All about the Camino de Santiago - JWT Camino

About the Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago, the Way of St James, is a pilgrimage of medieval origin that has attracted pilgrims of all ages, nationalities, faiths and walks of life to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia, in the North West of Spain, for many centuries. It is here, in the city’s magnificent cathedral where the remains of Saint James the Apostle are believed to be buried.

Along with Rome and Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela has been an important pilgrimage destination for Christians since the Middle Ages. Pilgrims from across the world have made their way to Santiago de Compostela to honour the relics of Saint James, and their tracks have developed over time into a network of pilgrim trails which are known today as the Camino de Santiago routes, spreading across Europe and beyond.

As well as a pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago is a truly special and unique experience, for the rich history of its towns and villages, many of them built to protect pilgrims on their way to Santiago; the centuries-old monuments such as Romanesque and Baroque chapels you will encounter, the ever changing wonderful landscapes and, above all, the sense of camaraderie and human connection you will discover with the pilgrims you meet along the way.

Contact the JWT travel experts to start planning an unforgettable experience on the Camino de Santiago paths.

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PATH OF EXCHANGE

The Camino de Santiago is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich cultural heritage and its important role over the centuries as a path of exchange, understanding and harmony between cultures and people from all over Europe and beyond since the Middle Ages.

“The Route of Santiago has been a meeting place for its pilgrims ever since it emerged some eleven centuries ago. It has facilitated a constant cultural dialogue between the pilgrims and the communities through which they pass.” UNESCO World Heritage

More than just one route, the Camino de Santiago is a network of different routes and various lengths, you can read more about all of them here: Camino de Santiago routes.

You can choose to start your Camino de Santiago at different points along the routes, as close or as far from Santiago de Compostela as you wish. Contact our travel experts for advice and to start planning a memorable experience on the unique historic trails to Santiago.

Transition Year trips abroad camino de santiago for schools pilgrims history of the Camino de Santiago trail Galicia JWT sports travel

A FIELD OF STARS

According to legend a shepherd by the name of Pelayo discovered the remains of the Apostle Saint James in the 9th century having followed a star to a field.

It was on that very same place where Pelayo found the remains that the first chapel in honour of Saint James was built and where the city’s iconic Cathedral stands today.

The name Santiago de Compostela has a beautiful meaning: ‘Saint James of the Field of Stars’, from the Latin: Campus Stellae.

King Alfonso II the Chaste walked from Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela to confirm the event and give this extraordinary discovery his seal of approval, hence becoming the first ever Camino de Santiago pilgrim.

Catedral de Santiago cathedral history of the Camino de Santiago Galicia Spain JWT travel tours

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