Walking with pilgrims to Santiago de Compostella

Another beautiful route I took, this time alone was pilgrimage to the relics of the Apostle James in Santiago de Compostella in Galicia, one of the world’s oldest pilgrims routes. During the Middle Ages, the Camino was responsible for the largest movement of people in Europe. I chose one o the most ,,popular” routes- 35 days to walk the Camino Frances from St Jean Pied de Port. It is 650 miles long and takes approximately five weeks to complete. I was prepared for the whole month travel, for all the difficulties connected with the weather. I have landed in Bilbao airport and travelled by pubic transport to St Jean Pied de Port. Santiago de Compostela old town is a UNESCO-listed heritage site and I believe it really should be!

Pilgrims on the route in Galicia

It’s amazing place and I think I came back as different person. I used the possibility  to stay in  ‘albergues’ (public hostels). You need to have stamped pilgrim passport to stay in them and you will be served as first one. So many people travel this route that you won’t find deserts and people sleeping under the trees or in the caves.

One have to  choose the color of the trail and admit truly, how many m per day he can really make.  Ever since Apostle James grave was discovered in AD800,  for more than 1000 years, pilgrims from all over Europe were attracted by his  grave. Over 200,000 pilgrims arrive in Santiago each year. And it’s possible that after  release of Emilio Estevez’s new film, The Way the amount of pilgrims will rise.  When you finally arrive and see relics of the Apostle James… Interred in magnificent, old Cathedral believe me you have tears in your eyes. It’s unique spiritual adventure which gives you sacred travel to the ancient pilgrimage sites. I highly recommend to everyone.