Further info

St James' Way

St James' WayDespite being essentially religious in its origins, today, thanks to its cultural and landscape elements, it has turned into a route that brings together different peoples and cultures. This led to the Council of Europe declaring it the first European Cultural Itinerary and thus turned this ancient route in a way for art and spirituality.

There are several routes to go on a pilgrimage to Santiago, but the Way is not a goal in itself but the means to get to the goal: St James' grave.

Official routes

  • The French Way, the most visited route nowadays, it enters the Iberian Peninsula through Roncesvalles and gets into Galicia through O Cebreiro.
  • The Northern Way, it goes along the Cantabric coast and enters Galicia through Ribadeo.
  • The Primitive Way departs from Oviedo and leads the pilgrim to Santiago.
  • The English Way owes its name to the influx of British pilgrims that travelled by sea, disembarked in A Coruña or Ferrol and continued from there by foot.
  • The Portuguese Way goes through Portugal until it reaches Galicia via Tui.
  • The Southeast Way - Silver Route, arrives from Sevilla, Mérida, Zamora and enters Galicia through the province of Ourense.

Tips for the Way

Before starting the pilgrim Way it is advisable to undergo a simple medical check-up to make sure there won't be unforeseen physical factors; it would also be good to do some training, walking during several days and walking longer distances each day.

Clothing and footwear for the hike:

  • The clothing should be loose-fitting and breathable to avoid the frequent friction that produces contact dermatitis, especially in the inner side of the thighs.
  • Furthermore, the clothing should be adapted to the weather conditions of the season in which the pilgrimage will take place.
  • It is important not to forget a hat to avoid sunstroke.
  • Footwear is essential. Since paths are quite irregular, it should be a boot that holds the ankle well to avoid sprains that could cause to cancel the hike. Apart from being high, the boot should be waterproof and breathable to avoid the problems derived from foot sweating such as blisters and mycosis.
  • The basic footwear complement are the socks, woollen or similar, and should be changed regularly.

Other tips:

  • Carry a first aid kit.
  • When travelling by night, wear reflectors.
  • On the road, always walk on the left side verge.
  • Avoid creating groups or crowd together on the road.
  • Always follow the advice of the Civil Guard, the Police, Civil Defence and the Red Cross.
  • Keep the accommodation and camping sites clean and try to be respectful and nice to the local population.
  • Appreciate and value the effort done by the people that serve in the hostels.
  • Read something about the history of the Way to better understand its meaning.
  • Plan your stages being realistic, don't set goals that won't allow you to enjoy the trip, and count in some resting days.
  • If you plan to use the hostels you will need a sleeping bag.
  • It is also advisable to have a mat or a foam to avoid sleeping or resting directly over a wet floor.
  • Remember that you're only allowed to spend a night in each hostel except in case of illness.
  • The weight of the backpack should not exceed 10 percent of the body weight.
  • Remember that hostels cannot be booked in advance, except for private hostels.

The Holy Year and the Jubilee indulgences new

Each century there are 14 Holy Years that fall every 6, 5, 6, and 11 years. The Jubilee is a period in which the Church traditionally awards the congregation special spiritual graces. It started in 1122 with Pope Callixtus II and it was confirmed by other popes; Alexander III through the Papal Bull “Regis eterni” of 1179 granted its continuity.

To get the Jubilee the pilgrim must honour the three traditions:

  • Visit the grave of the Apostle in the Cathedral and pray.
  • Receiving the sacrament of confession (either in the Cathedral or anywhere else, 15 days earlier or afterwards).
  • To make the communion. This indulgence is applicable to the deceased.

 The Jubilee indulgences are granted once a day under these conditions: 

  • Visit the Cathedral while praying.
  • Receiving the sacraments of confession (15 days before or after) and the sacred communion.