The Compostela

The Compostela is the original religious certificate, written in Latin, issued by the Church when pilgrims proved they had either walked 100km or travelled 200km by horse (or today by bicycle) to Santiago de Compostela.

It was a valuable document as it showed they had completed their pilgrimage and they had paid their penance. For some getting their Compostela meant they had secured their reference letter to get into heaven.

Today you get a Compostela if you complete your pilgrimage for religious or spiritual reasons. You receive the same Compostela whether you have completed the minimum 100km or say 10,000km.

 

The translated text is:

“The Chapter of this Holy Apostolic Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint James, custodian of the seal of Saint James’ Altar, to all faithful and pilgrims who come from everywhere over the world as an act of devotion, under vow or promise to the Apostle’s Tomb, our Patron and Protector of Spain, witnesses in the sight of all who read this document, that: Mr/Mrs/Ms…………………has visited devoutly this Sacred Church in a religious sense (pietatis causa).

Witness whereof I hand this document over to him, authenticated by the seal of this Sacred Church.
Given in Saint James of Compostela on the (day) …… (month) …… A.D. ……”

Certificate of Welcome

Many people today cycle or walk the Camino for non-religious reasons eg for a cultural or social experience, for leisure, or to fulfil a personal vow. These people can obtain a non-religious version of the Compostela called a ‘Certificate of Welcome’. The same 100km and 200km rules apply. It is also written in Latin.

The translated text is:

“The Holy Apostolic Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago de Compostella expresses its warm welcome to the Tomb of the Apostle St James the Greater; and wishes that the holy Apostle may grant you, in abundance, the graces of the Pilgrimage.”

Certificate of Distance

Since 2014 a ‘Certificate of Distance’ is available. This states the starting point and the distance walked/cycled, and is available in many different languages.

 

The Certificate of Welcome and Certificate of Distance are not a fast track to heaven but are a memento of your journey to Santiago.

The Pilgrim Passport (Credencial del Peregrino)

This is the official record that you have walked (or cycled) the necessary distance to obtain your Compostela or Certificate. The passport is purchased at the start of your journey and you collect stamps each day from hostels, cafes, churches, town halls, or other official establishments along the way (or at least for the last 100km). If you start outside Galacia one stamp per day is required, if you start inside Galacia it is two stamps per day.

On arriving in Santiago you must show your stamped Pilgrim Passport at the Pilgrims’ Office to apply for your Compostela or Certificate.

The Credencial evolved from letters of safe passage granted by the church or the state to people going on a journey through foreign lands. A pilgrim needed to visit their priest and make a confession before being given a letter stating he/she is a bona-fide pilgrim, requesting safe passage, exemption from taxes and tolls and hospitality in the monasteries or ‘hospices’ along the way.

Today a pilgrim needs a Credencial del Peregrino to stay in the network of pilgrim shelters, refugios and albergues, along the Camino routes.