Wild walks and wandering the globe have been with us for all time and in all parts of the world Pilgrims have traveled to places of rapture since significant sites took on their special meaning This is the universal and ancient historical legacy that drew me to walk the Camino to Santiago de Compostela I could have taken a different pilgrimage route — perhaps as a secular pilgrim on the picturesque the longest marked trail in the United Kingdom the history is one of smugglers and shipwrecks and the exaltation is in the breathtaking beauty of seaside villages jutting Jurassic cliffs and secluded beaches Or I could have journeyed to one of the other important religious destinations — Rome via the Francigena a holy city to three of the world’s great monotheistic religions But it was the Camino that set my mind on fire and the matter of relics that gripped my imagination and nagged at me during the COVID-19 pandemic when New Zealand’s borders were shut to international flights from March 2020 to August 2021 By the time Kiwis were finally free to move and tickets vaguely affordable I felt like a shaken bottle of sparkling wine ready to pop its cork I had ruminated on all aspects of pilgrimage and was about to explode with curiosity and the need to escape An ancient walking path across the top of the Iberian Peninsula to its northwestern corner was the perfect place to abscond to Christian pilgrims have traveled multitudinous miles to the town of Santiago de Compostela to worship at the shrine of St Medieval pilgrims often followed the trail on foot for months the risk — I was fascinated to know what propelled these pilgrims I wanted to understand what these journeys meant to them people still travel in increasing numbers to sites of pilgrimage when human experience is increasingly digitized do people still feel the imperative to be present in a place and to walk So my partner Sue and I joined the throngs of pilgrims seeking answers on the Camino The Daily Telegraph published an article predicting that 2024 would see nearly half a million pilgrims journey to the shrine of Santiago (St The article also pointed out the exponential increase in traffic between 1984 when just 423 pilgrims claimed the Compostela (certificate of completion) when numbers hit a record 440,367 — a number that is about to be exceeded because 2024 figures are up 12.5% The map to Santiago de Compostela looks like the crazy cracks a flicked stone creates on a car’s windshield Every line radiates out in a jagged pattern from the central point of impact From their end point of Santiago de Compostela the routes spread out across the country — heading upward along the west coast of Portugal or cutting straight across the country to the Mediterranean the Camino Frances — the one we chose — has emerged as the most popular the route was marked out by a local priest who made it his mission to reignite people’s passion for pilgrimage starting in the French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and traveling in a westerly direction across the top of Spain money and our ability to walk that far meant our aspirations had to be more modest Our fast train from Madrid arrived close to midnight so it was hard to tell in the darkness what this ancient center and as the morning light began to flood the old town and the square in front of the cathedral It rises vertically from the flagstones of the square to a height of nearly 100 feet Its soaring walls support a tracery of magnificently carved stone and colored glass The complicated Gothic design of thrust and counterthrust supports the cathedral’s fragile height housing some of the most magnificent stained glass and crystal windows ever created The vaulted ceilings are a pinnacle of the architectural brilliance that blossomed throughout Europe in the Gothic period The cathedral captures that earth-movingly brilliant frenzy for God that must have captivated pilgrims but the whimsy and fantastical imagination are what fascinate me Medieval artists were acutely aware of death and damnation And they were unfettered by secular or clerical propriety when they depicted it — raw and writhing Hell was not just a state of mind but a place where you suffered every torture imaginable A pilgrimage to a holy shrine could mitigate some of the horrors of hell made as an act of penitence for sins committed But they were also an opportunity to purchase an indulgence An indulgence granted for walking the Camino removed all temporal punishment for sin The church granted them to encourage good works and acts of charity indulgences were not a “get out of jail free” card They simply substituted for a penance (or punishment) imposed for a sin already forgiven by the church But it was not long before scammers saw the loophole Hall writes in his 1965 book “English Mediaeval Pilgrimage,” indulgences became “fair game for rascals In less than no time there were hordes of false pardoners sometimes just travelling salesmen with the gift of the gab They wandered the country producing rolls of parchment with impressive seals and declaring they had come from Rome and were ready to provide their customers with a pardon for anything.” Then there were the miracles associated with relics at pilgrimage sites According to a 12th-century French guidebook for pilgrims a sick or disabled person or someone bitten by a snake could be healed a person possessed by a devil could be delivered a doe who was previously wild could be tamed and a dead person could be restored to life There was seemingly nothing a powerful relic could not do to make a pilgrim’s life better It was the promise of escape from the diseased and dangerous drudge of medieval life that kept the pilgrims coming there was the added bonus that pilgrimage was a very attractive way of taking a holiday Boulter in his 1928 book “The Pilgrim Shrines of England”: “The company was agreeable; the whole thing was undertaken with the sanction of the Church at a time when Catholicism was intertwined with every aspect of normal life; [and] there was exemption from taxes and arrest for debt.” The splendor of Leon Cathedral was as much of a sight to behold for the medieval pilgrim as it is for tourists today moody interior activated by carving and sculptural programs and its soaring walls punctuated by dazzling stained-glass windows Sue and I moved from the drama of the cathedral’s interior across a sun-flooded quadrangle to an adjoining museum a contemporary addition for modern-day pilgrims and tourists It houses a fabulous collection of medieval votive figures — Christ on the cross saints and martyrs — many of which would have been in place in their sacred settings Many would have been objects of prayerful offering these were not just objects rendered in wood and stone but symbolic representations infused with the spirit of their subject And the veneration of a votive figure was magnified many times when it contained not just the essence of the individual represented but a relic fragment or the real-life remains of a sacred person In a corner cabinet of the cathedral museum The quiet demeanor of this sculptural figure is quite unlike the grander crucifixes that writhe in agony and drip with blood and his raised hands (complete with stigmata) gesture to a small glass-fronted fissure in his chest that contains a small section of cord (The cord is purported to be almost certainly part of the girdle that would have gone around St The presence of the cord imbues this piece with special powers Francis and his carefully encased forensic remnant in the room — ready to work wonders and hear your prayers it was ruled that no church could be consecrated without a relic The consequence of this was a proliferation of relics and a rash of intermonastic feuds and theft “There were countless girdles of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” writes D “and at least 10 heads of John the Baptist; pieces from the True Cross and its Nails would have sufficed to build a ship; [and] the bones of the saints were distributed in their thousands all over Europe.” The competition between monastic groups to own important religious relics was bitter and fiercely fought and pilgrims brought endowments and wealth One of the most infamous instances of relic theft is recorded in Amelia Soth’s 2020 JSTOR Daily article “When Monks Went Undercover To Steal Relics.” Here she outlines a 12th-century theft committed by Bishop Hugh of Lincoln on a visit to the monks of the Abbey of Fecamp When they showed him their most prized relic bit off a piece of the relic with his teeth When the horrified monks accused him of desecration saying that “no relic was more holy than the Eucharist which passed his lips every Sunday.” He could also have defended himself using the medieval world’s belief that “relics were infused with the living presence of the saint” and were capable of defending themselves The list of possible relics was seemingly endless it included crumbs from the Last Supper and the Sudarium of Oviedo a handkerchief-sized piece of linen cloth used to wipe away perspiration that covered Christ’s face in the tomb (both arriving in Spain in 1075); the feather that the Archangel Gabriel left behind at the Annunciation; and a vial containing the sound of King Solomon’s bells Relics and miracles assumed an acceptance of signs and wonders and occasionally pushed things to the point of ridiculousness All the Camino trails are dotted with relics but these are simply the chorus to the superstar remains of the Apostle St According to our 12th-century pilgrim’s guide the remains are sealed within a marble sarcophagus in a finely arched sepulchre and housed beneath the high altar of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela but the whole ultrapowerful body of one of Jesus Christ’s favorite apostles The only two pilgrim destinations to match it are Rome James’ remains is a mix of history and legend According to the Pilgrimage Museum in Santiago de Compostela his disciples collected his body and carried it by ship to Spain involving a jail escape assisted by an angel and the slaying of a dragon.  The bones were subsequently lost in northwest Spain before being rediscovered in the ninth century A hermit alerted Bishop Teodomiro of Iria to a mysterious light he saw in a wood the bishop unearthed the sepulchre believed to be that of St Teodomiro’s discovery was confirmed by Alfonso II King of Asturias; a church was built on the site in 834; and the multitude of pilgrimages to visit the apostle’s shrine began James’ bones brought many strategic benefits They helped connect the western regions of Spain to Europe encouraged pilgrim traffic across the north of Spain and attracted wealth benefactions and power to a remote church close to Finisterre (translated as “end of the earth”) They became renowned for performing miracles and when some opportunistic thief tried to carry them away With some of this history in mind and much yet to be discovered my hands tingled with cold as we left behind the light industrial outskirts of town and picked up the scallop-shell (the symbol of St The terrain we were walking through is called the Paramo Desert Sue suggested we stop in the shade and have a drink Looped over it was a wooden rosary bleached by months or years of fierce sun People’s buried bones line the trail in parts of the pilgrims’ way their gravesites chosen so they can watch the procession of pilgrims wrestling with their earthly cares to be free to watch the worries of others for all eternity through strange little rustic villages of thick mud-walled houses with wooden doors and window shutters that looked like they were hewn from an ancient forest and people just go about their daily life oblivious to the fact that they are living in a museum Our first night was spent in a hostel in Villar de Mazarife we continued to Astorga and Rabanal del Camino and collapsing at night in our hostel or hotel we walked through tall fields of fully ripened corn and large stretches of towering sunflowers and sunbaked grapes waiting to be harvested The Camino winds its way through rich farmland then makes its steep 4,890-foot ascent of Mount Irago then down again to Molinaseca and Villafranca but it is the people you meet who are the unexpected treasure Geoffrey Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales” was a flash of genius In his fictional account from the 14th century pilgrims share their stories to pass the time and to lighten their load on the way to the shrine of St And this sharing was exactly our experience Others were there to escape their humdrum lives to work through grief and loss or to find a spiritual touchstone in a world of increasing conflict and alienation just shy of his 60th birthday and having left his job of 28 years and he was grieving the death of his 17-year-old dog who were trekking in small chunks and out for a good time Courtney and Sharon — who were walking the entire Camino Frances to get closer to God.  And there were Liam and his mates Martin and Raymond from Ireland You need to tell Liam’s story,” Martin told me He saw two of his brothers shot dead in front of his eyes at his sister’s 7th birthday party.” Liam’s current Camino journey marked the 30th anniversary of his brothers’ killing Martin spoke rapidly like someone trying to convince himself: “It’s all over now I spent years in jail for things I didn’t do pointing to a tattoo of a semiautomatic rifle on his lower leg “But tell Liam’s story for me,” he exclaimed They just came in with their guns and shot people It’s still too hard.” So here it is — Liam’s story as I promised Martin Two lovely people that we encountered on the Camino talking and walking with their grief and trauma to Santiago de Compostela to find solace.  We met some pilgrims numerous times as we climbed Mount O Cebreiro reaching Santiago de Compostela in torrential rain That afternoon we were struggling to move one sloshing foot in front of the other I felt that the Camino was demanding something from us to the very end Our last refuge before the final push was a marketplace of memorabilia stalls they had to dismantle and pack everything away except for the outdoor cafe with minimal seating inside — where the throngs of pilgrims crammed a middle-aged Chinese woman rushed across to us with a huge cheese and egg panini It is a microcosm of life lived with psychedelic intensity your experiences play on a reel in front of your eyes the pilgrimage to Santiago was walked out of pious devotion to achieve a state of perfection as a means of purification and an act of penance Some were forced to walk it as a punishment the ever-increasing number of people walking and cycling the Camino suggests that some or perhaps all of these reasons still stand: that modern pilgrims are seeking a similar mystical sense of physical and spiritual wholeness; that traveling to Holy places and seeing things that have been cherished for a millennium or more are important; that pilgrimage is a chance to meditate on life’s deeply felt experiences — on grief We arrived in the main square of Santiago de Compostela battered and beaten (or almost!) Our religious experience was finding our hotel and peeling off our wet clothes the ecstasy of Santiago would have to wait until the next day The cathedral was an awe-inspiring vision of filigree and spires that somehow did not quite match our journey The enormous “botafumeiro” (incense holder) swung across the main altar during the Mass at death-defying speeds and the interior was dripping with gold Whether you are a medieval or contemporary wanderer walking mindfully and with intention is transformative And if I had any advice from the Camino to share it would be to choose your own pilgrimage route — sacred or secular — and walk it until you find yourself Sign up to our mailing list to receive our stories in your inbox Will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy Copyright ©2025 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. ​CategoriesCategoriesEnglishGENERALRoyal family complete final stage of Camino de Santiago pilgrimage16 April 2025 The Belgian royal family completed the final leg of the famous pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela on Wednesday, ending a years-long tradition of walking part of the route around Easter. Since 2017, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and their children have walked part of the Camino de Santiago every year. This year, the couple, with Princess Eléonore and Princes Gabriel and Emmanuel, set off from Santa Irene and arrived in Santiago de Compostela.  