The Camino de Santiago in the Middle Ages


The Camino Way de Santiago has always been a way to show the culture and traditions of the different regions and countries throughout Europe.

During the Middle Ages, it established the major route of cultural connection between the Iberian Peninsula and the European continent. It is a sacred place next in line to Jerusalem and Rome for every Christian to visit at least once in their lifetime. It is estimated that an average of 200,000 to 500,000 pilgrims traveled to Santiago each year during those centuries.

During their journey to Santiago, the pilgrims carried out a process by which they assumed their sins by accepting them. By doing so, they will amend and pay penitence; then they could be expiated by the Apostle as soon as they arrived to the Cathedral in Santiago.



The first data on pilgrimage, dated around the X Century, affirms that the people who made the Way did not do it alone, but in expeditions or groups, since it was necessary for their mutual protection; and for that reason, the Way was understood as a moment of solidarity and company.


Nowadays, it is difficult to reflect on the motives that began the Jacobean pilgrimages and on the factors that helped their consolidation, but the truth is that centuries have passed, human mentalities have evolved, economic and social conditions have changed, but the Jacobean route continues to be the same.

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