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Camino de Santiago
CAMINO DOWNUNDER presents classes, workshops and individual 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.
NEW PRODUCT
COMING SOON
Camino de Santiago:
30 all-weather walking maps
These thirty maps weigh approximately 85 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.
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.
The Guide for the Spanish Camino
Course brochures
Find out more about Camino Downunder courses for walking the Camino Francés.
Classes/workshops page »