declared the first European Cultural Route by the Council of Europe in 1987 attracts more than 200,000 pilgrims every year It is one of the three great Christian pilgrimages The highlight of the route is the arrival in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela where pilgrims are welcomed by the city's imposing cathedral with its richly decorated Baroque façade Copy linkGet updates in your mailboxYour email addressSubscribeBy clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy rapid and high-quality information 24 hours a day from Belgium and abroad to all Belgian media not to mention entertainment and lifestyle our journalists and press photographers produce hundreds of photos and news stories Since the end of March 2022 English has been added as a language businesses and various organisations that need reliable information Belga News Agency also offers a comprehensive range of corporate services to meet all their communication needs www.belganewsagency.eu forming the heart of this timeless urban fabric Read on to discover some of Santiago de Compostela's architectural highlights and contemporary projects that showcase Spain's Galicia region as a vibrant center of design and innovation Related Article Valencia Architecture City Guide: Unveiling 24 Architectural Highlights Across Spain’s Artistic Hub Santiago Cathedral. Image © Fernando Pascullo, via Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0Praza do Obradoiro Praza do Obradoiro. Image © slideshow bob via Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 2.0 The City of Culture / Eisenman Architects The City of Culture / Eisenman Architects. Image © P.Lameiro, via Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 3.0 Camino de Santiago Trek French Arrival Ramp / CREUSeCARRASCO Arquitectos Camino de Santiago Trek French Arrival Ramp / CREUSeCARRASCO Arquitectos. Image © Luís Díaz DíazA Trisca Socio-Cultural Centre / John Hejduk + Antonio Sanmartín + Elena Cánovas + Leonardo Rietti A Trisca Socio-Cultural Centre / John Hejduk + Antonio Sanmartín + Elena Cánovas + Leonardo Rietti. Image © Arquitectura galega (Santiago Rodríguez Caramés), via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 Santiago de Compostela Bus Station / IDOM Santiago de Compostela Bus Station / IDOM. Image © Aitor Ortiz SGAE Central Office in Santiago de Compostela / ENSAMBLE STUDIO SGAE Central Office in Santiago de Compostela / ENSAMBLE STUDIO. Image © Arquitectura galega (Santiago Rodríguez Caramés), via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 High-Speed Station, Pedestrian Walkway and Clara Campoamor Square / Estudio Herreros Galician Center of Contemporary Art Through the Lens of Fernando Guerra. Image © Fernando Guerra | FG+SG Cultural Catalyst / ARROKABE Arquitectos Cultural Catalyst / ARROKABE Arquitecto. Image © Luís Díaz Díaz Center for New Technologies / Francisco Mangado Center for New Technologies / Francisco Mangado. Image © Roland Halbe Musical Studies Centre / ENSAMBLE STUDIO Musical Studies Centre / ENSAMBLE STUDIO. ImageRaíña Fabiola Public School / Giorgio Grassi Raíña Fabiola Public School / Giorgio Grassi . Image © Arquitectura galega (Santiago Rodríguez Caramés), via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 Caramoniña Allotments / Abalo Alonso arquitectos Caramoniña Allotments / Abalo Alonso arquitectos. Image © Hector Santos Diez Proyecto Hombre / Elsa Urquijo Arquitectos Proyecto Hombre / Elsa Urquijo Arquitectos . Image Courtesy of Elsa Urquijo ArquitectosAuditorio de Galicia / Julio Cano Lasso + Diego Cano Pinto Auditorio de Galicia / Julio Cano Lasso + Diego Cano Pinto. Image © regueifeiro, via Wikipedia under CC BY 2.0"Luis Iglesias" Natural History Museum / César Portela “Luis Iglesias” Natural History Museum / César Portela. Image © Ruben Garcia, via Flickr under CC BY-NC 2.0 Alto Residencial Coop / Carbajo Barrios Arquitectos Alto Residencial Coop / Carbajo Barrios Arquitectos. Image © Luís Díaz Díaz Renovation of the Espellos Building Envelope / Díaz y Díaz Arquitectos Renovation of the Espellos Building Envelope / Díaz y Díaz Arquitectos. Image © Juan RodríguezXunta de Galicia Presidential Complex / Manuel Gallego Jorreto Xunta de Galicia Presidential Complex / Manuel Gallego Jorreto. Image © Arquitectura galega (Santiago Rodríguez Caramés), via Flickr under CC BY 2.0Polideportivo de San Clemente / Josef Paul Kleihues © Arquitectura galega (Santiago Rodríguez Caramés), via Flickr under CC BY 2.0We invite you to visit our list of Architecture City Guides You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email Latest UpdatesCountries Why Join?IL MagazineFree Daily E-LetterVideoOur ExpertsTestimonialsFAQsTopics Living overseas since 2011 Terry and her husband went on a housesitting assignment to Portugal in 2018 and they knew they’d found a place they wanted to call home As I stood in the middle of the rugged carpet of cobblestones staring at the colossal cathedral in front of me I was filled with a sense of peace that wrapped around me like a fluffy blanket The elaborately carved facades and towers of the medieval structure seemed to reach up to the heavens and give off an unearthly glow Its presence made me feel tiny—like a speck of dust in the universe arriving here to understand a bit more about this magical I was surrounded by hundreds of pilgrims of all ages, sizes, and ethnicities who had landed here at the finishing line of the famous Camino de Santiago The Camino routes are scattered throughout Europe and consist of varying distances Some groups of pilgrims were singing; others proudly waved flags of their countries One couple in particular caught my eye and left a lasting impression The man looked out into the massive crowd of pilgrims with a grin from ear to ear her auburn curly hair pulled back into a ponytail glanced over at him with tears of joy running down her face It was apparent by their expressions that they had just accomplished something enormously special something that would leave an imprint on their souls forever Learn more about the lower cost of living in Spain and other countries in our free daily postcard e-letter Simply enter your email address below and we'll also send you a FREE REPORT — Live the Good Life in Sunny Santiago de Compostela, the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region has been an important Catholic pilgrimage site since the 9th century and is reputed to be the burial site of the apostle Saint James while “Compostela” translates to "field of stars," similar to the Milky Way According to legend passed down from the Middle Ages James the Apostle instructed pilgrims to follow the stars over 400,000 pilgrims commit to this walk for many different reasons UNESCO declared the Old Town of the city a World Heritage Site I wanted to know why people put their lives on hold for weeks or months at a time to walk the Camino I asked a few of our friends who had taken the plunge and lived to share their experiences it’s about setting personal goals or just enjoying the breathtaking scenery and meeting interesting people along the way I never thought I’d be fit enough to tackle 16 miles a day we hired a company to transport our luggage from one stop to the next so we only carried day packs with snacks and water We stopped for lunches along the way or to rest and admire the views It provided food for my soul and made me appreciate my life more.” walking the Camino helped bring us closer together It provided us with a welcome opportunity to spend time with each other without the usual background noise We overcame challenges along the way as a team—not me We held hands as we looked at the impressive building and thanked God for guiding our steps along the Camino It was a major accomplishment we tackled together,” Ken added The city of Santiago de Compostela has a population of about 95,000 and is situated just 358 miles from the border it shares with Portugal The official languages spoken are Spanish and Galician English is also fairly common in the Old Town with the obvious influx of pilgrims from around the world one of the oldest universities still in continuous operation The university offers some of the lowest tuition costs in Spain though most courses are only available in Spanish Year-round weather in Santiago de Compostela includes warm Average temperatures range from 40 F to 76 F Learning Spanish is advisable for anyone wishing to relocate to Santiago de Compostela as English speakers are far less common outside of the Old Town Our knowledge of Latin American Spanish managed to get us by All signs and menus are posted in both Spanish and what seemed to be Portuguese the city has changed to a more tranquil Spanish city with high-rise apartment complexes Corner cafes are filled with beret-wearing elderly gentlemen sipping coffee and watching the world go by with many cobblestone roads that may be difficult for some to navigate A one-bedroom furnished apartment can be rented long-term for $600 a month while larger two- or three-bedroom furnished apartments can be found for $900 a month Add another $135 for utilities (electricity A monthly bus pass can be purchased for $33 New residents will need to purchase private health insurance quoted a basic plan for a healthy 64-year-old couple at $326 a month After living in Spain for one to five years residents can access low-cost public healthcare through the “convenio especial.” Costs range from $67 a month for those under 65 to $175 for those over 65 A couple without a car could live in this historic city for as little as $1,644 a month with basic health insurance and a small apartment or up to $2,387 a month with a larger furnished apartment and top-tier health insurance like “Expats in Santiago de Compostela,” that help expats connect can also be a great resource for finding information and meeting others Taking Spanish classes—whether private or in groups—is a great way to meet people and make new friends but building friendships with people from different countries can be both rewarding and educational Knowing Spanish will make everyday life in Spain easier and show respect to locals For those needing a Spanish driver’s license any "autoescola" can provide more details with the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela taking center stage Construction of the Romanesque church began in 1075 and was completed in 1211 Built with three naves and a Latin cross floor plan Pilgrims wait in long lines to hug the statue of Saint James and visit his tomb Tickets can be purchased to visit the cathedral’s terraces and tower takes visitors 246 feet up to the pinnacle of the roof This may not be suitable for elderly visitors constructed in 1766 and originally used as a seminary for confessors it houses City Hall and other government offices built on a granite colonnade with fourteen half-moon arches offers a perfect shady spot to admire the cathedral located in the old convent of Santo Domingo de Bonaval offers insight into the Galician people through displays of their trades the Galician Contemporary Art Museum showcases local artists in a striking modern structure with terraces that provide views over the Old Town Believers from around the world come to Santiago de Compostela for various reasons—some after a long Tourists visit to admire its architectural wonders and learn about its legends and lore Students and expats arrive with their visas in hand ready to start a new chapter in this charming city Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon The best of Time Out straight to your inbox We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Worldwide the Camino de Santiago is the most renowned long-distance trail on Earth The Camino de Santiago is featured on Time Out's list of the world's best hikes for 2025 I’d heard about it two years prior from a friend who’d recently been on pilgrimage ‘It’s this 500-mile walk across Spain,’ he said ‘You get to see the entire country’s landscape change before you and drink amazing wine and there’s hostels all along the way especially for pilgrims that serve huge meals for super cheap and you’ll meet so many incredible people from all around the world.’ it was the phrase 500-mile walk that enamoured me A month-long self-guided hike along a well-frequented path sounded like a doable challenge and the convenience of an affordable trip to Europe made it perfect for my first-ever solo international journey The walk he’d been speaking about was the Camino Francés One of many Caminos de Santiago – literally Ways of Saint James – this one begins in the French Pyrenees and evergreen highlands on its way to northwest Spain making it the most popular route among the year’s 400,000 peregrinos on record like the Camino Portugués and the Camino del Norte while the Camino de Madrid and Vía de la Plata pass fortified Arabesque hilltop cities and the inland plains separating the north from southern commercial centres While it’s known today as a Catholic pilgrimage the Way existed long before the Church enshrined what it claimed were James the Apostle’s remains at Santiago de Compostela it served as a route to Finisterre – or Land’s End – on the Atlantic coast where Druids and Romans prayed to their own gods Pilgrims who’d tasted the sea’s salty air carried scallop shells back home shell markings guide travelers along their journey and I heard of enchantments like a fountain that runs with wine and an iron cross that makes the weight you carry lighter I then drank from that fountain and lightened my load but thanks to its 2,000-year heritage as a spiritual quest even witless walkers like me who think they’ve come for mere sport can’t avoid the Camino’s profound experiences I’ve yet to meet a pilgrim who’s not felt their sense of self shifted by the time they reached the Pórtico da Gloria where the road ends the Camino did not challenge me against the wilderness Despite trying every preventative measure imaginable and each day I had to make the painful decision to keep walking knowing it’d be my own demise if I carried too much baggage it’s become possible to ship your backpack along daily for a nominal fee but I’d argue this easy out is environmentally unsustainable and denies you the transformative reward of letting go of your burdens once you reach Santiago The Camino’s wonders outweighed its woes Or receiving a homemade meal from someone who didn’t even speak my language Or stumbling upon an open-air farmhouse where modern-day nomads lived off the land and a place to rest in their bedouin shelter While intrinsically contemplative (most pilgrims walk 10–20 miles a day) but on a long and lonesome road where everyone had the same destination I couldn’t help spilling my secrets to strangers Time warped while walking eight-hour stretches together Days turned into lifetimes and strangers into age-old friends A retiree from Basque once found a hat I’d lost and carried it for two weeks until our paths crossed again While wearing low-top shoes that squished my toes I met a girl with the same size feet whose wide-toed boots were bruising her ankles — when we swapped we were like two Cinderellas who’d found their Prince Charmings Whether you walk with a deeper purpose or not On my first Camino – coming from a skeptical atheology – I found myself believing in a higher power: I’d experienced too many happy coincidences for there not to have been someone testing our ardour against the arduous road I set off with a fellowship of pilgrims whose tribe mentality pushed me to break out on my own Each Camino taught me its own lesson of trust – in God We peregrinos often remind each other: ‘Everyone must walk their own Camino,’ and if you you’ll create your own challenges and bring your own worries But there are so many people to help you along the way So much timeless tradition in which to enrobe yourself there is the unparalleled strength of body and peace of mind when you reach Santiago Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news.   Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! tiktokfacebooktwitteryoutubeAbout us Contact us Global Sisters Report a project of National Catholic Reporter Sign up now A marker is pictured along the road leading to Santiago de Compostela Ana González walked the Camino de Santiago the pilgrimage through Spain also known as the Way of St View Author Profile I began 2025 with abundant gratitude for the experiences of the past year and anticipation for the unfolding of new adventures As I reflected on my resolutions and dreams we are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus June Fitzgerald at the start of their pilgrimage (Courtesy of Ana González) My journey of discerning religious life had been affirmed and I embarked on a pilgrimage that heightened my awareness of God's constant presence I became open to God's abundant love for me and all creation My lifestyle shifted from one focused on doing to one centered on being — with God and with the people of God I had the great fortune of uniting my discernment journey with the peregrina (pilgrim) journey of El Camino I was blessed to walk El Camino with two amazing Dominican Sisters of Peace: June Fitzgerald and Barbara Kane we prepared for our two-week journey — choosing our route and holding each other accountable as we trained for the trek We were fortunate to travel with experienced companions who knew the route and its history I felt overwhelmed by the thought of walking 275 kilometers to our destination Yet, my fellow peregrinas reminded me to take it one step at a time. The daunting numbers transformed: one step at a time, one mile at a time, one cruceiro at a time I was awed by the milliaria — Roman mile markers that bore witness to the footsteps of merchants travelers and armies who had walked this path for centuries I felt connected to countless peregrinos who had journeyed before me and to those who would come after me the landscape shifted from urban settings to vineyards my journey was enriched by encounters with fellow peregrinos the only thing we had in common was the shared journey We came from different places and backgrounds we formed bonds of mutual support and care Ana González pauses for a photo along the route with Las Musas a group of five best friends whose love and commitment to each other deeply inspired her One of my favorite encounters was with the Musas a group of five best friends whose love and commitment to each other deeply inspired me one of them had been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer she made a manda — a sacred vow — to walk the Camino if she recovered her friends upheld her vow and walked with her My pilgrimage was more than a physical journey — it was a deep spiritual communion with my fellow travelers I hold my pilgrim experience in my heart as a powerful lesson in the beauty of the journey My pilgrimage began in 2011 as I discerned religious life I embrace the call to be a "Pilgrim of Hope" with my church remain open to the wild and exciting journey where the Holy Spirit leads Scenic views along the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela (Courtesy of Ana González) Photo taken along the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela (Courtesy of Ana González) Pilgrims reach the end of their journey at Santiago de Compostela Pilgrims walk together along the road to Santiago de Compostela we do so with the awareness that we follow in the footsteps of many generations before us and hold in prayer those who will come after us. Our pilgrimage will lead us through diverse landscapes and bring us into communion with fellow travelers who will share in our joys I am challenged to walk with my faith community — not rushing which calls us to recognize God's presence in all creation and our responsibility as sojourners to be good stewards in our journey Our Jubilee Year begins with a single step and a wide-open door That step launches us into a pilgrimage of prayer guided by the wisdom of those who have come before us The focus of this pilgrimage is not the number of steps we take but the encounters and mutual accompaniment along the way The heart of our pilgrimage of hope lies in what happens between each step May our hearts and minds remain open to transformative grace we will encounter along our journey May we recognize the divine presence in every step we take During this Jubilee Year may we remain attentive to the unfolding richness of our pilgrimage toward a future filled with hope then enter your email address and click "subscribe" Global Sisters Report Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Fernando Pascullo via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).SubscribeThe local pilgrims’ office, which is run by Santiago de Compostela Cathedral announced that it recorded 499,239 pilgrims in 2024 up from 446,035 pilgrims the previous year Last year’s numbers had also marked a record-high year for pilgrims at the famous pilgrimage site which continues to enjoy a resurgence following the COVID pandemic which saw only 54,143 pilgrims registered in 2020 Pilgrims to the site travel mainly on foot along ancient routes known as the Camino de Santiago The routes converge on Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Along the routes, pilgrims collect stamps on a document known as the Credencial del Peregrino, or pilgrim passport. When they arrive in Santiago de Compostela, they visit the pilgrims’ reception office, where they present the document and receive a “Compostela,” or certificate confirming that they have completed the pilgrimage Pilgrims flocked to Santiago de Compostela from all over the world last year but Spain accounted for by far the largest share The United States saw the next largest contingent of pilgrims The vast majority of visitors - 425,043 – travelled on foot Smaller numbers of pilgrims chose more unusual means of travel: 591 people came on horseback and 272 on boat The number of Camino pilgrims has risen steadily over the past three decades, with spikes in years that are designated as Jacobean Holy Years The last Compostela Holy Year was in 2021–2022 (extended due to the pandemic) and the next will be in 2027 the Camino attracted tens of thousands of pilgrims per year but it began to draw more than 100,000 people regularly after 2006 It passed the 200,000 mark in 2013 and 300,000 in 2017 James is the not the only pilgrimage site to attract large numbers of visitors as international travel picks up following the COVID pandemic The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in southwestern France and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City have also seen strong pilgrim numbers in recent years National Geographic magazine predicted in 2021 that pilgrimages could be “the next post-COVID travel trend.” ReplyShare1 reply4 more comments...LatestNo posts Nearly half a million pilgrims visited Santiago de Compostela in 2024, marking a new record for the popular pilgrimage site in northwestern Spain. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Fernando Pascullo via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).Subscribe now The local pilgrims\u2019 office, which is run by Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Last year\u2019s numbers had also marked a record-high year for pilgrims at the famous pilgrimage site Along the routes, pilgrims collect stamps on a document known as the Credencial del Peregrino, or pilgrim passport. When they arrive in Santiago de Compostela, they visit the pilgrims\u2019 reception office, where they present the document and receive a \u201CCompostela,\u201D or certificate confirming that they have completed the pilgrimage The vast majority of visitors - 425,043 \u2013 travelled on foot The number of Camino pilgrims has risen steadily over the past three decades, with spikes in years that are designated as Jacobean Holy Years The last Compostela Holy Year was in 2021\u20132022 (extended due to the pandemic) and the next will be in 2027 National Geographic magazine predicted in 2021 that pilgrimages could be \u201Cthe next post-COVID travel trend.\u201D Subscribe now Archbishop Julian Barrio Barrio enters the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela Pope Francis wrote a letter to the archbishop to mark the opening of the door The Holy Year is celebrated in Santiago de Compostela in years when the July 25 feast of St (CNS Photo/courtesy Archdiocese of Santiago) 20210105T1215-POPE-SANTIAGO-MESSAGE-1012088crop.jpg Archbishop Julian Barrio Barrio and other prelates celebrate a service marking the opening of the Holy Door Dec at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela 20210105T1215-POPE-SANTIAGO-MESSAGE-1012090crop.jpg Pilgrims who embark on the long journey of the Camino to Santiago de Compostela remind others of the spiritual journey all Christians make through life toward heaven In a letter marking the opening of the Holy Door at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela the pope said that just like countless pilgrims who embark on the famed Camino toward the tomb of St Christians are “a pilgrim people” who do not travel toward “a utopic ideal but rather a concrete goal.” “The pilgrim is capable of placing himself or herself in God’s hands aware that the promised homeland is present in the one who wished to make camp amid his people to guide their journey,” the pope wrote in the letter sent to Archbishop Julian Barrio Barrio of Santiago de Compostela and published Dec The Holy Year is celebrated in Compostela in years when the July 25 feast of the apostle falls on a Sunday The most recent Holy Year was observed in 2010 pilgrims have traveled along the famed Camino de Santiago de Compostela to venerate the remains of St the pope reflected on the theme of walking on pilgrimage Just like many pilgrims who have embarked on the Camino Christians are called to leave behind “those securities to which we tie ourselves but still having our goal clear; we are not vagabonds who go around in circles without going anywhere.” “It is the voice of the Lord who calls us and we welcome him with an attitude of listening and searching taking this journey toward the encounter with God with the other and with ourselves,” he wrote Walking also symbolizes conversion in that it is an “existential experience in which the goal is just as important as the journey itself,” he wrote Pope Francis said that pilgrims who travel along the Camino often travel with or find companions along the way whom they can trust “without suspicions or doubts” and who share in their “struggles and achievements.” carrying things one thought would be useful but it ends with an empty backpack and a heart full of experiences that stands in contrast to and in tune with the lives of other brothers and sisters who come from different existential and cultural contexts,” the pope wrote “is a lesson that should accompany us our whole lives.” Arlington Catholic Herald200 N. Glebe Rd.Suite 615Arlington, VA 22203703-841-2590800-377-0511 Website Design and Development by New Target This thousand-year-old network of pilgrim trails takes you from the French Pyrenees to the rugged Basque Coast.. Dani is Much Better Adventures' Deputy Editor and the author of a novel She's interested in helping everyone find their inner adventurer More posts by Dani Redd interconnected network of ancient pilgrimage routes stretching across Europe and is walked by around 440,000 hikers each year These routes converge at the tomb of Saint James the Apostle located in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela the flat plains of La Meseta and the green hills of Galicia The Camino Francés is part of a 932-mile (1,500km) stretch of the Camino network which has a UNESCO designation thanks in large part to the infrastructure which has been developed to cater to the needs of pilgrims over the centuries This includes everything from churches to albergues which are rustic inns with dormitory-style accommodation that pilgrims still use today “Each pilgrim brings their own motivations to the Camino,” writes Tiffany Gagliardi Trotman in her essay collection, ‘Walking the Camino de Santiago’ “Some seek purely to engage in adventure travel along a well-accommodated route; some are looking for answers There are those aware of the Catholic faith’s promise that completing the pilgrimage can absolve them of one-third of their sins (or the entirety if it’s a Holy Year) the Camino pilgrimage is unique to every individual.” The pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela - also known as the ‘Way of Saint James’- has been popular among Christians for well over 1,000 years It is believed that the remains of Jesus’ apostle James are buried under the main altar of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral the apostle James preached on the Iberian Peninsula before returning to Jerusalem in 44CE where he was beheaded by Herod Agrippa - leading to his martyrdom his disciples put him on a boat which sailed across the Mediterranean to Padrón provided a small tomb for him to be buried when it was discovered by a hermit known as Pelagius The local bishop declared the remains to be of Saint James (known in Spanish as Santiago) ‘Compostela’ is a word deriving from the Latin ‘componere’ (“to bury”) or ‘compositum’ (“cemetery”) - so Santiago de Compostela means ‘the burial place of Saint James’ The simple church was replaced with the cathedral we know today Just as with the creation of modern hiking trails infrastructure sprung up to cater to the needs of pilgrims like bridges over rivers - unlocking access to remote towns - inns and shops which provided economic benefit to local communities (and continue to do so) Today’s pilgrims have a similar experience to their medieval counterparts traversing wind-battered coastlines and meandering through quiet forests They’ll be hiking up to 20 miles (32km) a day carrying everything they need with them on their backs Medieval pilgrims carried letters of conduct (which showed they were a pilgrim and asked for safe passage from thieves and other trouble makers) - while contemporary pilgrims have the updated Pilgrim Passport or ‘credencial del peregrino’ This is a document where you can collect stamps from churches and other landmarks; it’s used to get access to the albergues and to serve as proof of journey so you can receive a completion certificate when you reach Santiago the main Caminos are marked with scallop shell waymarkers The scallop shell is one of the most iconic symbols of the Camino its grooves representing the different routes as they converge upon Santiago de Compostela There are numerous legends associated with the scallop shell including that the body of St James was washed overboard during a storm enroute to Spain - it was found unscathed on the shoreline There are more than 200 recognised camino routes across Europe the best-known are the Camino Francés (which is hiked by 49% of pilgrims) and the Camino Portugués Camino Inglés and the Camino Primitivo are also relatively well known and each is hiked by around 5% of pilgrims each year (that’s around 20,000 people) The most popular and well-known of the Camino routes Beginning in the town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France you’ll cross the Pyrenees and descend into Spain You’ll cross through the vineyards of La Rioja the vast plateau of La Meseta; climb over the Montes de León mountains before crossing into the province of Galicia and finishing in Santiago de Compostela you’ll pass through numerous cultural landmarks including the city of Pamplona Logroño (the cultural capital of La Rioja) and the historic Templar castle of Ponferrada The Camino Francés is hiked by around 220,000 pilgrims a year The final 69 miles (111km) of the route from Sarria to Santiago is particularly popular and other Caminos join onto this final section Its popularity means that this route is well-signposted and has good infrastructure If you’re looking for camaraderie along the trail begins in Lisbon and travels north towards the final destination of Santiago diverse landscapes and cultural highlights (it passes through three UNESCO designated cities; Lisbon you'll trace the path of the River Tejo inland as it winds through vineyards and cornfields You’ll follow old Roman roads through shady forests to the medieval capital of Coimbra there’s the option to continue alongside the River Miño to the historic town of Tui or to do a variant tracing the picturesque Portuguese coast you’ll rejoin the main path in the Spanish town of Redondela to hike to the end point of Santiago The Camino del Norte begins in the town of San Sebastián and traces the northern coast of Spain to Santiago You’ll hike across the verdant hills of the Basque Country the rugged coastline and unspoilt fishing villages of Cantabria and Asturias You’ll pass through historic towns like Gernika through the forests and farmland of rural Galicia towards Santiago This is considered one of the more difficult Camino routes hilly terrain and cool northern climate (especially in the more exposed coastal areas) it’s within the grasp of experienced hikers This was the route initially used by pilgrims from the UK and Ireland who would sail to the northern Spanish port town of Ferrol The first couple of days are spent tracing the coastline to the town of Betanzos - from here you’ll head inland through the green hills of Galicia One major attraction of the Camino Inglés is its length - it can be completed in under a week - and the fact it never gets too busy; unlike some of the other caminos this route doesn’t join onto the busy Camino Francés as it draws towards Santiago The Camino Primitivo is the oldest documented Camino first used in the 9th century by King Alfonso II to visit the recently discovered tomb of St James the route crosses the Cantabrian Mountains - including an ascent to the summit of Puerto del Palo (1,146m/3,759ft) - to reach the town of Lugo From Lugo the terrain becomes less mountainous and the climate milder as you descend through forests and peaceful villages the Camino Primitivo is considered the most difficult path It’s hiked by only 5% of pilgrims each year meaning it’s the route to choose for quiet trails and mountain views A lesser-known camino taking you from Ribadeo on the northern coast of Spain and taking you west along the coastline towards Ferrol you can hike the Camino Inglés towards Santiago (which takes an extra four to five days) and hike across rugged clifftops jutting into the ocean Considering that this route hugs the coast it’s also possible to kayak stretches of it It’s the ideal Camino for those wanting a multi-activity journey or who want to get more off the beaten track - you’ll be sharing the route with very few other hikers so you'll definitely need a map or guidebook What Camino Route to hike depends very much on your time commitments and preferences If you’re a first time hiker of the Camino looking to integrate within a trail community we’d recommend all or part of the most popular route we’d suggest the Camino del Norte through the mountains of Northern Spain And if you’d like to get off the beaten path check out the Camino del Mar across the unspoilt Galician coast Inspired? Check out our Camino de Santiago walking and kayaking adventure and our Hike, Bike & Wine in Spain's Basque Country Adventure (where you can hike a section of the Camino) Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights Alex Ledsom is a France-based contributor who covers travel 03:47am EDTShareSaveComment@font-face{font-family: "Schnyder"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/schnyders/schnyders-bold-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/schnyders/schnyders/schnyders-bold-webfont.woff") format("woff"); font-weight: 700; font-style: normal;} @font-face{font-family: "Merriweather"; src: url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/merriweather/merriweather-bold-webfont.woff2") format("woff2") url("https://i.forbesimg.com/assets/fonts/merriweather/merriweather-bold-webfont.woff") format("woff"); font-weight: 700; font-style: normal;} @font-face{font-family: "Euclid"; src: 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#article-stream-0 .subhead3-embed .color-body{color: #333333;} #article-stream-0 .subhead3-embed.color-body-border{border-top-color: rgba(51,51,51 #article-stream-0 .subhead3-embed .color-body-border{border-top-color: rgba(51,51,51 0.8);} .bg-body{background-color: #333333;} #article-stream-0 .subhead3-embed.font-accent #article-stream-0 .subhead3-embed .font-accent{font-family: Euclid,"Noto Sans","Droid Sans","Helvetica Neue",Corbel,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;}Part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage walk in Spain Maybe you’re a keen hiker and want to tackle Europe's biggest pilgrimage site Or maybe you just want a nice walk with some time to reflect while wandering through beautiful scenery and buildings dating from the Middle Ages The Camino de Santiago offers a route for every type of traveler When we're talking about what is Camino de Santiago it's best to talk about who it involves the apostle Saint James or Sant Iago in Spanish in a crypt in the medieval cathedral in the town of Santiago de Compostela Saint James is said to have arrived by stone boat from Jerusalem And legend has it that almost 1,000 years later a shepherd was guided to the same spot by a shining star the place is Santiago de Compostela and the Camino de Santiago are the hundreds of paths that crisscross the European countryside to St James' resting place The question of where is Camino de Santiago can't be given in one answer either All roads lead to Santiago de Compostela in Spain but they don't all start in the same country - there are seven main paths UNESCO listed these routes as a World Heritage site One runs alongside the Portuguese coastline and the Cantabrian mountains starting in the town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port before it crosses the border and runs through the Pyrenees The French Way is the busiest (50% of travelers took this route in 2023) but it has good infrastructure although it's often noted that it's the most expensive way to hike the trail as hostels and restaurants are more expensive some of which have been there since the Middle Ages Pilgrims can follow scallop-shell markers through the countryside and these start as far afield as Seville This website of the public hostels along all the paths has all the information about the different paths to take and where to stay There is a certificate, the Compostela, for those who complete the final 62 miles (100km) on foot or the final 124 miles (200 km) by bike. You can order a document here before you leave and acquire stamps from places along the way You can exchange it for a certificate when you get to the cathedral The paths can be hiked at any time of year but unsurprisingly they are always more busy on the last 62 miles of any path to the cathedral and sometimes the composition of people on this part can be different to the pilgrims that you might meet in the earlier stages although these appear to be in the minority Aerial view of Basilica San Gregorio Ostiense in Sorlada The simple answer is that you must be used to exercise but you don't need to be an avid hiker You must be ready to walk lots of miles every day though and that includes the mental preparation The Portuguese coastal route is the flattest while the French Way does have hills and steep parts If you're planning to cycle, you must be fitter and well used to riding a bike across countryside terrain. Sail The Way lets you take a yacht along some stages of the trails; a nice diversion for some of the route It's possible to take a horse and ride some of the trails but clearly this requires more planning the time it takes to hike the Camino de Santiago depends on the route you take and how much of it you decide to hike If you're planning on earning your Compostela certificate and doing the last 62 miles then it usually takes people five or six days The average seems to be about 14 nights but some people walk the Camino de Santiago in chunks coming back again and again to finish it completely over a period of years Prices are cheaper to stay in the public hostels but you cannot always book these in advance so when it gets busy it might be best to book into a private hostel or guest house Part of the joy for people who walk this route is dining with new people along the way being open to meeting new people and having new types of conversation If you sleep in shared government-run dorms in the albergues eat communally with fellow travelers each night and are on the French Way for 35 days and walking 500 miles you could expect to spend just $1,200 for the duration of your hike A private room each night will considerably alter the cost of your stay as they charge anywhere up to $100 per night for a double Most pilgrims carry what they take so The Telegraph recommends that the weight in your backpack should be no more than 10% of your body weight some first aid bits and bobs and definitely footwear that is broken in and comfortable Wear layers so you can peel clothes on and off to match the weather ear plugs and possibly some shoes to wear in washing areas and showers There isn’t any need to be embarrassed about deciding to use a service to take your bags from one hostel to another along the route particularly as this makes the route more accessible to walkers who otherwise wouldn't be able to hike the route probably didn’t haul his own gear around either." The boom in the number of pilgrims on Spain’s famous El Camino de Santiago hit a record of almost half a million last year According to the pilgrims’ office in Santiago de Compostela 499,239 completion certificates were issued to pilgrims from all over the world in 2024 This was the third record year in a row after 2023 To top 2024 off — 183 pilgrims arrived on New Year’s Eve James has been leading pilgrims to the tomb of St James the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela since the Middle Ages The pilgrimage routes cross the whole European continent and then join up on the final stages in Portugal The tomb developed into one of the three main destinations of Christian pilgrimages alongside Rome and Jerusalem The peak of pilgrimages begins in May every year when gorgeous and pilgrimage-perfect weather reaches the Spanish Galicia region with an average of around 2,300 arrivals per day American pilgrims again broke records with over 38,000 people arriving at the tomb of St overtaken only by native Spaniards of whom over 200,000 walked the Camino in 2024 28,599 Italians and 23,462 Germans crossed the route and there were also a few pilgrims from such far-away places as Gambia Laos and the Solomon Islands — with one pilgrim each those who wanted to receive the special certificate had to prove that they had completed at least the last 100 kilometers (62 miles) on foot or the final 200 kilometers (124 miles) by bike by stamping their pilgrim’s identity card James tomb and Santiago de Compostela are numerous and 591 pilgrims reached the dream point of the pilgrimage on horseback in 2024 While the influx of pilgrims has been exciting local communities are feeling the strain with overcrowded accommodations and growing concerns over noise and congestion the Camino remains a route for spiritual growth chairman of the European pilgrimage association Camino Europa Compostela which has more than 40,000 members in 20 countries described motives for making the pilgrimage: “Catholic faith is the decisive factor for around 30 to 35 percent A similar number are spiritually motivated,” he said gastronomy and sport,” he told KNA German Catholic news agency James through Spain to be “safe” but recommended the “Alertcops” app created by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior for those who have concerns The app has an SOS button function and the option to be located by the police instructions for use in other languages are in the works  Print Catholic Review Media communicates the Gospel and its impact on people’s lives in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and beyond Catholic Review Media provides intergenerational communications that inform inspire and engage Catholics and all of good will in the mission of Christ through diverse forms of media Catholic Media Assocation Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association The Associated Church Press New examination supports claim remains are of Teodomiro a key figure in establishing Camino de Santiago pilgrimage Scientists believe a set of ancient bones discovered in north-west Spain almost 70 years ago are those of the bishop whose devotion to St James the Apostle paved the way for the Camino de Santiago path taken by countless footsore pilgrims over the past 12 centuries According to historical sources and oral tradition Bishop Teodomiro of Iria Flavia discovered the remains of St James – who was martyred in Jerusalem between the years AD41 and 44 – in an abandoned cemetery in what is now the Galician city of Santiago de Compostela Teodomiro is said to have received the revelation in the early ninth century after days of fasting and meditation – and with a little help from a visionary local hermit Legend has it that St James’s remains were transported to Galicia by two disciples in a boat led by angels The excavation of the saint’s remains prompted King Alfonso II of the neighbouring Asturias region to march his court from Oviedo to Santiago. Their journey across north-west Spain was the first Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and established the so-called Primitive Way millions of pilgrims have followed in their footsteps and travelled to the tomb of St James in Santiago de Compostela’s cathedral Millions of pilgrims have arrived at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela after walking the Camino Photograph: Cro Magnon/AlamyYears of debate over whether Teodomiro actually existed appeared to come to an end in 1955 when a team of archaeologists working on the floor of the cathedral found an inscribed tombstone referring to the bishop and another group of researchers concluded that the bones belonged to a woman who had been interred in a different tomb But a new examination of the remains – which combined osteoarchaeological analysis multi-isotope analysis and DNA testing – has determined that they are likely to belong to Teodomiro after all led by Dr Patxi Pérez-Ramallo of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology has identified a number of separate pieces of evidence to support the assertion and the caution that must be exercised in interpreting our results these data support the possibility that the human remains found in association with the inscribed tombstone under the floor of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in 1955 are those of Bishop Teodomiro.” Free newsletterA digest of the morning's main headlines from the Europe edition emailed direct to you every week day An archaeologist examines the remains found in Santiago de Compostela Photograph: Patxi Pérez-Ramallo/ReutersThe team’s analysis found that the remains belonged to a thin elderly man who probably grew up in the area around Santiago de Compostela was consistent with the monastic rules limiting the consumption of meat Pérez-Ramallo told El País he and his colleagues felt there was a “98% likelihood” that the bones were those of the bishop the data support the existence of the historical figure of Teodomiro so relevant within the phenomenon of the Camino de Santiago as the discoverer of the tomb of St James the Apostle,” the researchers say in the Antiquity article “This information will contribute directly to the conservation of the remains and promote a special place of worship in the Cathedral of Santiago, enriching visits to the temple and the city, as Teodomiro represents a significant figure not only for the history of Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, but also for Spain, Europe and Catholicism.” Suchaillou is a small shelter embedded within a rocky outcrop along the French section of the Santiago de Compostela route The project is designed by the collaborative effort of Constance Guisset Studio Referencing the surrounding geological formations the structure is integrated into the natural terrain and positioned slightly off the main path to offer a discreet resting point within the landscape The shelter is constructed using dry-stone techniques and phonolite corbelling drawing from local construction traditions and materials Its creation involved a collaborative process that included regional artisans such as François Januel and carpenter David Michel as well as stone supplied by the Pertuis quarry Additional contributions came from local residents students from Yssingeaux Agricultural College facilitating observation of the surrounding terrain Suchaillou is part of Fenêtres sur le paysage, an art trail coordinated by Derrière le Hublot in partnership with the Agence française des chemins de Compostelle The project receives support from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region including the European Regional Development Fund and the LEADER program a shelter embedded in a rocky outcrop along the Camino in Haute-Loire Suchaillou offers a discreet stop along the Santiago de Compostela route the structure is shaped by local geological forms and terrain a phonolite gong designed by Lucie Delmas introduces an interactive acoustic feature integrated box seats provide shelter and space for belongings built using dry-stone techniques and traditional phonolite corbelling shot-blasted glass oculus brings soft daylight and sky views materials sourced from the Pertuis quarry reflect regional construction methods regional artisans and students contributed to the building process the shelter is slightly offset from the main path an orientation table invites observation of the surrounding terrain Lucie Delmas designed a nearby fountain integrated into the site the fountain is made using locally-sourced stones Suchaillou blends functional refuge with sculptural landscape intervention designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here. edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style Phone: 216-696-6525 Toll Free: 1-800-869-6525 Address: 1404 East 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 44114   Share this Page and reflect on what’s been accomplished over the past year reflection was certainly a summer priority but slowing down to do it was far from his mind Daniel set out from Saint Jean Pied de Port in France as a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago the Camino or the Way dates back to the 9th century following the footsteps of Christian pilgrims who journeyed through the Iberian Peninsula to the burial place of St While pilgrims traveled to Santiago de Compostela to reverence the remains of St the Way and their journey to this holy site was as important as any finish line in Santiago “The journey is where human growth happens growth happens when we’re stretched beyond being comfortable It’s at these moments when we have the opportunity to grow into the best versions of ourselves — the people God is calling us to be,” said Liberatore “Arriving in Santiago de Compostela at the tomb of St I’m filled with abundant gratitude.” Of the possessions Daniel brought with him the book of daily prayers of the Catholic Church James himself may have taken with him as he set out to preach the Gospel of Jesus no money in their belt—but to wear sandals…” (Mark 6:7-9) The journey afforded Daniel the opportunity to experience in a new and profound way God’s unconditional love and recognize what one truly needs to live a joyful in the people I met along the Way—God surrounded me with blessings is so great that nothing we do can separate us from Him and peace lies in an encounter with Christ in our journey to experience the depths of Christ’s love.” Click on the photo above to view a slideshow of Daniel’s pilgrim journey please contact local law enforcement and: Kathleen McComb Response Services – 216-334-2999 Helene Leue has walked has walked eight routes of the Camino de Santiago since her first journey in spring 2023 The Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrimage routes through Spain Portugal and France that lead to the tomb of St Nearly 350,000 hikers walk the various routes each year Helene and Mark Leue at the Camino de Santiago ending point Helene Leue will be sharing stories from her journeys walking the Camino and giving tips for planning your own during a presentation at the Belding Memorial Library on Wednesday Helene Leue at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela with some friends met while walking the Camino “We saw so many amazing things and met so many amazing people from around the world,” Leue said “It’s a remarkable experience to walk paths people have been walking for thousands of years.” Courtesy Helene Leue Have you ever thought about walking the Camino de Santiago but don’t know where to start or if the famous pilgrimage is even the right adventure for you Ashfield resident Helene Leue will be sharing stories from her own journeys walking the Camino and giving tips for planning your own during a presentation at the Belding Memorial Library on Wednesday James,” is a famous pilgrimage