How the Camino de Santiago trail impacts local communities |
About the trail The Camino de Santiago (aka "The Way of St. James") is a series of trails leading from different parts of southern Europe to the finish, Santiago de Compostela in Northwestern Spain. The most popular trail, the Camino Frances (in pink to the left), starts in St. Jean Pied de Port in France and follows the northern coast of Spain.
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History of the trail
Pilgrims have been walking the trail since the 9th century, as it is believed that the remains of the apostle St. James the Great were brought by boat to Santiago de Compostela from Jerusalem due to the fact that he preached in the area extensively. Many pilgrims set off from their doorsteps to pay their respects. Over the years, the journey west became known as a spiritual journey. In the last 50 years, it has gained in popularity as not only a spiritual journey but a cultural one, enabling the modern-day pilgrim to experience rural Spain and immerse themselves in Spanish beauty.
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Scallop Shell
A symbol of the Camino de Santiago, the scallop shell can be found along the shores of Galicia. It is said that historic pilgrims would walk to Santiago, pay their respects to St. James, and collect a scallop shell before beginning their journey home.
The shell is used as a marker along the trail to direct pilgrims on their way. Many modern pilgrims carry shells around their necks or on their packs to signify their status as a pilgrim. |