Just stamp - no compostela

[Flem]

Hi all

All pilgrimages end in Santiago de compostela and we all went to the pilgrimsoffice to get our compostela.

I did the same at my first pilgrimage; but now I just want a stamp in my cridential at the arrival to SdC.

But I have to stay in line togheter with the pilgrims that want they compostela.

So my question is: Is it possible to only get an official SdC stamp somewhere at the pilgrimsoffice without standing in line for long time??

 

[amancio]

Probably in the cathedral itself, or in any bar of your choice, as if you were going to Fisterra?

 

[sulu]

So my question is: Is it possible to only get an official SdC stamp somewhere at the pilgrimsoffice without standing in line for long time??

Yes, ask the volunteers who are helping with the queue. When I helped in the Pilgrim Office there was always a volunteer able to stamp 'credenciales' and sell new ones.

 

[Flem]

Thanks Sulu
I' ll remember next time I'll get there.

 

[IngridF]

Probably in the cathedral itself, or in any bar of your choice, as if you were going to Fisterra?

The official stamp at the cathedral if you can get into the sacresti or the pilgrims office. NO other establishment has the official stamp.

 

[amancio]

Hi Ingrid, what do you mean by "official" in this case? Only the cathedral is a valid place for stamping in Santiago? No albergues, or other places?

The official stamp at the cathedral if you can get into the sacresti or the pilgrims office. NO other establishment has the official stamp.

 

[KinkyOne]

I think what Ingrid meant was that only Cathedral authorities (PO) can issue official documents (and sello) because they are taking care of the tomb of St.James.
Although there are many bars and shops much closer to the tomb than Pilgrims Office is

Same as the OP I went for my Compostela only the first time I arrived in SdC but because I always continue to the ocean the sello from the albergue where I sleep in SdC is enough for me. And for authorities in Fisterra/Muxia for their certificates.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola - only the Pilgrims Office provides the stamp of the Cathedral of Santiago. If that's what you want go there and tell the security guards that you only wish the stamp.

If however the stamp of the Cathedral isn't important to you everywhere else gas stamps - just ask in your Albergue or hotel.

Regards

John

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Coming through Santiago on my way to the coast, I did not want a Compostela, jist the stamp. I explained this to the security gard, he allowed me to sneak in to speak to a person at the counter who simply could not understand why I would not want a Compostela.

She ended up asking her super, and wasting more time in the process.

It had not occured to me at the time that any hotel, or even the post office would do.

I wonder what the Parador's stamp is like, if they have one.

 

[IngridF]

Hi Ingrid, what do you mean by "official" in this case? Only the cathedral is a valid place for stamping in Santiago? No albergues, or other places?

OK. There is a special stamp ( at the pilgrim's office they call it your final sello) on the credential. It is put in the front and at the end of your credential, as your Camino has ended. With that you are issued yor compostela. You also will receive this stamp if you have not finished the last 100kms (no compostela ) or simply want the sello.
Many pilgrims bring extra credentials on behalf of ill or dead friends...they will receive the stamp, (no compostela)
Regarding walking on someone's behalf is a different conversation.

 

[RENSHAW]

@Flem - You've sparked off an idea - I would see if I could get the official stamp and then for the day or two that I am in Santiago , fill my credential up with every restaurant , museum , bar , hostal or hotel - that way I would have all those memories on paper - only a crazy idea? ......... suppose the last thing one wants to do is loose that credential in a bar after one too many? ..........maybe only the sober happenings?

 

[Flem]

The official stamp at the cathedral if you can get into the sacresti or the pilgrims office. NO other establishment has the official stamp.

It was in fact me who used the word "official" and by that I meant the one we usely get at the Pilgrimsoffice on our cridential. I used it because I don't have another word for ig.

Still I like to know if I can get my cridential stamped witout standing in line for a long time.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

It was in fact me who used the word "official" and by that I meant the one we usely get at the Pilgrimsoffice on our cridential. I used it because I don't have another word for ig.

Still I like to know if I can get my cridential stamped witout standing in line for a long time.

Flem - all you can do is go to the door and ask the security guards.

 

[Flem]

Thanks JohnnieWalker
I'll fi tgat when I get there.

 

[Flog]

Hi!
I too got the compostela at the end of my first camino but I didn't bother queueing for it on my subsequent caminos - I'm quite happy with my stamped credentials and regard them as a more personal keepsake (I think I have 7 of them now!) But I did decide at the end of the Primitivo this year, to go to the pilgrims office and ask if it was possible to avoid the long queue and just get the stamp. The volunteer showed me to a different desk where they stamped and signed the front and back of the credential for me. He did emphasize that I couldn't produce it later to get a compostela and he seemed surprised that I was quite ok with that!
So yes, you can ask for just the stamp at the pilgrims office....

 

[KinkyOne]

@Flem - You've sparked off an idea - I would see if I could get the official stamp and then for the day or two that I am in Santiago , fill my credential up with every restaurant , museum , bar , hostal or hotel - that way I would have all those memories on paper - only a crazy idea? ......... suppose the last thing one wants to do is loose that credential in a bar after one too many? ..........maybe only the sober happenings?

Not only the idea is a bit crazy, you are THE one @RENSHAW

And I would gladly keep you company