frequently taken by Catholics through Spain leading to the tomb of St There are multiple routes leading through Portugal Spain and France that welcome nearly 350,000 hikers each year “It’s a remarkable experience to walk paths people have been walking for thousands of years.” but still enjoyed the Camino for spiritual and recreational reasons She has walked eight routes since her first journey in spring 2023 “I liked it so much that I came back in the early winter to walk a walk that was twice as long,” she said Over the past few years Leue has walked thousands of miles through Porto and Lisbon “It’s been life-changing for me,” she said Leue will be sharing tips on how to prepare for your own Camino adventure and will offer her services as a Camino planner for hire she believes she can help other people figure out what route best fits their time frame “There’s not just one right way to walk the Camino,” Leue said Leue explained there are many routes one can take Some routes lead you through rural areas where you might not run into another human for miles other routes lead you through the hearts of medieval cities and well traveled paths It all depends on what the person wishes to accomplish some go to make friends and meet fellow travelers from around the world and some walk the Camino for spiritual reasons seeking answers about the world and themselves Leue’s interest in the Camino stemmed from a desire to challenge her health She said that 13 years ago she was diagnosed with a neurological condition that made movement incredibly difficult She needed a walker to get around and struggled with movement but her husband wanted to try going for a long walk Leue said that not only did she survive the two and half week hike “I was so much healthier after the first walk,” Leue said “It was the first time I walked normally in over 11 years.” she found herself able to move more easily She said she wants to excite people and show them that walking the Camino is doable “It’s so varied you’ll never run out of things to do if you like to walk,” she said Leue can be reached at heleneleue@gmail.com Reach Madison Schofield at 413-930-4579 or mschofield@recorder.com you agree with our use of cookies to personalize your experience measure ads and monitor how our site works to improve it for our users The last few months in our electoral politics have been chaotic Between the attempts to assassinate former President Donald Trump President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the new Democratic candidate and the energy of the Republican and Democratic National Conventions it is clear that we are living in a time of great societal shifts we have many names for such times of great opportunity like when the Holy Spirit on Pentecost inspired the spreading of the good news of Jesus in countless languages a Kairos moment appears all at once; at other times it is a journey building toward a significant moment But all Kairos moments give us a glimpse of the divine “How do we use this appointed time to further the liberation I spent 10 days walking 100 miles of the Camino de Santiago France and Portugal established in the Middle Ages The route includes multiple roads starting from different locations and terminating at the Cathedral of St pilgrims have walked these roads seeking healing My journey also taught me unexpected lessons about how to lead while holding the past The physicality of the Camino gave rise to my first lesson along the way and taught me about navigating our present social conditions Some parts of the Camino cross high mountain ridges and I felt off balance and anxious when walking along edges with no barriers and a sharp drop-off I realized that focusing on my core made me less dizzy when walking along a ridge The adjustment I needed to make was a physical intervention By not focusing most of my attention on external factors I allowed my internal sense of balance to provide the strongest foundation for navigating the challenge before me It allowed me to remember how my faith in God and my core values provide me with stability and focus as I lead through difficult situations we each need to focus on our core values in order to navigate the uncertainty and the dangers we face as a society I lean into being as prepared as possible to ensure optimal results I trained for the Camino de Santiago by walking several miles daily including altitude adjustments when possible I encountered challenges on the road that left me wondering whether I could complete the journey I realized that my preparation had equipped me more than I had anticipated I found myself reflexively using breathing exercises to navigate the most challenging parts of the journey I realized I had fewer muscle aches than anticipated because I had invested in learning to stretch correctly Despite facing high humidity and temperatures in the 90s I was never dehydrated because I had learned from previous trips how to hydrate well before hiking in the heat My training for the Camino and the wisdom I’d gathered through life prepared me to meet these challenges but sometimes a daunting situation leaves us feeling unequipped We must remember that God prepares us in ways we do not always consider I was walking alone down a tree-lined path and heard a man behind me whistling beautifully of whom my fondest memories include his beautiful whistling The feeling was so palpable that I almost started to cry I felt my grandmother and countless others at my side and my back I sensed that my ancestors and many people who had walked the Camino before me were present with me I felt again the sensation of being accompanied by my ancestors I had an uncontrollable desire to laugh with delight and felt they were laughing with me as we are not alone in our efforts to bring about a healthy Our ancestors and predecessors walk with us on this journey The saints that many of our faith traditions honor stand with us in a tradition of love justice and liberation and share our joys and sorrows as we continue the journey Many of us have spent our lives building collective power that we hope will work on behalf of justice and peace in our world we have the potential and the opportunity for significant change in the world Kairos moments challenge each of us to embrace opportunities to be leaders in this effort My experiences on the Camino helped me see more clearly how I might navigate the road ahead We are steady when we remain centered on our values We carry wisdom and skills from years of practice and preparation And we never walk the road of peace and justice alone Jeanné Lewis serves as chief executive officer at Faith in Public Life Password reset instructions will be sent to your registered email address As a frequent reader of our website, you know how important America’s voice is in the conversation about the church and the world. 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Please contact us at members@americamedia.org with any questions The yellow arrow represents hope and the determination to continue spent her annual retreat on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela View Author Profile one can try to learn to live in a state of war even while knowing that the next missile or deadly drone might hit your home or your loved ones' homes at any time we have been running a marathon for survival And while two years ago there was still some hope in our hearts that this nightmare would end sooner or later I've noticed that we all share a common experience What once evoked surprise or emotion now barely touches our hearts service and sacrifice become compelling evidence that God is love We find ourselves less interested in hearing answers to questions we no longer ask; that is why we choose annual retreats that offer more silence and focus A backpack with the Ukrainian flag and Camino shell stands in front of Porto Cathedral the starting point of the Portuguese Way of the Camino de Santiago I live in a district of Kyiv that endures the largest number of Russian missiles and drones with explosives every night Everything around my house is constantly on fire Sometimes the air raid sirens don't stop all night you have to hide between the walls of the corridor or bathroom When news of the dead and wounded comes from all sides you can't help but thank God for the gift of your own life You begin to appreciate this life and even start to see it differently Perhaps the most tragic experience was when a Russian missile struck the children's hospital Okhmatdyt It's only 500 meters from my workplace and on my way home we heard explosions and the sounds of air defense and we read on our phones that this time the victims were sick children who You can't get used to something like this; it surpasses any notions of human cruelty it raises many questions about the meaning of life and death What struck me most was how people came from all directions to help clear the rubble It was a manifestation of love and solidarity that spoke more powerfully than any sermon There is indeed more goodness than evil in the world even when it sometimes feels like I am living in the very depths of hell Tweet this When the time came for my annual retreat, I chose an unconventional method of spiritual therapy. I needed to recover, reflect, and spend time alone with myself and God. I also wanted to pray and offer my small sacrifices in the pierced heart of Jesus, fervently asking for the war to end as soon as possible. I decided to embark on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela I planned it so that each day I could meditate on the letter of St pray the rosary and participate in celebration of the Eucharist It wasn't easy to walk 30 kilometers (19 miles) every day There were days when I had no dry clothes left felt every step and I pressed on my own blisters They sleep in bunkers and bravely hold their positions in the cold I prayed for the doctors and volunteers on the front lines they fully embody Jesus' commandment of love My thoughts were with those who have lost loved ones and friends to this cruel war Their grief can never be diminished or fully understood While staying in albergues (hostels) I woke at the slightest sound during the first few nights I felt as if I could hear explosions and needed to urgently seek shelter And when planes took off from the nearby airport I dreamed of a sky over Ukraine that would finally be clear and peaceful free from deadly missiles and fighter jets She waIked 30 kilometers (19 miles) every day sometimes in heavy rain or unbearable heat I felt grateful when pilgrims from different countries approached me along the way to talk They saw the blue and yellow flag on my backpack and wanted to express that they remember our pain warm hugs and words of support felt like messages from God: "I am here I love you!" Each act of solidarity was like a prayer being heard but it clearly highlights the light against the darkness I arrived in Santiago tired but very happy James' martyrdom in the Holy Land placed his body in a boat which sailed to the town of Padrón on the coast of Galicia from where the relics were transferred to Santiago de Compostela His love is stronger than any suffering and death And although I would soon have to return to the harshness of war I was filled with hope that God would surely ignite His campus stellae (field of stars) over Ukraine Here are the names The newest service offered by the Chinese app could save online retailers from the recent crisis The two best are in Spain, Milan is only fourth Tonight, we may see two worlds collide Is this the end of the large sales areas as we knew them? But would they really want to go? Ready, set, bet! On this occasion, we spoke with street artist Davide Vavalà China focuses on in transit shopping From Instagram sponsorship to million-dollar ads Benjamin Voisin plays the real-life figure revisited in the AppleTV+ series Following in the footsteps of Léna Situations, Mister V, Amixem and Andie Ella, Squeezie is now launching his new brand From Dubai to Brignoles, the revenge of a forgotten fruit From those for the pope's funeral to those for the inauguration of a government, to simple toasts The US President's attempt to save Hollywood passes, not surprisingly, through duties Which promises to reveal the whole truth about the rapper's famous “parties” Between bad experiences and a few too many statements about Anna Wintour And why it is important to constantly update your bio While in Italy university graduates are seeking their fortune abroad, US researchers are fleeing from Trump From May the 2nd to 4th Interview with Samuel Ross Interview with Willy Chavarria Interview with Louis Gabriel Nouchi Interview with Mowalola Interview with Marni’s Francesco Risso Interview with Jean-Charles de Castelbajac Interview with Byredo’s Ben Gorham Interview with Ottolinger Interview with Massimo Giorgetti Beyond the traditional realms of fashion The eight finalists tell their stories A record year at the competition for young designers in Trieste The Chinese designer debuted at Milan Fashion Week with the support of Dolce&Gabbana Fashion might have forgotten the art of fantasy, but the Shanghai-based designer hasn’t Interview with Hillary Taymour, founder and creative director of Collina Strada The collab between Napapijri and PDF by Domenico Formichetti was the first chapter of a new way of making fashion Interview with the PROTOTYPES Duo Y2K satire by Shukri Lawrence and Omar Braika in collaboration with Barragàn The Danish brand that questions contemporary manufacturing When personalisation and durability come together in your virtual dressing room, and not only a small town in northwestern Spain with around 14,000 inhabitants has also been affected by this transformation Located along the French Route of the Camino the most popular section of the paths leading to Santiago Sarria welcomed over 130,000 visitors in 2023 Despite its modest size and limited historical heritage the town is now filled with businesses catering to pilgrims including trekking gear stores and souvenir shops Get access to exclusive contents and keep yourself updated Get access to exclusive contents and keep yourself updated Select the topics in which you are interested: Every month a newsletter to receive updates from our creative media agency So you don't miss the chance to attend nss world events Every month the latest news from the French vertical of nss Key heritage sites located along the Camino Portuguese Coastal Way are being renovated to increase their attractiveness to pilgrims Spain’s Camino de Santiago, a historic network of pilgrimage routes leading to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, hosted a record-breaking 446,000 pilgrims in 2023. One major beneficiary of the boom is a lesser-known route on the Atlantic coast called the Camino Portuguese Coastal Way. The region is seeking to capitalise on this newfound popularity by restoring heritage sites and adding tourist facilities, aiming to turn previously hidden gems into must-sees. Since 2022, the regional government has been implementing a €39m plan that includes the restoration of heritage sites—several of which are along the Portuguese Coastal Way. Mosteiro de Oia, for instance, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery facing the sea, is due to reopen as a museum and hotel in 2026 after receiving €4m from the government. “It’s believed that this site could be the origin of this coastal route, as pilgrims may have detoured to seek medical assistance from the monastery’s hospital,” says Sarah Barbará, the curator and director of activities at the monastery. The priorities were washing clothes, tending to blisters and being in bed by 9pmJordi, pilgrim The monastery has offered guided visits since 2019, but Barbará concedes it has been difficult to lure pilgrims to join these because the site is located in the middle of a stage of the route. “The one-hour visit could slow them down, so they come in, walk around the cloister and leave,” she says. By offering accommodation, however, Barbará hopes the monastery will become an attractive Camino stop, especially for those who wish to do a comfortable version of the pilgrimage. “Pilgrims have their own schedule,” says Stefano Dominioni, the Council of Europe’s director of cultural routes. He says it is a challenge to retain them for longer stays. “Some regions do this by increasing the variety of cultural offers, teaming up with other routes, or creating joint ventures to promote packages of offers,” he says. Not far from Mosteiro de Oia, the two historic lighthouses of Cape Silleiro are also being restored and transformed into tourist facilities targeting pilgrims. The Faro Vello, which started operating in 1866 and was previously in ruins, reopened its doors as a tavern in August. Meanwhile, the second lighthouse, which celebrated its centenary in 2024, is being converted into a hotel and a restaurant. Stopover towns on the route are still figuring out a way to channel visitors to their cultural sites. In Baiona, the port where Columbus’s first ships disembarked on their return from America and one of the main stops of the Portuguese Coastal Way, some sites are struggling to profit from an influx of pilgrims that far exceeds its population of 12,000. “We haven’t felt much of an impact yet,” says Rosa Villar, the director of Casa de la Navegación, a museum located in its medieval old town. While the famous scallop signposts of the Camino de Santiago lead pilgrims past the