To obtain a Compostela

[ChrisMO]

Question to those that already did the Camino...to get the Compostela, do you have to walk 100 km straight, or can be broken down in different parts with a total walk of around 130-150 km?

Thanks,

Christiane

 

[fraluchi]

Question to those that already did the Camino...to get the Compostela, do you have to walk 100 km straight, or can be broken down in different parts with a total walk of around 130-150 km? :|

This issue has been answered on other occasions. :?
To receive a Compostela the individual is required to walk not less than the last 100 km before Santiago de Compostela (or 200 km by bicycle) and give proof of this by 2 stamps a day (may be albergues, churches or other locations) on one's "credencial" (pilgrims' passport). :wink:

 

[skilsaw]

On the Camino Frances, the 100 kms begins in Sarria and ends in Santiago at the Cathedral.
Anything before reaching Sarria is inconsequential. The 100 kms must be continuous, consecutive and end at the Cathedral.

But Buses and Taxis turn what begins as a pilgrimage into a holiday. You change from being a pilgrim into a tourist. Why not pledge to yourself that you will walk continuously and not give in to the temptations of motorized transportation.

Buen Camino,
David, Victoria, Canada.

 

[ChrisMO]

Thank you for clarifying that to me. I know I had read before, but my Spaniard friend that we are going to meet there for the Camino said no need to be continuous. Then I decided to ask you guys that did that. My teenagers really want the Compostelas, and I want to make sure we have enough time to walk the 100 km and not be surprised in the end. Thank you thank you thank you.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola

For the sake of absolute clarity on this issue: to obtain the Compostela pilgrims need to walk the last 100 kms to the Cathedral of Santiago and collect 2 stamps per day on their journey.

However it does not have to be completed all in the same time period. Many pilgrims (particularly Spanish of course) complete their pilgrimage in two halves or over weekends. In this case the Pilgrims' Office asks for a dated stamp at the stopping point and a dated stamp when thne pilgrim starts again. Therefore if you stop in Melide you should get a stamp with the date you stopped. Then when you go back to Melide to walk on to Santiago the next stamp in your credencial should be from Melide on the day you re-started.

John

 

[clearskiescamino]

My advice would be to take a few extra days and walk from Astorga or O Cebreiro. A better experience in my opinion.

 

[natefaith]

Hola

For the sake of absolute clarity on this issue: to obtain the Compostela pilgrims need to walk the last 100 kms to the Cathedral of Santiago and collect 2 stamps per day on their journey.

However it does not have to be completed all in the same time period. Many pilgrims (particularly Spanish of course) complete their pilgrimage in two halves or over weekends. In this case the Pilgrims' Office asks for a dated stamp at the stopping point and a dated stamp when thne pilgrim starts again. Therefore if you stop in Melide you should get a stamp with the date you stopped. Then when you go back to Melide to walk on to Santiago the next stamp in your credencial should be from Melide on the day you re-started.

John

Very good to know that the stretch between Sarria and Santiago doesn't have to be all at the same time, John. Once again, your information is very helpful

 

[ChrisMO]

Yes John, good tip. Do you know how many days usually takes from Sarria? Please remember, I have teenagers, that might go in a Competition towards the end.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola - Most pilgrims take 5 days to walk from Sarria.

Best regards

John

 

[ChrisMO]

Thank you Johnywalker, I feel confident now.

 

[drawntothecamino]

Hi,
I'm new on the Camino, cycling it alone. Didn't realise that you need two stamps per day for the Compostela; I have been getting one per day at each accommodation...as this is what i was told..Feeling very disappointed! Are people sure I will be refused the Compostela?

 

[whariwharangi]

Hi,
I'm new on the Camino, cycling it alone. Didn't realise that you need two stamps per day for the Compostela; I have been getting one per day at each accommodation...as this is what i was told..Feeling very disappointed! Are people sure I will be refused the Compostela?

Inside the cover of my credencial it states:

the pilgrim's office requires anyone starting the camino after Ponferrada to obtain two stamps per day. Those pilgrims who start from other points farther east need only one stamp per day.

My credencial was issued by the Canadian Company of Pilgrims. I do not know if credencials issued by other authorities will contain a similar statement.

You may want to contact the pilgrim office to confirm requirements.
http://peregrinossantiago.es/eng/

 

[drawntothecamino]

Thanks for the clarification Whariwharangi.I started in Leòn so I think I'm ok! :?