Expanding beyond spirituality
By the time most medieval pilgrims reached the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, they were a little worse for wear. Over the decades, new paths started to pop up, offering pilgrims alternative routes.
More relaxing and safe routes, specifically.
But by the 1800s, it had fallen out of favor. Few remembered the Camino aside from those still living along the route. Not even the Catholics.
Until the mid-1900s.
In 1957, a traveler penned the book The Road to Santiago, which helped put the Camino back in the public eye. The work helped generate new interest in the Camino.
Unfortunately, so did Spain’s former dictator Francisco Franco. His far-right agenda placed a hefty emphasis on the country’s Catholic history and legacy.
By the 1980s, the Camino had taken on a reputation as a travel route just as much as a pilgrimage. Though Catholics today still head on the Camino in search of penance, modern interests are more focused on the trail’s legacy, site-seeing, and historical landmarks.
So, if you’re interested but don’t have your sacraments, you’re still more than welcome.
What can you expect?
As mentioned throughout, you’ll have choices about which ‘Camino’ to take.
The most popular is the Camino Francés, which starts in southern France, cuts through the Pyrenees, and then heads west to Galicia.
Though it’s not the oldest route, it was also the most popular during the Medieval era, as most pilgrims came from France. This route is around 500 miles long.
Another popular route is the Camino Portugués, which starts in either Lisbon or Porto. Once again, many pilgrims from the Middle Ages came from Portugal. However, there aren’t nearly as many historical sites compared to the Camino Francés.
Along the way, subsidized hostels and lodgings offer pilgrims shelter. Many monasteries along the way also provide free accommodation and meals to pilgrims.
Those who plan on doing this should purchase a ‘credencial’ or pilgrim passport, which allows you to document the journey and the landmarks you see.
It’s also necessary proof to get the Compostela—a certificate from the Catholic Church that states that you completed the pilgrimage.
Source link : https://www.travelawaits.com/2993377/camino-de-santiago/
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Publish date : 2024-06-28 10:04:48
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