Through the Ages, Word spread of this sacred resting place. Christian pilgrims around the world undertake a strenuous journey to pay their respects and seek spiritual consolation.

Various routes to Santiago have emerged over the years. The scallop shell is a metaphor – its lines represent the different routes pilgrims travel from different parts of the world, all walking trails to one point – the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. As the saying goes “All Roads lead to Rome“.

However, legend goes that St James’ body was transported to Spain in an angel-guided ship. Upon landing on the Spanish coast, the ship surprised a wedding party, scaring a rider and his horse into the water. The power of St. James miraculously lifted the horse and rider, then covered in scallop shells, out of the water and deposited them safely on shore. The scallop shell became St James’ official symbol.

Historically, Camino de Santiago was a religious pilgrimage. Today, Camino de Santiago is not exclusively for religious or Catholics.

The Camino is not only for the young and fit. I read that in 2023, a 95 year old Puerto Rican completed her fifth Camino de Santiago with several generations of her family (source: Santiago’s road).

When we were walking through San Paio to A Lavacolla, we met a family of 3 generations walking the Camino together.