The highly popular pilgrimage centre of Santiago de Compostela is struggling with an influx of pilgrims. The influx is sparking concerns among locals about respect and preservation of their community. Roberto Almuina, 73, chairman of the 600-member residents’ association, voices these concerns: “We don’t have the slightest problem sharing our city with visitors. The only Read more
Simone Hivert, a 100-year-old French woman, is scheduled to reach the popular shrine of Santiago de Compostela, the alleged burial site of St. James the Apostle and an important pilgrimage destination since the 9th century, later this month. Hivert – described as “a most extraordinary pilgrim” is due to arrive at the shrine in northwestern Read more
Not long ago, only a few people would make the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Now, over 200,000 people a year spend several gruelling weeks along the route. Traditionalists turn up their noses at the crowds, but the rewards are still vast. In the Middle Ages, pilgrimages were neither a quest for meaning, Read more
