Santiago de Compostela (also Saint James of Compostela) is the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia. Located in the northwest region of Spain in the Province of A Coruña, it was the "European City of Culture" for the year 2000. The city's cathedral is the destination of the important medieval pilgrimage route, the Way of St James (in Spanish the Camino de Santiago).
Way of St. James Pilgrimage
Way of St. James.
Per year, over 100,000 pilgrims on foot, bicycle, donkey, or horseback come from over a 100 countries to claim their certificate called a 'compostela', based on their pilgrim passport called a 'credencial', filled with stamps from the towns they passed along the route. The credencial proves they have followed the route formally recognized by the "Pilgrim Association of St. James." It is unknown how many more pilgrims travel the route per year, without using a pilgrim's passport (also known as a "compostela"), which is only given to those with a religious purpose.
gatita_63109
2007-09-09 04:33:49
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answer #1
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answered by gatita 7
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First off, I don't know that it is so important to the Christian World - perhaps some sects of Christianity find it of greater importance than others.
That being said, Tiago is the Spanish for James
Historically the city is famous as the place where St James was [allegedly] buried after his remains were transferred here by sea from the Holy Land. On the site where he was buried stands the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago which attracts thousands of pilgrims who walk the ancient Way of St James (Camino de Santiago) every year.
2007-09-09 04:17:38
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answer #2
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answered by The Corinthian 7
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