credencial del peregrino
We’ll focus on informing pilgrims about how to obtain the Compostela, the Certificate of Distance, as well as other certificates like the Fisterrana and the Muxiana, which serve as beautiful keepsakes to frame and remember the organised Camino de Santiago they have completed. However, these should not be the main goal of the journey. The personal experience and adventure far outweigh the acquisition of such certificates.

In the past, the scallop shell (a bivalve mollusc found in Galicia) was the primary souvenir for pilgrims, and we still gift it to all our pilgrims. Today, the scallop shell remains one of the main symbols of the pilgrimage to Santiago, often seen hanging from backpacks or worn around the necks of pilgrims.

Nowadays, the Cathedral of Santiago issues a document, written in Latin, certifying that the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela has been completed for religious or spiritual reasons, regardless of whether it is a Holy Year or not. This document is the Compostela, which is given at the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago, located at Rúa de Carretas, 33, a street near the Plaza del Obradoiro and the Parador de los Reyes Católicos.

ORIGIN OF THE COMPOSTELA

The origins of the Compostela date back to the Middle Ages, when a certificate was issued to prove that the pilgrim had reached Santiago de Compostela upon their return home.

WHAT DO I NEED TO OBTAIN THE COMPOSTELA?

To receive the Compostela, you must present the “Pilgrim’s Credential”. To qualify for the Compostela, you need to prove that you have walked at least the last 100 km of any Camino de Santiago route ending at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, or cycled at least the last 200 km.

The credential, similar to a passport, is stamped at various locations along the route, such as hotels, restaurants, churches, or hostels, providing evidence of the journey. It serves as a “proof of passage”.

credencial del peregrino

In light of the global circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, at the start of the Xacobeo 2021 (Holy Year), a “Digital Credential” was introduced to enhance health safety for pilgrims, allowing stamps to be collected virtually via QR codes.

These QR codes are available at the usual locations where the traditional credential is stamped. This complements the physical credential, as pilgrims can choose to use either or both.

It’s important to note that the Compostela will only be granted to those who declare that their pilgrimage was undertaken for religious reasons. Otherwise, a different certificate will be issued.

HOW TO OBTAIN THE COMPOSTELA AT THE PILGRIM’S OFFICE

To ensure safety and efficiency when collecting the Compostela, the Cathedral of Santiago has implemented a system to avoid long queues at the Pilgrim’s Office, especially during the peak months from April to October.

Pilgrims can register through an “Online Pilgrim Registration” system before starting their journey, providing necessary details. This eliminates the need to provide information again at the office, reducing processing time and increasing safety for both pilgrims and staff.

Upon arrival at the office, pilgrims receive a QR code through a entry ticket, which indicates the estimated wait time via their mobile device. This allows them to explore the historic centre of Santiago instead of waiting in line.

When it’s their turn, the screen outside the office will indicate where to go to collect the Compostela.

pilgrim's office reception

COMMON STARTING POINTS TO OBTAIN THE COMPOSTELA

Many people wish to complete the Camino and obtain the Compostela but have limited time. Below are the most common starting points to cover the minimum required distance: at least 100 km on foot or 200 km by bike.

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO ITINERARIES (At least 100 km on foot)

FRENCH WAY – CAMINO DE SANTIAGO FROM SARRIA

Sarria is located about 30 km from Lugo and approximately 115 km from Santiago de Compostela. The Camino de Santiago from Sarria is typically completed in 5 or 6 stages, averaging 20 km per stage. This is the most popular and frequently travelled route by pilgrims worldwide. If this is your first Camino, we often recommend starting here.

The stages are relatively flat and physically manageable, with minimal inclines, captivating landscapes, and authentic Galician cuisine.

PORTUGUESE WAY – CAMINO DE SANTIAGO FROM TUI

Tui is a town in the province of Pontevedra, on the border with Portugal, about 120 km from Santiago de Compostela. This route is usually completed in 5 or 6 stages, averaging 20 km per stage.

PORTUGUESE COASTAL WAY – CAMINO DE SANTIAGO FROM BAIONA

Baiona is a town located in the province of Pontevedra, approximately 140 km from Santiago de Compostela. The route is typically completed in 6 or 7 stages, averaging 20 km per stage.

