Cementing the Importance of the Pilgrimage to Compostela

In the Early Modern period, the Royal Hospital and the cathedral's new cloister were constructed. By the 17th and 18th centuries the complete Baroque transformation of the basilica of Saint James was underway.

The evolution of the pilgrimage in the Late Middle Ages went hand in hand with the historical development of the Iberian Peninsula and Western Europe. The recently created mendicant orders took on a fundamental role in the cities on the Way, bringing new models of faith.

Francisco Asorey produced this sculpture between 1926 and 1930 to commemorate the pilgrimage of Saint Francis of Assisi to the Apostle's tomb which, according to legend, is said to have taken place in 1214.

The pilgrimage continued despite the difficult situation in Europe in the 14th century: widespread famine, the brutal impact of the Black Death, and the Hundred Year War (1337-1453). 

During this turbulent period, some illustrious pilgrims made their way to Santiago de Compostela, who would go down in the history of the Way. These included the Holy Queen Saint Elizabeth of Portugal and Saint Bridget of Sweden.

Towards the end of the Middle Ages, in the 15th century, an increasing number of knights began making the pilgrimage. People would undertake the Way with a certain thirst for adventure. Some travelers left behind interesting accounts of their pilgrimage, including Margery Kempe, Nompar of Caumont, and Leo von Rozmithal, among others.

At the end of the 15th century, the Catholic Monarchs of Spain founded one of the most spectacular buildings in the city: the Royal Hospital of Santiago (Gran Hospital Real de Santiago). It was built during the 16th century and extended in the 18th century. It provided medical care to the poor and to pilgrims. 

The victory of the Protestant Reformation meant the end of the worship of Saint James in parts of Europe in the 16th century. In response, the Counter-Reformation promoted popular religion, restarting the pilgrimages.

This was a decisive movement in making Santiago de Compostela and its cathedral the object of a spectacular cultural and artistic transformation in the service of the worship of Saint James.

The baroque main altar of the cathedral, which was remodeled between the middle of the 17th and start of the 18th centuries, is the best example of this renovation. It created a solemn space for the faithful to express their faith to the Apostle.

The pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela continued throughout the Enlightenment. The Chapel of the Communion (Capilla de la Comunión) was built during this period. This was a more modern and open space where the pilgrims took communion and received the Compostela to certify the completion of the pilgrimage.