Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage

James was one of the twelve apostles and the closest one to Christ. He followed Jesus’ teaching and after His death, he went to evangelize Spain. Back in Jerusalem in 44 A.D., James was decapitated by the Romans because of his Christian faith. The legend has its origins in that time. According to the legend, during the night, two of his disciples took away his body and brought it to Galicia, in northwest Spain. There James was buried, along with two of his disciples at a later date. During the uncertain times of invasions, the exact location of the tomb was forgotten until the year 823 when a star fell to a bush under which his grave was located. After his body was authenticated, a basilica was built on the spot and thus began a lasting veneration. Very quickly, the discovery spread throughout the world and a massive pilgrimage began. Rich or poor, ever more pilgrims over the following centuries choose to make their pilgrimage to this place, sometimes from very far away.

The Roman roads made the pilgrimage easier, with lodgings built by different religious orders, like Cluny.

Making the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage is an unforgettable experience requiring preparation, true effort, and transcending oneself.