The Way of St. James is the pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain, where tradition has it that the remains of the apostle Saint James are buried. During medieval times, it was one of the 3 great pilgrimages Christians made: 1. Rome 2. Jerusalem 3. Santiago de Compostela, Spain It was believed that all ones’ sins were forgiven after making a pilgrimage.

Four roads through France bring pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. They take more than a month to walk the ENTIRE route. Pilgrims have to cross the Pyrenees mountains

813 C.E.

Saint James is always represented with a big walking stick to his side. It is thanks to it that the pilgrims managed to oppose to the brigands and to push back the wild animals. For this reason, this object became the main attribute of the pilgrims on their way to Compostela. For this reason, this object became the main attribute of the pilgrims on their way to Compostela.

1) Ocean side miracles. 2) Ancient souvenirs.

SCALLOP SHELL The scallop shell, often found on the shores in Galicia, has long been the symbol of the Camino de Santiago. Over the centuries the scallop shell has taken on mythical, metaphorical and practical meanings, even if its relevance may actually derive from the desire of pilgrims to take home a souvenir. After James' death, his disciples shipped his body to the Iberian Peninsula to be buried in what is now Santiago. Off the coast of Spain, a heavy storm hit the ship, and the body was lost to the ocean. After some time, however, it washed ashore undamaged, covered in scallops

Churches were built all along the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela Saint Sernin, France 12 th -13th c. France built 80 Cathedrals and 500 churches.

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, (1075 – 1700s) 997 original building destroyed by Moors.

Pilgrims receive stamped record at Pilgrimage Office.

Buen camino