This path follows ancient Roman roads and traditional pilgrimage routes which includes historic towns such as Coimbra, Porto, Pontevedra and Padrón.

Lesser Known Pilgrimage Routes

In addition to the main routes, there are several lesser-known Spanish routes which offer a more off-the-beaten-path experience for pilgrims.​​ These include:

The Camino Primitivo

The Camino Primitivo is considered the oldest of the Camino de Santiago routes. It begins in Oviedo in Asturias and covers approximately 320km to Santiago de Compostela. The route is historically significant as it follows the path believed to have been taken by King Alfonso II of Asturias in the 9th century, who was the first recorded pilgrim to the tomb of St. James. Key stops along the way include Grado, Salas, Lugo and Melide, where it joins the more popular Camino Francés.

The Camino Inglés

The Camino Inglés, or English Way, was primarily used by pilgrims from England, Ireland, and northern Europe who arrived by sea. This path has two starting points: Ferrol and A Coruña which are both both coastal cities in Galicia. The route from Ferrol is approximately 118 km long, while the one from A Coruña covers about 75km. Both variants converge in the town of Bruma before continuing to Santiago de Compostela. The Ferrol route is more popular as it meets the minimum 100 km requirement for obtaining the Compostela certificate.

The Via de la Plata and Camino Sanabrés

The Via de la Plata or the Silver Route, is one of the longest Camino de Santiago paths. It stretches approximately 1000km from Sevilla in southern Spain to Santiago de Compostela in the northwest. Major cities along the way include Mérida, Cáceres, Salamanca, and Zamora,

Despite its name, which means “Silver Route,” it’s not associated with silver trade but likely derives from the Arabic word “al-balat,” meaning paved road. The route follows an ancient Roman road that connected Emerita Augusta (modern-day Mérida) with Asturica Augusta (Astorga).

Near Astorga, pilgrims can choose to continue on the traditional Camino Francés or take the Camino Sanabrés, a variant that leads through Ourense to Santiago.

The Camino Aragonés

The Camino Aragonés, also known as the Aragonese Way, is a historic pilgrimage route that serves as a link between the French Way of Arles (Via Tolosana) and the Camino Francés. This path begins at the Somport Pass in the Pyrenees, at the French-Spanish border, and extends approximately 170km southwest through the region of Aragón to Puente la Reina in Navarre. At Puente la Reina, it merges with the Camino Francés coming from Roncesvalles, where pilgrims continue westward to Santiago de Compostela.

This route follows an ancient Roman road and was a significant medieval pilgrimage path. It traverses diverse landscapes, from the high Pyrenean valleys to the pre-Pyrenean ranges and finally the Ebro basin. Key stops include Jaca, with its 11th-century Romanesque cathedral, and the monastery of San Juan de la Peña, an important site in Aragonese history.

The Camino Catalán

The Camino Catalán, or Catalan Way, starts in the city of Barcelona and follows the Mediterranean coast of northeastern Spain before joining the Camino Francés in Navarre. This route offers a unique blend of coastal scenery, Catalan culture and medieval architecture, providing a distinct alternative to the more traditional northern Spanish pilgrimage paths.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Pilgrimage Routes Through France

There are also four recognised pilgrimage routes which originate in France. These “Chemins de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle” start from Le Puy-en-Velay, Vézelay and Paris then converge at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Another path begins in Arles, Provence, and enters Spain between Somport and Canfranc, following the Aragonese Way. This route merges with the main French Way at Puente la Reina, located south of Pamplona in Navarre, approximately 700 km from the final destination of Santiago de Compostela.

Camino de Santiago Routes Through in France
Camino de Santiago Routes Through France to Saint Jean Pied de Port – Source: Wikimedia

Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy

The Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy, also known as the Via Podiensis, begins in Le Puy-en-Velay in the Auvergne region and stretches approximately 750km across southern France to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Pyrenees. It passes through notable towns such as Conques, Cahors, and Moissac before joining the Camino Francés in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Vézelay

The Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Vézelay, also known as the Via Lemovicensis, begins at the magnificent Romanesque Basilica of Vézelay in Burgundy and covers approximately 900km through central France. This medieval route includes destinations such as Nevers, Limoges, and Périgueux en route to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port where it meets the Camino Francés in the Pyrenees.

Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Paris

The Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Paris, also known as the Via Turonensis, begins at the Tour Saint-Jacques in Paris and extends approximately 1000km through south-west France. Dating back to medieval times, this route includes major stops such as Orléans, Tours, Poitiers, and Bordeaux on the way to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port where it too joins the Camino Francés.

Chemin de Saint-Jacques d’Arles

The Chemin de Saint-Jacques d’Arles, also known as the Via Tolosana or the Voie d’Arles, is the southernmost of the four main French pilgrimage routes of the Way of St. James. This historic path begins in Arles, Provence, and stretches approximately 800km across southern France with major stops in Montpellier, Toulouse, and Oloron-Sainte-Marie

Unlike the other French routes, the Arles Way does not converge at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Instead, it crosses the Pyrenees at the Somport Pass, entering Spain near Canfranc. It then follows the Aragonese Way before joining the Camino Francés at Puente la Reina in Navarre.

Cultural and Economic Impact

The Camino de Santiago had a profound impact on the cultural and economic development of medieval Europe. The constant flow of pilgrims facilitated the exchange of ideas, artistic styles and technologies across different regions.

Architectural Influence

The Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles spread along the pilgrimage routes, influencing the construction of churches, monasteries and other buildings. The cathedral of Santiago de Compostela itself is a prime example of Romanesque architecture, with later Gothic and Baroque additions.

Economic Growth

The pilgrimage also stimulated economic growth in the regions through which it passed. Towns and cities along the route prospered from providing services to pilgrims, leading to the development of trade and crafts.

The Camino’s Decline and Revival

While your text focuses on the early history and golden age, it’s worth noting the Camino’s subsequent decline and modern revival. The Protestant Reformation, political instability, and changing travel patterns led to a decrease in pilgrimages from the 16th century onward. However, the late 20th century saw a significant resurgence of interest in the Camino, driven by factors including cultural heritage tourism, spiritual seeking, and personal challenge.

The Protestant Reformation

The Protestant Reformation led to a decrease in the number of pilgrims from northern Europe, as many Protestant denominations rejected the practice of pilgrimage and the veneration of saints.

Political Instability

Wars and political conflicts in Europe made long-distance travel more dangerous and less appealing. The Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century further disrupted the pilgrimage tradition.

The Revival of the Camino de Santiago

In recent decades, the Camino de Santiago has experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity, with the number of pilgrims reaching record levels. During the Middle Ages, at the height of the pilgrimage’s popularity, it’s estimated that hundreds of thousands of people made the journey to Santiago de Compostela each year. However, the number of pilgrims declined significantly in the 16th-19th centuries, dropping to just a few thousand per year at the lowest point.

The modern revival of the Camino began in the 1980s when only around 2,500 pilgrims received the Compostela (certificate of completion) each year. By the early 2000s, this number had grown to around 55,000 pilgrims per year. The popularity continued to surge, and in 2019, just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a record 347,578 pilgrims received the Compostela. While the pandemic caused a temporary decline, the numbers have been steadily recovering, with 251,037 pilgrims recorded in 2022.

Factors Contributing to the Revival

The resurgence of the Camino de Santiago can be attributed to a variety of factors. Increased access and mobility for modern travellers have made the pilgrimage more accessible to people from around the world. There has also been a growing interest in spiritual and cultural tourism, with many seeking a meaningful travel experience that connects them to history and tradition.

The success of the 2010 film “The Way” starring Martin Sheen played a significant role in raising awareness of the Camino, inspiring many to undertake the journey. Improved infrastructure and services for pilgrims along the routes have made the experience more comfortable and manageable for a wider range of people. Additionally, the designation of the Camino Francés as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 has further elevated its status and appeal.

The Camino de Santiago’s ability to adapt and attract new generations of pilgrims has been crucial to its enduring legacy as one of the most important pilgrimage routes in the world. Its blend of spiritual significance, cultural richness, and physical challenge continues to draw hundreds of thousands of people each year, ensuring its place as a vital part of European heritage.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​