For example, it starts with a steep ascent, climbing 1400 metres over 21 kilometres, followed by a steep downhill. While much of the Camino Francés is an easy walk, there are some long-distance stages and challenging sections with steep ascents and descents. Friendly locals, too, will point the way for those who are lost. Regular waymakers, most often in the form of scallop shells and yellow arrows, help peregrinos find their way. The converging lines on an outer scallop shell reflect the many routes that all merge at Santiago de Compostela. Today, many peregrinos wear a scallop to identify themselves. The scallop shell ( vieria in Spanish) is native to the area around Santiago de Compostela, and Christians in the Middle Ages would collect a shell while at Compostela as proof of completing the pilgrimage. The scallop shell is a common symbol of the Camino. Now, the network of routes in Spain and France are on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. In the Middle Ages, many pilgrims had to pass through France, and several routes crossing the Pyrenees were established. In northern Spain, small towns, churches, and hospitals were built en route for the peregrinos visiting the tomb of Saint James. The Credencial must have at least one stamp for each day of The Way and two per day for the last 100 kilometres for peregrinos on foot or horseback (or, again, 200 kilometres for peregrinos on bikes). The last 100 kilometres must have been completed on foot or horseback (or, if on bike, 200 kilometres). The pilgrimage must have be undertaken for religious or spiritual reasons-or, at least, an “attitude of searching.” Sellos collected in the Credencial from albergues (hostels) or elsewhere that peregrinos sleep, as well as other places such as churches and restaurants, act as proof of completing the Camino de Santiago.Īt the Oficina de Acogida al Peregrino in Santiago de Compostela, peregrinos receive an official Compostela certificate. Today, peregrinos buy a Credencial del Peregrino (Pilgrim Credential) at the start of their pilgrimage and collect dated sellos (stamps) along The Way. While the pilgrimage started spontaneously, it soon became formalized with official documentation. According to the Oficina de Acogida al Peregrino, the Pilgrim's Reception Office at cathedral, hundreds of peregrinos (pilgrims) continue to arrive each day-and most are still motivated by religion. As one of Christianity’s greatest holy cities, the Old Town of Santiago de Compostela is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
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