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Camino de Santiago
CAMINO DOWNUNDER presents classes, workshops and corporate consultancies for Australians and New Zealanders wishing to walk the great pilgrimage routes of France and Spain which have been in existence since the 9th century, to Santiago de Compostela in north western Spain.
What's new?
Our blog is now online! Read it here: caminodownunder.wordpress.com
The website is now available to read in Korean, French and Spanish! More languages will be coming soon: we intend to add Mandarin (Chinese), German, Japanese, Portuguese and Italian.
SPECIAL OFFER
For a limited time only!
If you order the Camino maps or the
Camino guidebook from our website you will receive a FREE Camino Downunder material badge, worth AU$10.00 with each item purchased. Visit online shop »
Camino de Santiago:
30 all-weather walking maps
These thirty maps weigh approximately 100 grams and are virtually indestructible in any weather situations. After nearly two years of research and development and road testing them in late 2009 they are now ready to be used by any pilgrim undertaking any section of the Camino Francés or the whole of it from the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela.
Or click here for where to buy in France.
What is the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago (Spanish) or Saint James Way (English) is a network of Christian pilgrimage routes in France and Spain which have been in existence since the ninth century. The pilgrimage route which is the focus for Camino Downunder is called the Camino Francés. In the 12th and 13th centuries Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela exploded in popularity, overtaking the other two pilgrimage routes to Rome and Jerusalem. Read more »
The Spanish pilgrimage route Camino de Santiago is known in many languages:
- St James Way (English)
- Le Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle (French)
- Jakobsweg (German)
- Il Cammino di Santiago di Compostela (Italian)
- O Caminho de Santiago (Portuguese)
- Camiño de Santiago or Ruta Xacobea (Galician)
- Donejakue Bidea (Basque)
Camino Downunder website has its focus on the original medieval religious pilgrimage route dating back to the 10 century and called: the Camino Francés or the French Route.
THE Camino FrancÉs
The Camino Francés (which is the oldest pilgrimage route in Spain) is called the French route precisely because at the time it came into existence, the majority of pilgrims traversing it came from France.
However, the Somport Pyrenean pass (between France and Spain) was the preferred entry point until the 12th century, when the route between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Roncesvalles took over in popularity because mountain banditry was better suppressed and massive new infrastructure built at Roncesvalles: the Real Colegiata including their famous pilgrim’s hostel was formally opened (consecrated) in 1219.
In the 21st century, people from around the world commence their pilgrimage at many different locations along this long route (freedom of choice), but are now no longer solely motivated to undertake it as a religious pilgrimage in the medieval traditions.
For many, they are motivated to commence this challenging journey because they want to have a unique Spanish, walking holiday. However, modern, long distance pilgrims gain a deep introspection and are changed. Along the journey, the original motivation gets modified. And serendipity plays itself out. The journey over time acts like a catalyst: it induces change.
You’ve come to the Camino Downunder website because you’re doing serious research and preparation to undertake the Camino Francés as an independent pilgrim-walker?
If yes, then read on…
To be a successfully independent pilgrim-walker along the Camino Francés when so many figuratively fall by the wayside… you should be armed with our just in time all-weather walking maps which double up as your one-stop guide with not too much information, but just the right amount, at the right time, when you so dearly need it.
These 30 all-weather maps will empower you:
- designed solely with the pilgrim-walker in mind
- the empathy of knowing what you will be feeling and needing
– nothing more and nothing less - You will be stronger each day and more confident.
When you’ve been walking some 6, 7 or 8 hours
- and the afternoon is wearing you down, you’ve had it and you’re sore
- within seconds and irrespective of any weather conditions (atrocious or beautiful)
- you will know exactly where you are and you will know which pilgrim hostel you wish to go and how much more walking you’ve got to do before getting there.
THAT’S PRICELESS
More details »
21st Century Camino de Santiago maps:
Hi-tech 3D: waterproof - washable - renewable
If you are having trouble playing the video, please click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uGGD6WhVlQ&feature=player_embedded
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