Northern Spain and the Camino de Santiago

Summary

Rick Steves takes viewers on a thrilling journey through Spain, exploring the Camino de Santiago, Europe's ultimate pilgrimage route. The episode features the exhilarating Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, serene moments of reflection along the trail, and the cultural richness of towns like Burgos and León. The pilgrimage's spiritual culmination at Santiago de Compostela's cathedral offers a profound experience, highlighting the journey's blend of adventure, history, and personal growth.

Takeaways

• 🏃 The Camino de Santiago is a historic pilgrimage route in Europe, attracting travelers for centuries to the remains of St. James in Santiago de Compostela.
• 📜 Pilgrims receive a 'pilgrim's passport' to get stamped at each stop, symbolizing their journey and eligibility for a compostela certificate.
• 🎉 The Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona is a vibrant event featuring the Running of the Bulls, deeply rooted in tradition and famously depicted in literature.
• 🏛 The Camino route is marked by yellow arrows and scallop shells, the latter being a historical symbol of the pilgrimage.
• 🛡 Pamplona's rich history includes being the capital of the medieval kingdom of Navarre, now known for its energy and festivals.
• 🗽 The Gothic cathedral in Burgos is a significant landmark on the Camino, reflecting the region's historical importance and architectural grandeur.
• 🚶‍♂️ Walking the Camino offers a unique opportunity for reflection and spiritual contemplation, as well as physical challenge.
• 🏰 The route passes through various towns and landmarks, each with its own historical and cultural significance, like the 12th-century church in Puente de la Reina.
• 🎨 The Camino's influence contributed to the exchange of art, architecture, and knowledge during the Middle Ages, enriching the cultural landscape of Europe.
• 🌳 The journey through Galicia offers a serene and green landscape, contrasting with the common perceptions of Spain and highlighting its Celtic heritage.
• 🏰 Upon reaching Santiago de Compostela, pilgrims are greeted by the cathedral, the final destination and a place of spiritual significance, where they can embrace the statue of St. James.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Camino de Santiago?

The Camino de Santiago, also known as the 'Way of St. James,' is Europe's ultimate pilgrimage route. Since the Middle Ages, it has been a path for pilgrims to walk hundreds of miles across North Spain to pay homage to the remains of St. James in Santiago de Compostela.

What is the traditional starting point of the Camino de Santiago?

The traditional starting point of the Camino de Santiago is the French Basque town of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, located just five miles before the Spanish border.

What is a 'composteala' certificate, and how is it obtained by pilgrims?

A compostela certificate is a document that proves a pilgrim has walked the entire Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims obtain it by getting a pilgrim's passport stamped at each stop along the route.

What is the symbol of the Camino de Santiago, and what does it represent?

The scallop shell is the symbol of the Camino de Santiago. It represents both St. James and the pilgrimage itself. Medieval pilgrims wore them as a badge of honor to prove they completed the journey.

What is the Festival of San Fermín, and what is its main event?

The Festival of San Fermín is an exuberant festival held in Pamplona, Spain, every July. Its main event is the Running of the Bulls, where participants run in front of a stampede of bulls through the city streets.

Why is the red bandana a significant part of the Festival of San Fermín?

The red bandana is a significant part of the Festival of San Fermín as it serves as a distant reminder of the martyrdom of Saint Fermín, the patron saint of the region, who was decapitated in the second century for his faith.

How did Ernest Hemingway influence the fame of Pamplona and the Running of the Bulls?

Ernest Hemingway first came to Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls in 1923 and later wrote his bullfighting classic 'The Sun Also Rises,' which was inspired by the spectacle. His writings put Pamplona and its festival on the world map, attracting international attention.

What is the significance of the Gothic cathedral in Burgos?

The Gothic cathedral in Burgos is significant as it was the capital of the kingdom of Castile for five centuries. It is an awe-inspiring architectural feat, designed by French architects in the 13th century and adorned with lacy spires added by German architects in the 14th century.

What is the historical importance of the Church of San Isidoro in León?

The Church of San Isidoro in León is historically important as it houses some of the most sublime medieval art in Spain, including rare Romanesque frescoes painted around the year 1100. It is also the final resting place of 20 kings of León.

What is the significance of the Gate of Forgiveness in Villafranca del Bierzo?

The Gate of Forgiveness in Villafranca del Bierzo is significant because, historically, pilgrims who reached this point and were too sick to continue their journey to Santiago could stop here and still consider their pilgrimage a success, thanks to a compassionate pope's decision five hundred years ago.

What is the cultural significance of the region of Galicia in the context of the Camino de Santiago?

Galicia, the region through which the final leg of the Camino de Santiago passes, is culturally significant for its lush green landscapes, Celtic heritage, and distinct language, Galego. It offers pilgrims a unique and serene experience as they approach the end of their journey.

What is the spiritual significance of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela for pilgrims?

The cathedral in Santiago de Compostela holds the tomb of St. James and is the final destination of the Camino de Santiago. For pilgrims, it is a place of spiritual climax where they give thanks, reflect on their journey, and celebrate their spiritual or personal triumph.