museum’s door, few venture in. Villar notes that the replica of Pinta, Columbus’s caravel (a small sailing ship) moored in the port, faces a similar challenge, as does Baiona’s 17th-century former hospital, which features a statue of the Apostle St James in pilgrim robes. Jordi, an Australian pilgrim who recently walked the Portuguese Coastal Way with his father, tells The Art Newspaper that while they did visit a couple of museums, their schedule left little time for sightseeing. “The priorities were washing clothes, tending to blisters, figuring out a dinner plan and being in bed by 9pm,” he says. They completed the pilgrimage in June after two weeks of walking. “What I wanted to get from the Camino was a stronger relationship with my dad, and we got that.” headquartered in a 14th-century Gothic monastery just outside Porto seeks to educate visitors through its inaugural exhibition news17 September 2024How a Portuguese sanctuary for pilgrims became a modern-day haven for the artsPorto’s 600-year-old Leça do Balio monastery has found a new lease of life as cultural centre news6 June 2023Reina Sofía Museum and Whitworth Gallery appoint new directorsThe art historian Manuel Segade will join the Madrid institution while Tate international art curator Sook-Kyung Lee takes the reins in Manchester ACCIONA has brought into service the 11.7-kilometer Melide - Palas de Rei interchange (Galicia) section of the A-54 highway between Lugo and Santiago de Compostela of the 94 kilometers that make up the road the sections from Lugo to Palas de Rei and from Arzúa to Santiago are in operation 16.4 kilometers remain to be completed between the towns of Melide and Arzúa which connects to the AC-840 regional road which connects the expressway to the N-547 highway via a local road The section also includes a total of 18 structures Seco and Pambre Rivers; two over the Vilar and San Xulian streams and a final viaduct over the “Serra do Careón” Site of Community Important (SCI) to avoid impacting an area where the “santolina melidensis” plant is found four underpasses and a 270-meter wall at the Melide Sur interchange The most remarkable of these structures is the Pambre Viaduct which has a maximum height of 32.85 meters and a length of 977 meters making it the longest in the province of Lugo With a single deck and 16 spans (distance between the supporting points of the viaduct) it currently holds the Spanish record for the length of a span built by self-shoring (a type of special formwork that stands by itself without the need for external supports) the planned section runs along the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela which has influenced the design of certain aspects of the new highway such as the length and layout of the Pambre viaduct I accept Information on data protection In compliance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 on Data Protection and with other Data Protection regulations in force you are hereby informed that your personal data shall be processed by Acciona whose identification data are as follows: Tax ID No (NIF): A08001851; Address: Avenida de la Gran Vía de Hortaleza No.: +34 91 663 28 50; email: protecciondedatos@acciona.com Your data shall be processed in order to send you information through the subscription to our Newsletter through electronic means activities and news pertinent to our activity sectors The consent given by the data subject by indicating that they have read and accept this data protection information comprises the lawfulness of processing the subscription Request cannot be satisfied We may also process your satisfaction or preferences Data shall be stored until the elimination is requested we may give access to your data to service providers (such as technology service providers) who assist us in fulfilling this purpose may be located outside of the European Economic Area in territories that do not offer a level of data protection that is comparable to that of the European Union we transfer User data with appropriate safeguards and always ensuring the security of the same The data subject can exercise their rights of access to or rectification and/or the restriction of or objection to the processing of such data by writing the Department of Data Protection located at Avenida de la Gran Vía de Hortaleza 28033 (Madrid) or by sending the form available in the link: FORM If we consider it necessary in order to be able to identify you, we may ask you for a copy of an identity document. Furthermore, at any time the data subject may withdraw the granted consent by contacting the aforementioned address and file a claim to the Supervisory Authority (Agencia Española de Protección de Datos www.aepd.es) You can also unsubscribe from the Newsletter communication For any further information you can visit the Privacy Police on the website https://www.acciona.com/privacy-policy/ A transformation on the Camino de Santiago I was entering Santiago de Compostela with 89 other people after having walked the Camino for 5 days Today I sit down to remember what I experienced with deep gratitude for everything I received I want to remember the experience and pass it through my heart again I had been wanting to do the Camino for quite some time but I have to admit that I was unconsciously waiting for the travel plan and the entire organization to somehow rain from the sky All wonderful and surely great travel companions And when the topic of doing the Camino de Santiago comes up it has not yet occurred to me that my interlocutor tells me that he has no interest in doing it has the curiosity to do it for the first time or even many times for another year it seemed that my wish was going to remain just that the University had organized a pilgrimage and I I think that the holy Don Santiago was already a little tired of me asking him to take me every year Accompanying 85 young people along with 4 other trainers Equipped with everything recommended by experts with great enthusiasm and some expectations And although I offered the route for various intentions of mine and other people I cannot deny that I went with a certain tourist spirit But along the way something happened that turned me into a pilgrim And being a tourist or a simple walker is not the same as going on a pilgrimage it is the way we position ourselves before things that will largely determine what we find We can stay on the surface of reality or go deep We can look at the path as a simple (not easy due to the demand) progression of stages towards a destination or we can let it envelop us and soak us with each event experienced With each step… And the pilgrim searches it is not satisfied with visiting and putting a check on the list of destinations knowing that he is a small link in a chain of steps that many have taken before him for centuries With a deep look that makes you not only see but go beyond what is apparent to be able to be amazed and grateful for each step taken It is the look of someone who sets out with the hope of reaching a destination It is the look of one who knows that he does not walk alone and allows himself to be accompanied It is that of the one who knows that hard stages will come; many uphill climbs It is the look of someone who is capable of living and savoring every moment of the now it is the look of someone who knows he is vulnerable but even so he does not stop walking because he trusts in that goal It is the look of one who knows that life itself is a journey I have always liked the expression that we are pilgrims on earth and that we walk towards heaven We are passing through and even if you don’t have faith I am sure that it is possible for you to see yourself like this Searcher for the meaning of your life and knowing that this is a journey I say it to myself and I leave it here to share it with you open your eyes and don’t stop searching Open your ears and let yourself be accompanied Be silent to listen to others and the desires of your own heart knowing that it is well done Walk leaning on the staffs of hope and charity Don’t forget to put those people you love your loves and all your pains in your backpack Sleeping Well for a Better Life: Ideas That Will Make You Rethink Your Nights Tweets by Pontifex Oct 15, 2015 / Written by: Andrea F. Phillips 2015 two pilgrims arrived in Santiago de Compostela a work colleague and I did not walk with pilgrims who yearly make the famous “Way of Santiago de Compostela” or “El Camino” we helped deliver 14,108 red roses and more than 6,000 white roses to the Fatima Shrine in the name of a multitude of ANF Rosary Rally Captains and supporters It was a dream of Cyndee’s to make the “Camino” and I had long heard of the famous shrine and burial place of the great apostle of Spain James was martyred in Jerusalem in 44 A.D. and his body was immediately translated back to Spain where he had preached the Gospel of his Divine Master History having erased the memory of the place of the saint’s burial in 813 a shepherd boy saw a star that guided him to his tomb; hence “Compostela” or “Field of the Star” A cathedral was erected over the place where the apostle’s body was discovered two non-Spanish-speaking-just-arrived-by-bus pilgrims handing the taxi driver a slip of paper with the address to San Martino Pinario Hotel San Martino turned out to be a sixteenth century stone building lounge and patio-garden – bonus: directly across from the Cathedral of Santiago or St I noticed teenagers walking along the streets in band uniforms looking out of my ancient stone-recessed window we watched a procession of altar servers emerge from the cathedral holding aloft a float with a beautiful statue of Saint Teresa of Avila which wound through the cobbled streets for forty minutes to the prayerful cadence of the Rosary I finally discovered we were headed for the Carmelite Convent where the “Big Flower” as the Spaniards lovingly call their Teresa was crowned in honor of her 500th anniversary which was being celebrated on her feast day that very day and hour (October 15 And so privileged to have “crashed” such an auspicious celebration It felt like a special blessing after so many that week was the Pilgrims’ Mass where the famous incensor or thurible called “Botafumeiro” (Flame Thrower) is used Six men dressed in rich maroon cloaks worked in unison to swing the huge thurible so high that it almost touched the soaring ceiling of the cathedral as it delivered clouds of incense we met many people from all over the world from Denmark to New Zealand They all had come to walk or bicycle the “Camino” but all there for the same reason: looking for God spiritual experience they had while walking the Way of St the walk was an experience that brought them closer to God and gave them a better understanding of self pilgrims hailing from California/Atlanta/Fatima And considering we had just been to Fatima to deliver thousands of roses to Our Lady arriving for the celebration of the “Big Flower” felt like a not-so-far-fetched bonus blessing A pilgrimage site that holds a special place in the hearts of Catholics is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela Teresa of Avila about her talking to a statue of St who would report everything the nuns had done during her absence October 15: Teresa was brought up by her saintly father Several books were written by Teresa which give an account of her spiritual life She is known as "The Big Flower." A beautiful prayer for the Church composed by St Teresa of Avila I want to help America Needs Fatima spread the Fatima message Home » Transformative Experience: Students Hike Spain’s Camino de Santiago Exploring the sites and experiencing the culture of different countries is a must when studying abroad A group of 10 UA students took it to a new level this summer The group hiked over 230 miles in 27 days from St a route traveled by pilgrims since the ninth century nothing could have prepared me fully for what the experience would be,” said Nick Pate “It was the hardest thing I had ever done while also being the most fun experience of my life.” the students were immersed in multiple cultures as they were challenged both intellectually and physically “I organized this trip after hiking a portion of the Camino de Santiago with my daughter in 2019 I have been a long-distance thru-hiker for decades and have seen how hiking can teach some of life’s most important lessons,” Peacock explained Those lessons translated well for the students on this excursion Sophia Biernat believes the trip made for an entirely unique learning experience we became active participants in our environment Hiking through multiple regions of Spain helped us understand the distinct cultures and climates that exist within the country,” she said Ponce Vazquez is a native of Spain who has completed the hike before He said the physical strenuousness of the trip didn’t detract from the academics.“Margaret and I gave mini impromptu lectures on the road about Iberian medieval history the meanings of pilgrimage and many other topics But the most incredible thing was that students ended up teaching each other,” he said “They gave presentations along the way of different sites: fortresses Two-thirds into the trip they could talk in elaborate ways about Romanesque and Gothic art and they naturally gravitated towards and wanted to visit every historical building we found along the road.” The pilgrimage, which the students documented on Instagram not only took them out of the classroom but their comfort zones as well “This trip was meant for me to go on,” said Nathaniel Sonmez the hike was about testing myself and proving that I could make it through something like this.” “I had not been very physically active since high school and doing this hike enabled me to push my limits I’ve become much more confident in myself and made friendships that I believe will last a long time,” added Summer Pettis “I can tell people that I’ve hiked across a country — how many people can say that?” Peacock and Ponce Vazquez created an experience the group won’t soon forget students had to physically work really hard every day and we were right there with them every step of the way It allowed us to get to know each other in ways that would be unthinkable in any other ordinary academic setting,” explained Ponce Vazquez thought together and suffered together when our feet hurt at the end of the day.” Friendships weren’t formed just between students.  “We got to see so many things that normally wouldn’t be accessible on a normal study abroad trip but this trip also allowed for us to build better connections with our professors since the group was so small and always together,” said Sonmez Study abroad opportunities can be life-changing for the teachers as well.  challenging and safe experience for the students It is hard to put into words how transformative this experience was,” said Peacock I remember the quiet of the ninth-century churches that we visited in every village the expanse of the land as it stretched out before us and the capacity that all of us have to face any challenge when we have our friends with us.” “This was a transformative experience that will stay with students for the rest of their lives I consider myself lucky for having been able to walk alongside my colleague and this incredible group of young men and women.” Visit the Capstone International Center website to learn more about UA’s other study abroad opportunities University of Alabama News This website uses cookies to collect information to improve your browsing experience. Please review our Privacy Statement for more information. 2024Photo: Víctor Nuño / Getty ImagesSave this storySaveSave this storySave“Tu mochila es tan pesada como tus miedos,” says Leonardo San Sebastián as he lifts the bottom of my backpack to check its weight We’re standing before the Santuario de Santa María a Real do Cebreiro thatched-roof church located in a mountaintop town that feels more likely to be in Ireland than in Galicia an autonomous region in northwestern Spain I enter the building and make an offering before lighting a candle within a red votive holder then take a seat in one of the old wooden pews to contemplate the last several days spent hiking the Camino de Santiago which has left my feet and legs tired and sore but has given me hundreds of hours to be with myself and my thoughts amid rolling fields of poppy and wheat Photo: Michaela TrimbleGuided by the experts of Mountain Travel Sobek I’m walking the Camino Frances route of the Camino de Santiago a network of paths that weaves through the South of France and nearly every stretch of Spain and leads to Santiago de Compostela I’m not participating in the walk for religious reasons a calling of curiosity to learn more about the world’s great pilgrimages and why people do them I’ve had the opportunity to experience cultural rites of passages around the world from walking parts of the Kumano Kodo in Japan with a practicing monk to participating in the Qoyllur Rit’i walk in Peru to celebrate the reappearance of the Pleiades constellation in the sky I’m fascinated by the transformative power of a singular destination shared among many: when hundreds it creates a certain type of momentum—like magic A desire to feel what that meant for people walking the Camino de Santiago drew me to this pilgrimage Photo: Michaela TrimbleOriginally from the Basque Country Leonardo is one of the three guides leading me along my two-week journey along the Camino Frances one of the most popular routes of the Camino de Santiago Given that my bags were already transported to the next hotel he’s wondering what I have in my backpack that could weigh so much and nods to the greater meaning of a journey like walking the Camino de Santiago: The more fear we have whether alluding to the gear in a backpack or the fears and anxieties we hold as we move through life No matter which route travelers choose to take where the trails come together at the town’s eponymous Romanesque cathedral a structure completed in the early 1200s and believed to hold the tomb of the apostle St When the tomb was purportedly discovered in the 9th century the town and its cathedral became one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in Europe leading to the creation of the Camino de Santiago While each route has its unique history and heritage the Camino Frances has been the most popular trail since the Middle Ages and is about 500 miles Given that I only have a few weeks to spare a village on the French side of the Basque Pyrenees I’ve already crossed from France into Spain and walked along the historical Pass of Roncesvalles I’ve crossed through the oak and beech forests of the Erro Valley arriving in Pamplona before setting off for the 9th-century city of Burgos on the Rio Arlanzon beyond seemingly endless fields of billowing wheat and poppies home to one of the most famous Gothic-style cathedrals in Spain I’ve walked down country roads lined with vineyards until crossing into Galicia for the final stretch of the journey Photo: Michaela TrimbleJust a day away from reaching Santiago de Compostela tells me why he chose to dedicate his life to leading travelers along the Camino de Santiago until he had a fall that nearly left him paralyzed During his three-month stay in the hospital he began to form a unique view of the Virgin Mary He promised her he would dedicate his life to doing what he does today if she let him walk again The walk he’s leading me on marks his 127th journey “The Camino de Santiago is special that way Many people do it at significant turning points in their lives: graduation “Many pilgrims walk because their path forward is unclear Through days of silence and time alone in nature Photo: Michaela TrimbleThough the trail is a Catholic rite of passage most people I meet aren’t walking for that reason alone are stepping out of one phase of life and entering another One woman I met told me she talked to her late husband during her entire walk feeling his spirit near her throughout her journey he didn’t know how much longer he would be able to do such an athletic feat I felt like I had a chance to process my last relationships I hadn’t given myself much time between them and I thought about my contribution to where things had gone wrong Photo: Michaela TrimbleWalking the Camino de Santiago taught me many lessons Sometimes it’s a pleasure to trip past undulating fields of wildflowers and other times it’s a slog of rainy days where the path ahead is barely visible it likely means there’s unknown beauty ahead—usually in the form of a rainbow smeared across the sky above a distant valley I’ve yet had the joy to know The Danish Home Lighting Trend That Can Improve Your Mental Health In America’s Cities, Saunas Are Becoming the Hottest Social Spot Millie Bobby Brown Shares Her Favorite Paella Recipe—and Details About Her Wedding to Jake Bongiovi A Day-by-Day Guide to Hiking the Legendary Nakasendo Trail in Japan Never miss a Vogue moment and get unlimited digital access for just $2 $1 per month we probe the fundamental structure of particles that make up everything around us We do so using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments Know more The Higgs Boson The W boson The Z boson The Large Hadron Collider The Birth of the web Antimatter Latest news Media News The research programme at CERN covers topics from kaons to cosmic rays and from the Standard Model to supersymmetry See all resources The exhibition Instruments of Vision comprises photographs and videos taken by Armin Linke during visits to experimental facilities such as CERN or the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (L'Aquila or the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (Vienna Armin Linke has produced images that portray some of the work pursued by staff from the Galician Institute of High Energy Physics (IGFAE) at CERN The photographs show how the scientific community has generated very complex instruments that allow us to observe and understand how the most fundamental elements of matter work These photographs are enriched by the unique location of the exhibition which is on display at Igrexa da Universidade a baroque church at the heart of the old town Linke invites visitors to witness spaces of research where various kinds of instruments or components – such as parts of particle detectors data processors archival images – can be found His work captures the dynamic nature of laboratories highlighting often overlooked elements and scenes in which physicists become intertwined with the precise instruments that underpin scientific inquiry These activities are depicted not merely as isolated scientific endeavours but as integral components of a broader social and cultural composition reflecting the interconnectedness of science CERN science and history are explored in three interviews with key voices in the community: Maria Fidecaro an experimental physicist and one of the first female scientists at CERN one of the founding fathers of ATLAS and a former spokesperson of the experiment.The three physicists shared with the artist their views on the development of detector and imaging technologies at CERN and the role these technologies play in advancing particle physics.  “Breakthroughs in physics over the past decades guided by complex instrumentation and sophisticated experiments have transformed our understanding of fundamental concepts such as matter our understanding deepens and becomes more diverse inviting everyone to participate in an intellectual and creative exchange that takes place across disciplines” Head of Arts at CERN and curator of the exhibition Instruments of Vision opens on 21 June and runs until 28 August 2024 The exhibition commemorates the 25th anniversary of IGFAE and the 70th anniversary of CERN IGFAE and Arts at CERN join forces to promote new models of dialogue between artists and scientists at the laboratories More Social Media Accounts On December 19, 2024, Pope Francis addressed a group of Italian pilgrims from the Camino de Santiago challenging them to reflect on the spiritual essence of their journey the pilgrims were accompanied by Archbishop Francisco Prieto Fernández of Santiago de Compostela and members of the Don Guanella community who have long supported pilgrims on the historic route to the shrine of St The Pope praised the growing popularity of the Camino which has drawn millions of walkers in recent decades including past popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI he posed a probing question: “Are those who walk the Camino truly on a pilgrimage While recognizing the diverse motivations of those embarking on the Camino — spiritual search or a retreat from modern life — the Pope urged participants to consider the markers of an authentic Christian pilgrimage He outlined three key elements of such a journey: requires silence to listen to the heart’s deepest questions and to hear God’s voice “like a gentle breeze,” as described in the Hebrew Bible (1 Kings 19:9-13) becomes a spiritual tool for discerning answers and fostering intimacy with God Pope Francis encouraged pilgrims to carry a pocket-sized Gospel and to read it daily I will pay for it myself!” The daily reading of Scripture invites the Holy Spirit to walk alongside the pilgrim “The goal of a believer’s life is to ensure no one is left behind.” On the Camino The Pope encouraged the pilgrims to return from their journey as apostles “Pilgrims come back as apostles,” he affirmed Pope Francis invoked the Holy Family of Nazareth themselves pilgrims in the lands of Palestine and Egypt as a model for all who walk paths of faith humorously urging them to “pray hard” for him Pope Francis called for a rediscovery of the spiritual depth of pilgrimage reminding all travelers that the true journey begins not in walking Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you Please make a tax-deductible donation today Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Mission Statement: to assist the integration of foreign residents living in Spain and this is never more accurate than when you establish yourself as a foreign resident in a new country Being able to quickly familiarise yourself with the culture and customs can help ease the transition during a challenging time This is why Euro Weekly News makes it our mission to provide you with a free news resource in English that covers both regional and national Spanish news – anything that we feel you will benefit from knowing as you integrate into your new community and live your best life in Spain you can forget about translating articles from Spanish into awkward English that probably don’t make much sense Let us be your convenient and essential guide to all things that will likely affect you as a foreign resident living in Spain The Camino de Santiago has seen a record-breaking year with nearly half a million pilgrims completing the historic route in 2024 Its enduring appeal continues to captivate people from around the world 499,239 pilgrims received their completion certificates from the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago de Compostela—more than ever before This is a significant jump from the 446,082 certificates issued in 2023 and 438,307 in 2022 183 determined walkers arrived in Santiago to celebrate their achievement which has drawn pilgrims since the Middle Ages attracting people of all backgrounds for religious Much of its modern resurgence is credited to books like Hape Kerkeling’s Ich bin dann mal weg and Paulo Coelho’s The Pilgrimage the Camino’s network of trails spans Europe While the Camino’s popularity is a testament to its universal appeal it has also brought challenges for locals and infrastructure In May and August—two of the busiest months—over 72,000 pilgrims arrived creating daily averages of more than 2,300 walkers This influx has strained accommodations and led to complaints from residents of villages along the route Some locals have reported disrespectful behaviour from visitors including littering and even trespassing on private property Even the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela has felt the impact The temporary suspension of the iconic botafumeiro incense ceremony left some visitors disappointed underscoring how high expectations can be for this once-in-a-lifetime journey The Camino continues to attract a wide variety of people Spaniards made up 42% of the total pilgrims this year and Germans also featured prominently among the numbers pilgrims came from far-flung countries like Gambia While the Camino Francés remains the most popular route—236,378 walkers passed through Sarria alone—other paths are growing in popularity and 74,758 chose the Coastal Portuguese Way pilgrims must walk at least 100 kilometres or cycle 200 kilometres with their journey verified by stamps in their pilgrim passport president of the European Friends of the Camino estimates that about a third of pilgrims walk for religious reasons and the rest for cultural or personal motivations He encourages travellers to consider off-peak seasons to ease overcrowding and enjoy a more peaceful experience Find more news about Spain Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox Euro Weekly News is the leading English language newspaper in Spain by delivering news with a social conscience we are proud to be the voice for the expat communities who now call Spain home With around half a million print readers a week and over 1.5 million web views per month EWN has the biggest readership of any English language newspaper in Spain The paper prints over 150 news stories a week with many hundreds more on the web – no one else even comes close Our publication has won numerous awards over the last 25 years including Best Free Newspaper of the Year (Premios AEEPP) Company of the Year (Costa del Sol Business Awards) and Collaboration with Foreigners honours (Mijas Town Hall) All of this comes at ZERO cost to our readers All our print and online content always has been and always will be FREE OF CHARGE Download our media pack in either English or Spanish Female pilgrims tell of terrifying aggression the lingering effects and their belief that their cases are far from isolated It was on the outskirts of the northern Spanish town of Mieres, as she raced past colourful houses built of stone and wood-framed windows, that Sara Dhooma wrestled with the possibility that she might die. Minutes earlier, the Canadian had been walking a remote section of the Camino de Santiago. After noticing a man was following her, she ducked into a cafe. When she re-emerged, the same man was seemingly waiting for her along another part of the ancient network of pilgrimage routes. This time he unzipped his trousers and grabbed his genitals. “I was horrified,” said Dhooma, as she recounted the 2019 incident. There were no other people nearby; she watched terrified as he began moving towards her. “I felt very, very unsafe at that moment.” Read moreDhooma fled and the man chased her When she spotted a home with smoke curling out of its chimney I didn’t know what he wanted to do,” she said It just so happened that the home she had entered belonged to a police officer The fateful twist may have prevented the situation from escalating Later it emerged that the man had a knife and bullets in his backpack I don’t know what would have happened,” Dhooma said Dhooma was one of nine women who spoke to the Guardian about incidents of sexual harassment they had experienced while walking the Camino de Santiago in the past five years While the women who have spoken to the Guardian about sexual harassment are a fraction of the hundreds of thousands who undertake the pilgrimage each year, their stories hint at an issue described by the founder of one forum for female pilgrims as “endemic” Many of the incidents happened when women were alone and in areas where there were no other people nearby Photograph: LOOK Die Bildagentur der Fotografen GmbH/AlamyMany of the incidents happened as women were alone and in areas where there were no other people nearby said she had been walking a forested route near the Portuguese town of Tomar earlier this year when she spotted a man with no trousers on It was 7am and there was nobody else around The man followed her for about a minute or so her pace slowed by her 10kg (22lb) backpack She tried to call the police but the signal was too weak to get through her voice panic-struck as she explained in English that she was worried that the man might be following her They instructed her to call the local police “I just felt completely alone at that point.” she managed to connect with an English-speaking officer at the local police station who said they would increase patrols in the area Portuguese police told the Guardian that since 2023 they had received five reports from pilgrims all of them related to incidents of exhibitionism None of the suspects were identified and no arrests were made “It was just happening everywhere around us,” she said “It’s being looked at like an isolated incident whereas I just know so many other people that things had happened to – it’s not an isolated issue.” Spanish police were described as being swift to respond though often times the aggressors were nowhere to be found Photograph: blickwinkel/AlamyIn May of last year was slowly making her way from the Spanish town of Lezama to Bilbao when she glanced up to the path ahead of her I turn around and start running like a madwoman.” her only thought was how to get out of the situation She did not call the police or scream for help because there was no one around: she felt alone and terrified “I was never the same after that,” said Bergeron She started walking with other people whenever possible While the incident would not deter her from returning to the Camino she said next time she would steel herself for the kinds of situations that could arise Free weekly newsletterThe most pressing stories and debates for Europeans – from identity to economics to the environment When 27-year-old Yasmina set off to do the pilgrimage trail by herself last year she was already anxious about being alone in remote areas she sought to talk herself out of her fears so many women have done this before and I can do this alone as well.” While walking towards the Spanish town of Astorga who started to masturbate as she passed by worried that the man she had seen was a fellow pilgrim “Is this someone who is going to sleep at the same hostel as me tonight The next morning she knew she did not feel safe enough to get back on the trail with two weeks and 125 miles (200km) of route left to walk “I felt foolish for thinking I could do this alone but also very angry that the world is like this,” she said Most of the women who spoke to the Guardian described Spanish police as being swift to respond though often the aggressors were nowhere to be found said police did nothing to help after she came across a man who was masturbating as she walked along the outskirts of the Spanish city of Logroño last year and I remember holding them in my hands and so I could protect myself,” said Jolien Denyayer actually they were of no help … they were really dismissive after her ordeal of being chased in northern Spain resulting in a Spanish court levying a fine of more than £2,510 (€3,000) against her aggressor as well as a 16-month restraining order “There’s only been a few select times in my life that I was afraid that this was it that I was going to die – and that was one of those moments,” she said I just didn’t want it to happen to anyone else I’m sure history would have repeated itself.” The 2019 incident was not the first time her experience had been marred by harassment; in 2014 a man exposed himself in front of her and another pilgrim the Camino to me was this kind of magical journey I was taking Everything was new; beautiful surroundings and there wasn’t anything dark or unsettling,” she said By 2024-07-30T05:00:00+01:00 SPAIN: It was ‘incomprehensible’ that a high speed line equipped with ERTMS would not have it installed at a location where a speed restriction meant it was so obviously required the judge said when a criminal court reached its verdict on the July 24 2013 derailment of a Class 730 Alvia train The RENFE inter-city service from Madrid to Ferrol entered a tight curve on the approach to Santiago de Compostela at 191 km/h On July 26 — 11 years and two days after the derailment — the judge said that the RENFE train driver and the former Head of Operational Safety at infrastructure manager ADIF had breached the duty of care imposed on them by their positions Their actions represented an unlawful increase in a risk that they were obliged to prevent and capable of avoiding Both have been sentenced to 30 months in prison and prevented from resuming their professional activities for a further 54 months RENFE and ADIF insurers QBE and Allianz Global must now pay out more than €25m to those affected by the derailment The court found that the accident did not cause the death of one of the passengers 73 days later The court found that there were several causes The driver’s actions were deemed seriously negligent He was distracted by a 100 sec mobile phone call from the guard requesting a change of track at Puentedume station he did not see signals warning him of the approach to the curve Reducing the train’s speed after a long stretch of 200 km/h track was left entirely in the hands of the driver with no lineside automatic train protection equipment even though this was legally required where the line speed was abruptly lowered The signalling contractors had identified the curve as a possible derailment risk and had recommended using ERTMS as an overlay on the ASFA ATP but ADIF had not undertaken a risk assessment In autumn 2011 the Head of Operational Safety had ignored the gap in the line’s ATP when submitting documentation to the government stating that the line was ready to be put into use ADIF identified more than 300 other locations on the network where there were similar significant changes in permitted line speed GREECE: Rail and air accident investigation body EODASAAM exposes serious systemic failures in the Greek railway sector and makes 17 recommendations for improvement in its report into the head-on collision between passenger and freight trains near Tempi which killed 57 people on February 28 2023 FRANCE: On October 10 the Paris criminal court announced its verdict on the fatal high speed derailment of a TGV test train on November 14 2015 near Eckwersheim at the eastern end of LGV Est-Européenne The EU Agency for Railways is continuing its campaign to develop a risk-based safety culture across Europe’s rail networks as Executive Director Josef Doppelbauer explains to Chris Jackson Site powered by Webvision Cloud Home - The Church - Pope Francis gives reflection on the Camino de Santiago before a group of pilgrims They traveled to the Vatican accompanied by the Archbishop of Compostela and the Guanellian Fathers who assist travelers at the end of the pilgrimage.The Pope met with a large group of Italian pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. They were accompanied by the Archbishop of Santiago and the Guanelli Fathers, who have been caring for walkers on this spiritual journey for years. The Pope reflected on the inner experience of making the Camino. POPE FRANCISThe pilgrimage is made by re-reading the path that Jesus took, to the extreme gift of self. The path is all the more true, all the more Christian, the more it leads us to go out from ourselves and give ourselves freely, in the service of our neighbor. Pope Francis said he was pleasantly surprised to see the high number of pilgrims who walked to Santiago in the last 30 years and remembered his predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, who were also in Compostela. Among those present was also the Archbishop of Santiago. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. The best walking shoes, backpack, and even underwear—here’s everything you need for embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime journey. I’ve made the trip twice, on two routes: the UNESCO Heritage-recognized Camino Francés and Camino Portugués. Between the two trips, I walked more than 700 miles for 50 days in June. Along the way, I’ve learned a few things about packing for the Camino.   Because both of my pilgrimages took place in the summer, I was able leave heavy outerwear behind. However, the potential for rain meant I had to consider waterproof materials. I carried my own backpack, so I prioritized lightweight and multifunctional items. Here’s everything I packed and how they held up, plus what I wish I had brought with me.  There’s nothing quite like the pressure of choosing what to bring on a pilgrimage, especially if you’ve never been on one before. Below, I detail the products I carried for hundreds of miles, including what I wish I had packed.  Photograph Courtesy OspreyBuy it now at Osprey When shopping for a backpack, I looked for something multifunctional. I wanted a backpack that could be used as a travel carry-on, a daypack, and an overnight bag. Osprey’s Tempest was highly recommended by other Camino de Santiago pilgrims. I chose the 30-liter, knowing that I would be filling it to the brim. It was the perfect size for my month-long Camino and two-week pilgrimage.  I especially appreciated the hip belt pockets, where I stashed my sunscreen, and the mesh pocket in the front panel. It served as a catch-all for everything from my snacks to my rain jacket within easy reach.  Photograph Courtesy HokaBuy it now at Hoka The most important gear for walking the Camino is footwear I saw pilgrims wearing traditional hiking boots I also saw pilgrims in Hoka’s top trail runner Because I knew I’d be walking on different surfaces including asphalt They were roomy enough in the toe box and had a good amount of support for seven hours of daily walking (We wore Hoka’s Clifton 9 on a 600-mile journey. Here’s our review.) Photograph Courtesy REIBuy it now at REI Trekking poles turned out to be a game-changer for my journey through the Pyrenees they were important to every pilgrim I met REI’s Flash Carbon trekking poles provided much-needed support on the inclines and stability on the demanding descents They were also helpful insurance against potential sprains my trekking poles helped lessen the weight with each step Buy it now at Ridge Merino I first wore sun hoodies on the Camino Francés and found them to be a less-fussy alternative to reapplying sunscreen throughout my walk. For my second pilgrimage, I knew I could find something lighter and more temperature-regulating. The Ridge Merino hoodie is mainly made of Merino wool and offers UPF 30 sun protection. I put the manufacturer’s claims of temperature regulation and odor resistance to the test on multiple scorching days. They held up, keeping me cool and smelling fine.  Photograph Courtesy REIBuy it now at REI I first heard about Injinji toe socks through online forums and Facebook groups while preparing for my first Camino walk reducing sweat and chafing for fewer blisters They worked so well during my walk that I wore them again later for a marathon (These sacred paths have attracted a new set of pilgrims: Fitness buffs) Photograph Courtesy BackcountryBuy it now at Backcountry Photograph Courtesy HokaBuy it now at Hoka I consider myself a minimalist when it comes to packing for the Camino But the one comfort item I will always bring are Hoka recovery slides They’re neither the lightest nor the slimmest pair of slippers but the comfort is worth the packing trade-off I looked forward to slipping into these sandals to help rest my tired feet (The best recovery shoes for relaxing after a workout) Photograph Courtesy AmazonBuy it now on Amazon Photograph Courtesy AmazonBuy it now on Amazon I heard about 2Toms SportShield from an ultramarathon runner and fellow pilgrim. He swore they were the reason he never got blisters. For my second Camino, I found his claim held up. Every morning, I’d roll on the liquid before putting on my Injinji toe socks and shoes, and I didn’t have any issues with blisters either.   Photograph Courtesy AmazonBuy it now on Amazon There’s nothing better than a multiuse product when you need to pack light Bronner’s solid soaps can be used in 18 different ways from washing your hair to washing your clothes The soap’s versatility came in handy on my pilgrimages you never know when you’ll be able to wash your clothes in a washing machine Though technically it can replace your shampoo and toothpaste and I never had the courage to test it in my mouth (3 ways to plan a Camino de Santiago hiking pilgrimage) Having walked more than roughly 620 miles along the Camino, my packing list has become quite tailored. However, there were two things that came to mind on the road that I wish I had packed.   Photograph Courtesy Paka ApparelBuy it now at Paka There was significantly more rain on my second Camino. Although I prioritized lightweight, quick-drying fabrics for my outerwear, my undergarments took the longest to dry. After my trip, I started looking for moisture-wicking alternatives that dry quickly. The alpaca fiber used in Paka’s underwear is known for antimicrobial and odor-resistant qualities, making this line a travelers’ favorite that I’ll be packing on future trips.  Photograph Courtesy AmazonBuy it now on Amazon While I used a backpack rain cover and a rain jacket on my two trips I regretted not bringing a lightweight poncho While the cover kept the front of my backpack dry rain soaked through the shoulder straps and the padding onto my back It is also takes up much less space than my backpack’s rain cover (Pilgrimages could be the next post-COVID travel trend) A great thing about carrying your own pack is understanding what is truly essential. You learn to eliminate what you don’t need because the weight of an item isn’t worth carrying. An easy guideline is to pack less than 15 percent of your body weight.   Choose items that serve multiple functions, such as a hoodie for sun protection and warmth or slides for walking and showering. Small ways to reduce weight can make a big impact on the road.   Take your pack for an extended walk, ideally overnight, and ask yourself if it sits right on your back. Is it too heavy to carry comfortably for a dozen miles? Check the fit of your shoes, understanding that your feet will likely swell from hours of walking. Trying out your pack well before you set off for the Camino will give you time to make adjustments.   Unlike other trekking routes, the Camino de Santiago passes through towns and cities. That means that if you left your towel in the last albergue or forgot something, you’ll likely be able to replace it. There are also plenty of pharmacies along the Camino routes.  I first learned about the Camino de Santiago from a fellow volunteer at a cheese farm in the Netherlands. I was sold on the picture she painted of charming little villages, ancient ruins, and hundreds of other people walking along the same path. I was determined to walk the Camino while I was able-bodied and in a career that offered flexibility.   From the breathtaking views of the Pyrenees to ancient vineyards and churches decorated in classic Portuguese blue-and-white tiles, unforgettable images filled each of my walks. But what I remember most were the meaningful conversations I had along the way and the pilgrims I met.   Some had walked for months from distant hometowns, while others had been on the road for just a week. I spoke to devout Catholics and travelers who had never stepped foot in a church. As we walked, we learned about each other through our life stories, building what pilgrims call our “Camino family.” Even though each person was there for a different reason, we were united in our journey, taking it all one step at a time.  The mayor of Santiago de Compostal, Martiño Noriega, did not welcome the intervention of the police last Tuesday by order of the Spanish Delegation in the evacuation of the popular self-managed space of Escarnio e Maldizer in the city From the morning the police attacked dozens of people who had blocked the building and gathered against it "the local has not caused any problems of coexistence since its occupation in 2014" and she believes that the conflict could have been resolved through dialogue: "The defense of private property cannot justify the construction of a building in this way and the closure of the windows in this way which is also an urban aberration that is not allowed to a private individual." The building is an architectural heritage and the eya is protected There have been many activities in the self-managed space throughout this time "it has maintained a stable program since 2014, linked to culture, education and leisure", explains the media Praza Publica. The venue was previously home to the traditional singing and dancing group Cantiga e Agarimos – hence the name of the old Galician satirical songs “Escarnio e Maldizer” It was abandoned in 2011 and a construction company allowed it to "deteriorate with total negligence" until it was occupied in 2014 It took 13 days of walking — through rainstorms and mud alongside sheep and pilgrims — for the students to reach Monte do Gozo the “Hill of Joy.” It is the spot in Spain on El Camino where those who have embarked on a faith journey to the final resting place of St James the Great first see the spires of their destination It is a path followed by multitudes since the 9th century Rachel Young ’23 became another pilgrim to experience her first glimpse of the basilica She remembers the exhilaration of sitting on the hill alongside her fellow Flyers and thinking Seven students and a recent graduate walked 160 miles in May to complete the pilgrimage coordinated by Campus Ministry and the religious studies department Religious studies professor Nicholas Rademacher and Father Bob Jones taught a course on pilgrimage during the spring semester and joined the Flyers on the trek Pilgrimage is a concept found in many religions and that spans human history said Jones: “Everybody walks their own Camino.” Rachel Crossman and Kailey Peppard excitedly approached Jones and first asked him to lead a trip along El Camino “I was looking to strengthen my faith and get to know the Lord,” Crossman said the Flyers joined with others walking The Way in pilgrim Masses Flyers with full packs on their backs walked at their own paces reflecting on the moment in time they were sharing on this holy path Senior Adam Cartwright described reaching their destination as “surreal,” a moment of great satisfaction and also sadness that their journey together was coming to an end The night before he flew from Spain back to Dayton he pulled out his journal and wrote a prayer of thanksgiving rocky path and wooded lane which you most graciously gave to us along the way I’m grateful for every deep and intimate conversation I had The pilgrims started their trip by visiting with the Marianists in Zaragoza It’s the city to which the Blessed William Joseph Chaminade fled during the French Revolution Praying before the shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar Chaminade found inspiration to return to France and help form the Marianists Students joined the pilgrimage to grow in faith Some were also drawn by the challenge of the walk or the beauty of the Spanish countryside It was a long 13 days full of challenges and revelations “One thing I figured out on El Camino was a lot of life in general comes down to the mindset you take into it,” said senior Adam Cartwright Opportunities to explore and deepen faith were ever-present along El Camino Flyers went to a Benedictine monastery and joined the monks for Vespers often concelebrated Mass alongside other priests on pilgrimage to say Mass — which he did in a private service for the Flyers to celebrate the 20th birthday of fellow pilgrim and sophomore Oliver Zimmerman Rachel Young ’23 served as liturgist for a pilgrim’s Mass in Santiago de Compostela Cathedral they encountered all kinds of  weather and terrain the Flyers cooked too much pasta and invited travelers to share their meal Neomi from Argentina (red jacket) joined them James encompasses many routes throughout Europe but all paths lead to the cathedral in Santiago Flyers posed with their UD flag before exploring the cathedral It was a time to rejoice and reflect on how they had grown closer to God — and one another Thanks to the bookstore for providing the Dayton Flyers flag.