NORTHERN WAY – CAMINO DE SANTIAGO FROM VILALBA

Vilalba is a town situated in the province of Lugo, approximately 122 km from Santiago de Compostela. The route is usually covered in 6 stages, with an average of 20 km per stage.

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO TO FINISTERRE/MUXIA

Muxía is located in the province of A Coruña, around 117 km from Santiago de Compostela. This route is generally completed in 5 or 6 stages, averaging 20 km per stage. The journey begins in Santiago de Compostela and ends in Finisterre and/or Muxía.

Many pilgrims choose to do the route in reverse from Finisterre and/or Muxía. Historically, pilgrims who reached “the end of the world” had to return to their countries of origin. On this reversed Camino de Santiago, it is possible to obtain the Compostela, provided the journey ends at the Cathedral of Santiago.

This Camino de Santiago to Finisterre or Muxía offers a unique feature: pilgrims can earn two distinct certificates – the Fisterrana and the Muxiana.

CERTIFICATE OF THE FISTERRANA

The Fisterrana is a document issued at the pilgrims’ hostel in Finisterre, confirming that the pilgrim has reached the “end of the world.” Pilgrims completing the stretch from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre can request this certificate. There is no dedicated pilgrim credential for this route, so the same credential used to obtain the Compostela is used, with the same process for collecting stamps.

The Fisterrana originated in 1997 when the town council of Fisterra created a certificate for pilgrims who walked the route from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre, arriving at what was once considered the edge of the known world.

RITUALS FOR PILGRIMS UPON REACHING FINISTERRE

Three rituals of purification, death, and rebirth were traditionally performed:

BATHING

Body purification, performed at Langosteira Beach, located 2 km before reaching the town. Pilgrims would wash away the dust from their journey, preparing themselves to embrace the culmination of their arduous and significant path.

BURNING CLOTHES

Through this ritual, pilgrims symbolically shed material possessions and use fire to rid themselves of what they no longer need, beginning anew.

WATCHING THE SUNSET

This represents death and rebirth – the sun setting into the ocean signifies the end, while its rise the next day symbolises renewal, mirroring the pilgrim’s daily journey.

In ancient times, Finisterre was considered “the end of the world and the known land,” a remote place where pilgrims longed to watch the sunset and lose themselves in the vastness of the ocean.

If you don’t walk the Camino de Santiago from Santiago de Compostela, you can base yourself in Santiago and book a day trip to Finisterre, Muxía, and Costa da Morte. It’s a treat for the senses.

CERTIFICATE OF THE MUXIANA

The Muxiana certificate is for those who visit Muxía, another destination on the Costa da Morte. According to legend, the Virgin Mary arrived in a boat here to inspire Saint James while he preached in Hispania. In this town, you’ll find the Sanctuary of Santa María la Barca. The Muxiana is issued by the local tourism office.

Camino de Santiago en bici desde Roncesvalles

CYCLING ROUTES ON THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO(At least 200 km by bike)

French Way – Cycling the Camino de Santiago from Ponferrada: a town in the province of León, around 200 km from Santiago de Compostela.

Portuguese Way by bike from Porto: a Portuguese city around 240 km from Santiago de Compostela.

Primitivo Way by bike from Pola de Allande: a town in Asturias, approximately 216 km from Santiago de Compostela.

Northern Way by bike from Luarca: an Asturian town located about 250 km from Santiago de Compostela.

Distance Certificate

DISTANCE CERTIFICATE

Since 2017, in addition to the Compostela certificate, pilgrims can also obtain the Distance Certificate, which confirms the exact starting point of the pilgrim’s Camino de Santiago.

This certificate is available to any pilgrim who has completed the Camino at any time.

The certificate includes detailed information about the individual’s journey (arrows followed, starting point, distance covered).

It specifies the exact starting day and location, the distance travelled, the arrival day, and the route taken to Santiago. This document complements the traditional Compostela, providing additional details about the pilgrimage. A beautiful memento of your journey!

For example, if you complete the Camino de Santiago from Sarria (the last 100 km required to obtain the Compostela), you are also entitled to the Distance Certificate, available at the Pilgrim’s Office on Rua das Carretas, 33.

The Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago created this certificate to address requests from pilgrims who wanted more details of their Camino journey documented.