The Compostela
Since the pilgrimage to the tomb of Santiago started, during the ninth and tenth centuries, it was institutionalized and acquired certain social and religious consideration, it was necessary to demonstrate having met the challenge. To do this they used the scallop shell that was purchased only in Santiago. This was so easy to fake that forced the prelates of Compostela and the Pope himself to decree excommunication penalties against counterfeiters. In the thirteenth century were used the “evidentiary letters” more difficult to forge and direct origin of The Compostela. In the sixteenth century the Catholic Kings established The Royal Hospital Foundation and ordered the construction of the building now occupied by the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, converted in 1954 into a luxury hotel. Pilgrims by presenting The Compostela acquired the right to be hosted free for three days. The sanitary needs of the pilgrims turned the institution, after the necessary extensions, into the most important hospital in Galicia and later the home of the famous Compostela medical school.
Trough the twentieth century the effort and sacrifice give way to a pleasant and enjoyable activity. The Chapter of the Church of Santiago continues to issue the certificate and demanding the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, with little success, it´s founding duty. However, the present Cathedral limited The Compostela to those who come to the tomb of the Apostle on religious grounds and on foot, bicycle or horse. This requires having traveled at least the last 100 km on foot or the last 200 on bicycle or horseback. Are excluded, therefore, other forms of travel except in the case of disabled people who come in Non-motorized wheelchair.
An approximate translation of the text reads: The Chapter of this Holy Apostolic and Metropolitan Cathedral of Compostela custodian of the seal of the Altar of St. James the Apostle, to all the faithful and pilgrims who come from all over the orb of the Earth with an attitude of devotion or due to vow or promise who pilgrimage to the tomb of the Apostle, Our Patron and Protector of Spain, credited to all who look at this document that: D. ... ... ... ... ... Devoutly visited the most sacred temple with a Christian attitude (pietatis cause.)
In witness whereof I give you this document endorsed with the seal of this Holy Church.
Given in Santiago de Compostela the day ......... month............... year of the Lord ..........
The Canon representative for Pilgrims
………………………………………..
The Compostela is collected near the Obradoiro square in the Pilgrim's Office:
Street: Rúa do Vilar, 1
Phone: (+34) 981 56 24 19 (+34) 981 56 24
