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(Camino de Santiago...Walkway or Road to Santiago (Saint James in spanish) It is a series of trails for pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint James whose grave is below the nave of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela .There are several trails, the most well known and well travelled in Spain is the "french" trail, that starts at Roncesvalles, and goes via Pamplona and Burgos. Then there is the northern trail that goes from San Sebastian along the cantabrian coast (Bilbao, Santander, Oviedo, etc.). Along your route you will find abbeys, convents and hostels or refuges that are there for the pilgrims to stop, rest and spend the night.. All along the routes, especially in summer, you will find dozens of people doing the same trek you are, and you will probably make friends with some as you run into each other at different steps along the way... There is a comraderie and fellowship that often develops among the persons doing the Camino. At each stopping place will be given a paper, stamped and signed for you, so that when you arrive in Santiago, you go to the office where they admit them as proof that you really did do the whole route on foot (your tired feet and blisters are also proof, but they don't count :-). You must have done at least the 31 stops along the route to be acceptable. At this point you will receive an affidavit saying that you are a true pilgrim to Santiago. With all the pertinent blessings this bestows. (All the pilgrims usually carry a wooden staff (it makes walking easier.).. with a gourd for drinking water and a sea scallop shell...these 3 are the symbols of the Santiago pilgrimage)
There is also a well known trail from France. It starts out at the doorstep of Chartres Cathedral (about 90 kms. southwest of Paris). Or you can start from Notre Dame in Paris.
You need a good month to do it (31 nights minimum it depends how good a hiker you are), it would take a good while longer if you go down through France also. (But the landscapes are magnificent) Count 2 months on the whole. It depends on your stamina.
If you want more information go to either of the following websites:
www.jacobeo.net (spanish only)
and
www.caminodesantiago.com (this one has a page in several languages, including english)
P.S. It can also be done on horseback, or by bycicle.
Most people come out of this experience with a feeling of well-being. Be you religious or not at all, you will feel you have achieved something wonderful after finishing the route.
Take at least 3 pairs of comfy walking-hiking shoes, a rainproof poncho or coat, for the summer showers, a hat for the sun is also a must, and few, (remember you have to carry everything on your back!) but comfortable clothes (socks especially have a tendency to wear out along the way)! |
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