answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

According to tradition, St. James the Apostle came to Spain and brought Christianity to the Iberian peninsula. To commemorate that fact, the Spanish built a great shrine to honor the apostle, which has been a place of pilgrimage ever since.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why is Santiago de Compostela a popular pilgrimage site?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Why is Compostela a pilgrimage site?

Compostela, the full name of which is Santiago de Compostela, is a pilgrimage site because the Shrine of Saint James the Great is located there. The pilgrimage route used to reach Compostela was originally established in the 9th century.


Why do people pilgrim to the santiago de compostela cathedral?

People pilgrim to the famous cathedral in Santiago de Compostela to visit the burial site of the Apostle Santiago, or James the Greater/James the Elder. People do the Camino de Santiago for many reasons though: a pilgrimage to the tomb of the Apostle, excercise, or just as a way to see some of Spain's beautiful, green, Celtic northern provinces.


Give you facts about pilgrimages in Europe?

Lourdes is a pilgrimage site for our Lady in the south of France. People fast and go without sleep while on pilgrimage in Lough Derg in Ireland. Fatima is a pilgrimage site for our Lady in Portugal. Many people go in the walk for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Vatican City is a place of pilgrimage as it is where the head of the Catholic Church lives.


Santiago de Compostela, Spain?

Santiago de Compostela is a city and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain. Since the 9th century, Santiago de Compostela has been the destination of pilgrimage route, once known as the way of St. James, whose remains traditionally are believed to be enshrined in the city. The route has been followed for more than a thousand years. Santiago de Compostela is primarily known for its cathedral and shrine to St. James. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is the most important sight to see in the city and continues attracting as many as 100,00 visitors from all over the world each year. Construction of the cathedral began in 1075 and lasted more than fifty years. Earlier buildings on the same location were destroyed during invasions. The Old Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Surrounded by parks, its streets wind through narrowly spaced historic buildings. Both the old and new sections of town enjoy a noteworthy nightlife.


What are the main pilgrimage sites for Judaism?

While Judaism does not mandate pilgrimage to any site, many Jews willingly make the pilgrimage to the Western Wall because of the holiness with which Jews see the site.


Who is codie santiago?

Its Cylie Santiago's little sister (Cylie is a site model)


Why is Salisbury a Christian pilgrimage?

The Cathedral has the tallest spire in England. I didn't know it was a Pilgrimage site....


What is the camino de Santiago?

The Camino de Santiago is a group of pilgrimage routes through Spain to Santiago de Compostela. According to the lore, Saint James (an Apostle of Jesus) traveled as a missionary to Iberia (Spain and Portugal today) to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to convert the native peoples. After an unsuccessful go at it, he returned to Judea (Israel) and was martyred (killed) for the faith by beheading (YIKES). Apparently, some of his helpers then took his body in a rudderless boat back to Iberia for burial. In the 9th Century AD, a shepherd discovered an old crypt while tending his flock. After alerting the local bishop and an investigation, it was decreed that these were the bones of Saint James (Sant Iago, Santiago) and a church was built over the site as a means of attracting pilgrims. Pilgrims started making the journey from all over Christendom to pay homage to an Apostle of Christ and have their prayers interceded for by the Saint (check out other WikiAnswers for more info). Over the course of the past thousand years, millions have made the journey from their homes to Santiago de Compostela, making it the third most popular pilgrim site in Christianity (the other two being the Holy Land and Rome). Today, thousands make the journey, mostly on the Camino Frances (French Way) from Sain Jean Pied de Port in southern France to Santiago, a journey of over 800 kilometers (500 miles) for a variety of reasons. Buen Camino! (Good Journey!) During the Middle Ages, it was estimated that over a million people were making the journey to and from Santiago de Compostela. Making the journey was a way for people to obtain an indulgence (forgiveness of their sins). You don't have to be a Catholic or a Christian to make the journey today. People of all faith traditions (or atheists) make the journey as a personal development and challenges period. Buen Camino a todos, mi amigos.


When is Saint James feast day?

Saint James the Greater, one of the twelve apostles, is celebrated on July 25th each year. This day is known as Saint James's feast day. It is a significant date for many Christians around the world, particularly in Spain where Santiago de Compostela is a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Saint James.


What site in Nepal is a place of pilgrimage for the Buddhists?

lumbini


Which medieval city was the ultimate pilgrimage site for Christians?

Jerusalem


What is important about Knock?

Knock is a town in Ireland that is important for its shrine to the Virgin Mary. After the Virgin Mary appeared here in 1879, a shrine was built, and it is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics.