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The Camino de Santiago de Compostela.
Compostela Cathedral. The Camino de Santiago de Compostela, sometimes called the Camino Frances,is undertaken every year by thousands of Pilgrims. The Camino de Santiago de Compostela is a pilgrimage, commonly begining at Roncesvalles in France, to the Cathedral of Compostela in the northern Spanish province of La CoruņaThere are however diverse routes leading to the same destination and visiting different shrines along the way.It can be started at any of villages along the route as it is not necessary to go through every stage of it but if you wish to make the pilgrimage from begining to end then it is generally acknowledeged that the best starting place for the Camino de santiago de Compostela is Roncesvalles on the French/Spanish border, and from there you will cover 31 stages in all. The complete Camino de Compostela covers 750 kilometres and whilst in medieval times it was necessary to navigate by the sun, moon and stars today the route is well signposted and there is little chance of getting lost. With shinny traffic signs, brass and tile scallop shells, and the distinct yellow arrows you'll always be pointed to Santiago. In the middle ages it wasnot unusual for the pilgrimage to be completed in 2 weeks but today it is recommended to set aside 30 days.
In the 21st. century, there continues to be a network of public albergues run by the government and private associations related to the Camino de Santiago de Compostela.These places are in high demand in the summer and are fitted with rows and rows of bunk beds, showers (some even with hot water) and perhaps a small kitchen to receive you after a long day of walking. And, yes, you'll still find a sip of wine! 
The last 20 years or so have seen a remarkable revival in the popularity of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela and many thousands of people make their way along it each year on either foot, bicycle or even horseback. In 1987 it was declared the first European Cultural Route and in 1993 inscribed as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. The numbers of people undertaking the pilgrimage have been steadily growing and there are as many reasons for this revival as there are pilgrims. It is noticeable, however, that many people make the pilgrimage at a turning point in their lives, and that many are helped to come to terms with personal crisis or tradgedy by a period of separation from all that is familiar, and the shared hardship of the road.It is necessary to obtain a credencial or pilgram's record before commencing and this has to be stamped at points along the way.These can be obtained at the Cathedral in le Puy, the Abbey in Roncesvalles,or at local refugios, guardia civil offices, ayuntamientos (town halls),churches and police stations throughout Spain.On arrival in Santiago it is then presented at the Pilgram Office where a Compostela certificate is issued confirming the completion of the pilgrimage. It is however necessary to have walked the last 100 kms. in one stage in order to qualify for this, 200 kms. if you are travelling by bicycle.
Despite the intervening 1000 years the Camino de Santiago remains and its pilgrims continue to flow into Santiago. The Camino is an unforgettable experience that creates a special bond and camaraderie among all those who have walked it. In a world where things change so quickly, the Camino de Santiago is so refreshing as things really haven't changed so much after all! More details on theCamino de Santiago de Compostela.
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To accommodate the faithful and weary in the middle ages albergues or shelters were created along the route and sponsored by the Church, nobles, and royalty. Here travellers could rest their tired bones on a bed of straw, perhaps warm themselves by a fire, and have a sip of wine.
