In Navarra the four routes coming from Europe to Santiago become two major ones that cross Navarra´s territory from north to south and from east to west. In the town, Puente la Reina, these routes converge before entering La Rioja. This lovely stretch in Navarra is the longest distance to be covered by pilgrims in any one province. They may walk, ride bicycles or ride horses.

According to the legend, at the beginning of the 9th century, a hermit named Pelayo saw masses of stars falling to the ground near him. A bishop found a marble chest there containing the remains of one of the Disciples closest to Christ: Santiago (el Mayor) who had been beheaded by King Herod in Jerusalem around the year 43. During the Middle Ages, the pilgrimage to Santiago was considered to be even more important than those of Rome or Jerusalem.

This route to honor the Saint hasn´t changed in centuries. In 1985 it was declared by the UNESCO as a World Heritage and first European

Cultural Road by the Council of Europe. During the last few decades, its popularity has increased, and many more shelters have been built to house the pilgrims. It is quite common in the spring and summer to see in the streets of Pamplona men and women with backpacks, staffs and a special sea shell which symbolises their journey. The Road to Santiago crosses ancient bridges, grassy plains, forests, streams and fields as well as towns with fascinating architecture. Those who walk it by themselves talk about their experience in an almost mystic fashion. Others follow the centuries old trails for different reasons that have nothing to do with religion. In any case, no one is disappointed.
AÑO SANTO COMPOSTELANO 2004

Sacred years or "Años Santos" are those in which the 25th of July, fiesta day of Santiago, falls on a Sunday. The last Sacred Year was in 1999 , and the next ones will be in 2010 and in 2021. For those pilgrims who for strictly religious reasons journey to Santiago de Compostela during one of these years have their sins forgiven forgiven. They must also participate in Holy Communion and in Confession. Last February in Navarra, the Prince of Asturias, don Felipe de Borbón officially signalled the beginning of 2004´s Sacred Year. Between 50,000 and 60,000 people are expected to participate in this pilgrimage from all over the world this year.
HOUSING: SHELTERS, CAMPING, ETC.

  Navarra has 25 shelters for pilgrims, including three new ones in Pamplona. Temporary camp sites have also been set up along the way. The many different Associations of "Amigos del Camino" in Navarra have also been instrumental in improving the signs marking the trails and in maintenance.

Pilgrims
Photo: Archivo Fotográfico Servicio de Imagen Turística
del Gobierno de Navarra



PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ROAD TO SANTIAGO

• The Government of Navarra has a telephone number for helping the pilgrims: 848 420 430 (hours: Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays: from 9 a.m. to 2 pm.) Here information is available about the route, housing, health service and nearby cultural attractions and events.

• Two special vehicles will be on the road daily between June 15th and September 15th for those in need of help. These vehicles are called "Jacomóviles", and they carry information on the "Camino de Santiago", a person with first-aid training and someone from the Tourist Office who speaks English and French.
• The Government of Navarra has carried out a program to improve the state of the roads and the signs marking the route.

• The Tourist Office of the Government of Navarra with the help of volunteers has installed information services along the route.

• The Tourist Office of the Government of Navarra, in order to underline the importance of this particular year for the Road to Santiago, has edited brochures and posters related to the many facets of this pilgrimage.

• The Department of Culture and Tourism has published a new and more detailed map-guide to the "Camino de Santiago".

• Between May and September, the Town Hall of Pamplona has organized field trips along different stretches of the road, emphasizing history, culture and artistic aspects.

• Until the month of December, 2004, there will be many other activities programmed by the Government of Navarra in 40 different towns along the route having to do with the pilgrimage, including theatre, exhibits, music and folklore.		  
Real Colegiata of Roncesvalles
Photo: María Dolores Gil