The Compostela: How is it obtained?
The Compostela. How to obtain it. Minimum distances to obtain it
One of the most frequent questions when undertaking the Camino for the first time is: What is the Compostela? Is it the same as the Compostelana? What is the minimum distance we need to walk? Where can we obtain it?
Let's answer all these questions so that we can enjoy the Camino without worries.
First, let’s learn about the origin of the Compostela:
Since the Tomb of the Apostle James was discovered, the pilgrimage to Santiago became one of the most important events of its time, and the number of people walking towards Santiago to pay homage to him increased significantly.
Undertaking the pilgrimage gained prominence not only from a religious point of view but also from a social one, so the Church decided to establish a way to verify the authenticity of these pilgrimages.
Initially, pilgrims were verified through the well-known scallop shell, so those arriving in Santiago carrying the shell were considered pilgrims. However, this method was very easy to counterfeit, as some would buy them just a few kilometres before entering the city. Therefore, the system was changed, and they soon required the "Proof of Pilgrimage Certificates", which became the true origin of the Compostela.
Let's now explain, What is the Compostela? Is it the same as the Compostelana?
The Compostela is an official accreditation issued by the Cathedral Chapter to people who have completed the pilgrimage, as long as they meet certain requirements. Receiving this accreditation is one of the most special moments for those who reach Santiago after completing the stages of the Camino de Santiago.
It is important to note that the term "Compostelana" does not refer to this document. However, when we hear people refer to "La Compostelana," they are actually talking about the Compostela. This is a very common mistake, the origin of which is unknown, and it has gained popularity in Jacobean culture.
In reality, a compostelana is "a woman who lives in Santiago de Compostela," so using this term to refer to this official document will likely bring a smile to the locals.
How do you obtain the Compostela?
To obtain the Compostela, the pilgrim must meet certain basic requirements:
1- Undertake the Camino for religious or spiritual reasons.
2- It is necessary to demonstrate that at least 100 kilometres have been walked on foot or horseback, or 200 kilometres by bicycle, except in the case of people with disabilities.
3- Prove that the required distance has been covered.
To do this, the pilgrim must present a document that should not be confused with the Compostela. This document is the PILGRIM’S CREDENTIAL, which identifies us as pilgrims. Here, we must collect stamps from the places we pass through to show that we have completed the minimum required kilometres. These stamps can be obtained at churches, hostels, monasteries, cathedrals, and all places associated with the Camino. They can also be stamped at other institutions like town halls or cafés.
As previously stated, the Cathedral of Santiago requires the Credencial to be stamped at least twice a day in the last 100 kilometres for pilgrims walking on foot or horseback, and in the last 200 kilometres for those cycling the Camino. That is, we need to certify both the departure and arrival locations.
It should be noted that the Camino can also be completed in stages, as long as they are chronologically and geographically ordered. The date of each stage must be clearly indicated, and the stamps should clearly show the date when the pilgrim resumes the route at the same place they left off.
In the case of children, there is a special certification, and if they are very young, they will be included in the Compostela of their parents or the adults they are walking with on the Camino de Santiago.
Where to collect the Compostela from the Camino de Santiago
Once we arrive in Santiago after completing our adventure, at that moment when the world seems to stop and we are filled with happiness as we stand in awe before the majestic Santiago Cathedral, we will head to the Pilgrim's Office, located near the Cathedral, and wait for our official certification as a Pilgrim of the Camino de Santiago.
Here are the contact details, as well as the opening hours:
Rúa Carretas, No. 33
15705 Santiago de Compostela
A Coruña - SPAIN
Tel.: +34 981 568 846
oficinadelperegrino@catedraldesantiago.es
OPENING HOURS
- From Easter to 31st October: open from 8:00 to 20:00 hours*.
- In winter, from 1st November to Easter: open daily from 10:00 to 19:00 hours*.
- The Pilgrim's Office is closed on 25th December (Christmas Day) and 1st January (New Year's Day).
- The closing time may be brought forward by up to 60 minutes depending on the number of pilgrims.
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