Credentials in a Different Starting City

[Geopatriot]

I'm planning to arrive in Ourense on a Saturday afternoon from Madrid and start my Camino the following day. Can I secure my credentials in Madrid prior to arriving in Ourense? Since I arrive by train at 13:45 in Ourense, I'm thinking that it might be difficult to secure credentials on a late Saturday afternoon. Any suggestions?

 

[KinkyOne]

I'm planning to arrive in Ourense on a Saturday afternoon from Madrid and start my Camino the following day. Can I secure my credentials in Madrid prior to arriving in Ourense? Since I arrive by train at 13:45 in Ourense, I'm thinking that it might be difficult to secure credentials on a late Saturday afternoon. Any suggestions?

Welcome to the forum!

If you want to get credencial in Madrid you will have to go to the center of Madrid, quite close to the Royal palace. Maybe it's better to obtain it in Ourense. I'm not sure if Xunta albergue has some (http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es/albergue-de-peregrinos-de-ourense) but it's possible because Ourense is one of the starting points (100+kms) required to get the Compostela. Maybe try to contact the albergue?

Ultreia!

 

[Al the optimist]

Why not get one from Ivar's forum shop?

 

[Geopatriot]

Dear Friends, my question is not where to buy it. My question is "Can I buy it in a city that's different than my starting point?" Alternatively, is it easy to pick one up in Ourense on a Saturday late afternoon or Sunday morning? I read that the it's not always easy in Ourense. Thanks much for taking the time to respond.

 

[SYates]

Dear Friends, my question is not where to buy it. My question is "Can I buy it in a city that's different than my starting point?" ...

Yes, there is no rule that you have to buy your Credencial at your starting point. Buen Camino! SY

 

[KinkyOne]

Dear Friends, my question is not where to buy it. My question is "Can I buy it in a city that's different than my starting point?" Alternatively, is it easy to pick one up in Ourense on a Saturday late afternoon or Sunday morning? I read that the it's not always easy in Ourense. Thanks much for taking the time to respond.

Ditto to SYates post. Although...

...I'm not an English native speaker, so please tell me if this sentence (from your OP!!!) is a question with exact location(s) mentioned or not:
"Can I secure my credentials in Madrid prior to arriving in Ourense?"
???

Ultreia!

 

[MaryLynn]

Welcome to the forum!

If you want to get credencial in Madrid you will have to go to the center of Madrid, quite close to the Royal palace. Maybe it's better to obtain it in Ourense. I'm not sure if Xunta albergue has some (http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es/albergue-de-peregrinos-de-ourense) but it's possible because Ourense is one of the starting points (100+kms) required to get the Compostela. Maybe try to contact the albergue?

Ultreia!

Hello, KinkyOne, Could you tell me more specifically where to get the credencial in Madrid? I will arrive in Madrid next week on May 26 and my hotel (Urban Sea Atocha113) is near the train station. I had planned to get my credencial the next day in Pamplona, but it might be nice to get it while I am in Madrid. Thanks!

 

[KinkyOne]

Hello, KinkyOne, Could you tell me more specifically where to get the credencial in Madrid? I will arrive in Madrid next week on May 26 and my hotel (Urban Sea Atocha113) is near the train station. I had planned to get my credencial the next day in Pamplona, but it might be nice to get it while I am in Madrid. Thanks!

Hola, MaryLynn!

In Madrid you can obtain credencial at Iglesia de Santiago y San Juan at the Plaza de Santiago (very close to Cathedral and Royal Palace). From your hotel it's app.20min walk (1,6km) NW on Calle de Atocha. Google it and you'll see it's really easy. Don't know the opening hours though. When I was there last year it was closed, most possible because of festivities in the time of coronation of a new king.

But maybe it would be easier to go to Asociación de Amigos de los Caminos de Santiago de Madrid: http://www.demadridalcamino.org/
They are opened Tue&Thu 19:00-21:00, Wed 11:00-12:30 & 19:00-21:00. The address is Calle de Carretas 14 and is in the same direction as already mentioned but only 1km from your hotel.

Ultreia!

 

[MaryLynn]

Hola, MaryLynn!

In Madrid you can obtain credencial at Iglesia de Santiago y San Juan at the Plaza de Santiago (very close to Cathedral and Royal Palace). From your hotel it's app.20min walk (1,6km) NW on Calle de Atocha. Google it and you'll see it's really easy. Don't know the opening hours though. When I was there last year it was closed, most possible because of festivities in the time of coronation of a new king.

But maybe it would be easier to go to Asociación de Amigos de los Caminos de Santiago de Madrid: http://www.demadridalcamino.org/
They are opened Tue&Thu 19:00-21:00, Wed 11:00-12:30 & 19:00-21:00. The address is Calle de Carretas 14 and is in the same direction as already mentioned but only 1km from your hotel.

Ultreia!

Thank you so much for your quick reply! I will Google the addresses and print out maps. I got turned around once in the Plaza Mayor and it took me an hour to find my way back to Calle Atocha! I appreciate your help!