Cementing the Importance of the Pilgrimage to Compostela
Discover the history of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela between the 12th and 18th centuries.
Santiago de Compostela seen from the Cidade da Cultura (2011)Regional Government of Galicia
From the Late Middle Ages, Santiago de Compostela underwent a spectacular transformation from a sanctuary to an actual city. The wooden buildings were rebuilt in stone, and convents, monasteries, and university colleges were built.
Hostal dos Reis Católicos (1501)Regional Government of Galicia
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 Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela during the Late Middle Ages
Between the 13th and 15th centuries, the Way had to survive prolonged periods of famine, as well as economic turmoil, and various crises of thought.
Moses Defeating the Moors (about 1400–1410) by UnknownThe J. Paul Getty Museum
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.
Monument to Saint Francis of Assisi (1926-1930) by Francisco AsoreyOriginal Source: S.A. de Xestión do Plan Xacobeo
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.
St. James and the Magician Hermogenes (1565) by Pieter Bruegel the Elder|Pieter van der Heyden|Hieronymus CockThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
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).
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal (18th Century) by UnknownOriginal Source: Museum of Pilgrimage and Santiago
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.
Margery Kempe's book (c. 1440) by Margery KempeOriginal Source: The British Library
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.
Tower of Hercules (2nd Century)Regional Government of Galicia
This was also the time when it started becoming more popular to make the pilgrimage by sea, especially from France and England. This gained momentum in the Jacobean Holy Years (when the Feast of Saint James falls on a Sunday). Many devotees who set sail for Santiago used the Tower of Hercules (Torre de Hércules) Roman lighthouse in A Coruña as their point of reference.
Saint James' Hospitality
The welcome given to pilgrims has been one of the fundamental aspects of the Way since the Middle Ages. Today, during a tourism boom, traditional hospitality is still one of the greatest elements of the intangible heritage of these routes.
Portada del Colegio de San Xerome, en Santiago de Compostela (1490)Original Source: Axencia Turismo de Galicia
During the Middle Ages, small-scale institutions providing care could be found in Santiago de Compostela. The main example, the hospital of the Church of Saint James (Iglesia de Santiago), was destroyed in the 17th century. Its facade was reused for the college of San Xerome, which flanks the Workshop Square (Plaza del Obradoiro).
Hostal do Reis Católicos, en Santiago de Compostela (1501)Original Source: Axencia Turismo de Galicia
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.
Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in the Early Modern Period and the Enlightenment
The Protestant Reformation and religious wars caused the popularity of the Way to rise and fall. Eventually, it was boosted again by the Counter-Reformation.
Reformation centenary broadsheet (1617/1617)British Museum
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.
Cathedral of Santiago of Compostela (1075)Regional Government of Galicia
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.
Capilla Mayor barroca y baldaquinoThe Catedral de Santiago Foundation
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.
Capilla de la ComuniónThe Catedral de Santiago Foundation
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.
