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One of the many things that sets a Camino apart from a vacation is the Compostela certificate waiting for pilgrims at the of their journeys.
This certificate was used to serve as a form of protection, granting pilgrims a safe journey home. Now for modern pilgrims, it punctuates the Camino journey and serves as a keepsake to remember their pilgrimages by.
On my first Camino, I didn’t think I cared about the certificate at the end of The Way. But as my Camino de Santiago pilgrimage came to end, I realized how much that certificate meant.
Most pilgrims feel changed walking away from the Camino journey. While it’s just a piece of paper, your Compostela is a piece of physical proof of the time you spent on The Way. Here’s my advice for new pilgrims on receiving their certificate, and even some fun ideas for displaying it back home.
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Have a question? Leave a comment at the bottom and I’ll reply right away 🙂
What is a Compostela certificate?
A Compostela certificate is a piece of paper granted to pilgrims at the pilgrims’ office (Oficina del Peregrino) in Santiago de Compostela to commemorate their journey on the Camino. The pilgrims’ office states on their website that the Compostela is reserved for those who have completed their pilgrimage for religious or spiritual reasons.
This is granted for pilgrims arriving on all Camino routes: the Camino Frances, Camino Portugués, Camino, Camino Primitivo, etc. You can read more directly on the pilgrims’ office website.
Learn why pilgrims choose to walk the Portuguese Camino specifically in our guide: 19 Reasons To Walk The Camino Portugués.
What does the pilgrim Compostela certificate say?
Translated from Latin using ChatGPT, the Compostela certificate says: “The Chapter of this Holy Apostolic and Metropolitan Church of Compostela, guardian of the Seal of the Altar of Saint James the Apostle, to all the faithful and pilgrims from every corner of the earth who, with devotion and intent, visit the threshold of Saint James, Our Apostle, Patron of Spain, and Protector, offers authentic visitation certificates to those who have visited this most sacred temple devoutly and faithfully, either on foot or on horseback after covering at least 100 kilometers, or by bicycle after covering at least 200 kilometers. In testimony of this, these present letters are granted, adorned with the seal of this Holy Church”
How do pilgrims qualify for their Camino Compostela certificate?
Pilgrims arriving in Santiago de Compostela qualify for a certificate if they can prove they’ve walked at least 100 km / 62 miles on a recognized Camino route. They do prove this by gathering stamps in their credencial del peregrino, or pilgrim passport. Pilgrims should get at least one stamp per day to validate their walk, and get two stamps within the last 100 km of the walk.
Special Requirements For Cyclists
Cyclists must bike at least 200 km / 125 miles to qualify for their certificate.
The Two Types of Compostelas
Pilgrims can receive the standard Compostela, or they can pay a fee and get a special distance certificate. This is printed on parchment and lists your km covered.
How much does the Compostela certificate cost?
The standard Compostela certificate is free from the Pilgrim’s Reception Office in Santiago de Compostela. The distance certificate that includes your mileage costs €3.
Where to get a Camino Compostela certificate in Santiago?
Pilgrims pick up their Compostela certificates from the Pilgrim’s Reception Office in Santiago. It’s only a 4-minute walk from the Cathedral.
The Pilgrims’ Office in Santiago de Compostela
The Pilgrim’s Reception Office is open daily (minus major holidays) from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The system for receiving and processing pilgrims has been refined in recent years, offering a very smooth system for the hundreds or thousands of pilgrims who arrive daily.
Which Camino de Santiago routes earn a certificate?
All of the official Camino de Santiago routes qualify pilgrims for a Camino Compostela. This includes the Camino Portugués, Camino Francés, Camino del Norte, Vía de la Plata, and more. Variants, such as the spiritual variant of the Portuguese Camino, do not contribute to the 100 km requirement.
History of the Camino Compostela Certificate
The history of the Camino Compostela certificate dates back to the Middle Ages. Pilgrimage used to be a very risky and dangerous journey. Many pilgrims were robbed or killed on their way to see the relics of the apostle Saint James. As an order of protection, pilgrims who could prove they had completed a pilgrimage were ordered not to be harmed.
The Original Certificate: A Scallop Shell
Upon arriving at the Cathedral de Santiago, pilgrims were granted a scallop shell badge. The modern-day pilgrim’s certificate is a connection to this centuries-old history — though thankfully the experiences are vastly different!
Here’s an example of a medieval pilgrim’s badge:
Learn more in my shell article: All About The Camino Shell.
How to Get A Compostela Certificate
If getting a Compostela is meaningful to you, then it’s time to set sail for the Camino! Here are the 5 steps to take in order to earn your certificate.
Step 1: Choose Your Camino Route
Which route will you take to Santiago? There are no bad choices for your Camino.
The Camino Frances is the most popular route. The second most popular route is the Portuguese Central Route. If you’re looking for the easiest route, take the Litoral Route of the Portuguese Way.
This entire website is dedicated to the Portuguese Camino! You can learn more here: What is the Camino Portugués?
Step 2: Get A Pilgrim Passport
Your pilgrim passport (AKA pilgrim credential) is essential for getting your Compostela. You purchase this at the cathedral where you begin walking, and then fill it with stamps as you walk (next step).
Learn more in my pilgrim’s passport guide.
Step 3: Collect Stamps
To prove that you’re really a pilgrim, you must collect 1-2 stamps in your passport per day. Two stamps is required once you get within 100 km of Santiago de Compostela.
Step 4: Walk At Least 100km
Pilgrims must walk at least 100km to receive a Compostela certificate. The most popular starting points are Sarria (French Way) and Tui (Portuguese Way).
Step 5: Go To Pilgrims’ Office In Santiago
When you arrive at the Pilgrims’ Office, you’ll have to complete a few steps:
- Intake survey: You’ll be asked a brief series of questions about your walk.
- Wait for a volunteer: You’ll pull a number and wait to be called by a volunteer to have your documents reviewed.
- Document verification: A volunteer will review your documents and issue your certificate to you.
Buen Camino
Arriving at the Holy Apostolic Metropolitan Cathedral de Santiago is a special moment.
Standing in their literal footsteps on the Praza do Obradoiro and walking into the same same holy church that’s welcomed pilgrims for centuries is indescribable.
Whether you’ve walked for six weeks (like the French route) or six days (like the Camino Inglés), receiving your certificate is an important final step along the Way of St James.
Buen Camino, pilgrim!
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