A centuries old pilgrimage
The oldest work describing the Santiago Pilgrim Ways was written in Latin around the year 1130. It is now preserved in the archives of Compostela cathedral. For centuries, these paths were major vectors of exchange, constituting a real communication network. The political and cultural influence of the great pilgrimages left its mark on the whole of Europe.
A modern-day adventure
Go out and encounter new people, cultures, nature; go on foot, by bike, on horseback, by car… All along the Ways and at the major stopovers, walkers and visitors can find an inexhaustible source of discoveries: discovery of oneself and of others, of history and the arts, and of the varied landscapes.
Saint James, the greater
Elder brother of Saint John the Evangelist and a sherman on the Sea of Galilee, Saint James the Greater was one of Christ’s first apostles. After the Crucifixion, he set out to preach the Gospel, possibly in the Iberian Peninsula. Having returned to Jerusalem, he was beheaded in about 44 AD on the orders of King Herod Agrippa.
In the Middle Ages, Saint James was the patron saint of pilgrims. Capable of curing numerous illnesses, his protection was also often invoked when danger threatened, or before undertaking a journey. Because in mediaeval times pilgrimage was a metaphor for the journey through life, Saint James was also venerated for his help when death approached. He became the guide to follow along the road of the last great pilgrimage leading to paradise.
The sanctuary of Compostela
The tomb of Saint James was probably discovered between 818 and 834. The pilgrimage to the new sanctuary was regional at first. But the fame of this particular devotion to the apostle quickly spread beyond the borders of Galicia and Spain. Thus, in the 10th century, the first foreign pilgrims were making their way to Compostela. From 950 to 951, Godescalc, bishop of Puy-en-Velay, was one of the first known foreign pilgrims who made the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
The pilgrimage to Compostela, past and present
The pilgrimage to the Galician sanctuary is an integral part of European history. Starting in the 9th century, it rapidly ourished, attracting both humble and famous pilgrims. It reached its peak between the 11th to 15th century, even becoming christianity’s third most important pilgrimage, after Rome and Jerusalem. Pilgrimages were extensively undertaken at that time. People visited the remains of saints hoping for healing, pardon, salvation…or because condemned to do so by a court.
Nowadays, now frequented by thousands of wayfarers of over 130 nationalities, the ways to Compostela have become a universal heritage. They symbolise the activity of pilgrims over several centuries. What began as a religious phenomenon founded on the expression of Christianity now finds a resonance in the modern world : a cultural and spiritual journey.
A living heritage
The pilgrimage to compostela belongs to the Christian tradition, but its revival over the last thirty years can be seen as a reaction to the rapid changes in our individualistic, highly technological and ultra consumerism-oriented Western society.
Walking has become a leisure activity, a quest for well- being, an antidote to the stress generated by daily life. People from different backgrounds, believers or not, lovers of art, nature or heritage, sport lovers, individuals in search of their true selves or of communion with others, young and not so young… all share the same adventure. The solid reality of the Way enables them to anchor their own story within history, by following itineraries perceived as being imbued with meaning, authenticity, and the sacred. This unique form of travel transfigures these paths into a living heritage.
A heritage worth preserving
Opened up as long-distance footpaths, the former French pilgrim ways leading towards Santiago de Compostela have received two forms of international cultural recognition : – cultural itinerary of the Council of Europe since 1987, – World heritage of unesco since 1998.
The Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Ways are vectors for the values of solidarity and of belonging to a shared civilisation. They are not only paths of spiritual pilgrimage but also of cultural tourism which requires organisation and promotion. Everyone concerned – hikers, pilgrims, tourists, inhabitants, institutions, associations, accommodation providers – therefore has a responsibility towards future generations.
A headend : Acir Compostelle
created in 1990, Acir compostelle strives to enhance the reputation of the Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Ways and to develop cultural tourism for the benefit of local areas. Since 2015, the French state entrusts it with the mission of managing the network of stakeholders and proprietors of the World heritage property «Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France ». www.chemins-compostelle.com
-Managing the network of stakeholders and proprietors of the serial World Heritage property « Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France » in order to ensure the optimum conditions of conservation, welcome and enhancement of its reputation .
-Providing information to the general public, professionals and the media.
-Cultural mediation and action. A resource centre, Acir Compostelle accompanies and advises elected representatives and employees of local authorities, and professionals.
-Developing tourism and promoting usage of the Ways.
Source : ACIR – www.chemins-compostelle.com