Santiago de Compostela, Route of

pilgrimage route, Europe

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June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, is a network of pilgrimage routes across Europe leading to the tomb of St. James the Greater in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Originating from the tradition that St. James preached and was buried in Spain, it became a major Christian pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages for those seeking indulgences.123

The most popular route is the Camino Francés, spanning about 790 km (500 miles) from southern France. While historically religious, the Camino is now also traveled for recreational and spiritual reasons by people of diverse beliefs. The city of Santiago de Compostela itself is a World Heritage site.134

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Santiago de Compostela
The Camino de Santiago, designated a World Heritage site in 1993, was a series of roads through France and Spain that converged on the city; the route was traveled each year throughout the Middle Ages by thousands of pilgrims. The city remained a site of pilgrimage…
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The Camino de Santiago, designated a World Heritage site in 1993, was a series of roads through France and Spain that converged on the city; the route was traveled each year throughout the Middle Ages by thousands of pilgrims. The city remained a site of pilgrimage…
Read More