El Camino

El Camino’s roots trace back to the early 9th century, when the tomb of Saint James the Apostle was reportedly discovered in Compostela, Galicia. King Alfonso II of Asturias is said to have made the first pilgrimage to the site, solidifying its status as a Christian religious center.

By the 10th century, El Camino had become a major pilgrimage route for Christians across Europe. It was part of a broader network of Christian pilgrimage destinations, alongside Rome and Jerusalem. The route reached its peak in the 12th and 13th centuries, fueled by the Church’s promotion of pilgrimage as a form of penance and devotion.

However, after centuries of prominence, El Camino saw a decline in the late Middle Ages, due to factors like political instability, the Reformation, and the rise of other forms of travel. Yet, in the mid-20th century, it began to experience a revival, largely due to the efforts of both religious and secular organizations.

Its popularity grew with the global interest in cultural and spiritual travel, attracting people from all over the world. Since then, the route has become increasingly famous, not only for its religious significance but also as a symbol of personal journey, introspection, and connection with nature.

Today, it continues to attract millions of pilgrims and travelers from diverse backgrounds, making it one of the most iconic and beloved routes in the world.