Camino de Santiago and Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe

In recent years, the Camino de Santiago (Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Routes, the Way of St. James) have captured the hearts of travelers worldwide, drawing individuals from all walks of life—whether deeply religious, spiritual, or even atheist. These ancient pilgrimage paths offer more than just a journey; they are a chance to forge connections, embark on a personal quest, and discover inner peace. But beyond packing lists and travel tips, how much do you truly know about the Camino Routes? Did you know they are part of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, a network dedicated to preserving Europe’s shared heritage and promoting cultural exchange?

CULTURAL ROUTES OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE

The "Council of Europe", with the intention of promoting a collective European identity, proposed in the 1960s through the European Cultural Convention the idea of combining the discovery of shared values in European cultural heritage with leisure culture. In 1987, it officially introduced the first cultural route case, the "Way of St. James". By leveraging key cultural assets and clusters of cultural tourism sites, it created thematic narratives to achieve greater international and local impact.

Currently, a total of 48 European cultural routes have been certified by the Council of Europe. Examples include the "Way of St. James", the "Hanseatic Route", the "Mozart Route", and the "Ceramic Routes", all of which promote human rights, democracy, cultural diversity, and a sense of identity with Europe.

Definition: "Cultural Route" refer to a route centered around a particular theme that traverses multiple countries or regions. Whether through the value inherent in the route itself or its broader scope and significance, it typically reflects the historical, artistic, and social characteristics of Europe.

48 Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe [Source: Council of Europe]

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA PILGRIM ROUTES

After the Council of Europe proposed the concept of "cultural routes" in 1984, the Santiago de Compostela Declaration was officially published in 1987, designating the "Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Routes" as the first cultural route. This initiative aims to showcase a transnational cultural route system that transcends ethnicities, languages, and borders, allowing people to rediscover the pilgrimage route that has been traveled by pilgrims for centuries. The goal is to gradually establish a shared collective memory of Europe and achieve European identity and cultural unity.

The Way of St. James does not refer to a single path but rather encompasses all walking routes taken by pilgrims from their homes to the holy city of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Historically, pilgrims embarked on this journey with goals such as absolution from sins, redemption, or seeking inner peace, traveling on foot, horseback, or by cart from various parts of Europe over hundreds of years. This has led to the formation of several major routes, intermediary cities, roadside sanctuaries, and unique culinary traditions associated with the pilgrimage.

The overall route network primarily spans the European continent, extending eastward to present-day Russia and Ukraine, and includes countries in Central Europe such as Poland, Hungary, Germany, France, and Italy, culminating at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain. Walking along the Way of St. James, travelers encounter various towns, churches, bridges, and diverse natural landscapes, reflecting the spirit of European culture and the interplay between nature and geography.

Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Routes [Source: caminodesantiago.gal]

Background and Key Milestones

The endpoint of the Way of St. James is the cathedral where the remains of Saint James (Santiago) are buried. Saint James was one of the apostles of Jesus and was martyred by beheading in Jerusalem in 42 AD. His remains were brought back to Spain. In the 9th century, his long-lost remains were discovered in Santiago de Compostela, guided by a miracle. The Spanish king at the time ordered a church to be built at the site of the discovery to honor his remains. This event soon attracted many pilgrims, and as Catholicism and Christianity developed, it gradually became one of Europe's important holy sites.

According to existing literature, the fervor for pilgrimage to Santiago continued until the 15th century. However, with the Age of Discovery, scientific advancements, and changes in transportation methods, the number of pilgrims traveling on foot began to decline. The situation changed again in 1897 when the relics of Saint James were rediscovered, reigniting interest in the pilgrimage. Between 1939 and 1975, during the rule of General Franco in Spain, the significance of Saint James and the cathedral was emphasized by the military government, leading to the restoration of related buildings and their declaration as national heritage. Furthermore, their cultural importance was recognized by the Spanish academic community, which organized exhibitions and seminars that sparked international resonance. Various countries established organizations to promote the pilgrimage to Santiago.

In 1982, Pope John Paul II visited Santiago for the second time and delivered his famous "Europe Speech", establishing the Way of St. James as an important symbol of post-war European understanding and reflection on origins. In 1987, it became the first cultural route recognized by the Council of Europe, and in 1993, parts of the route were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Due to various political, economic, and cultural motivations, Santiago has become a significant religious, cultural, and tourism site in contemporary Europe. The themes of the pilgrimage have also led to the development of diverse transnational literature and collaborative projects, making it a key destination for travelers seeking a unique spiritual experience. Following this model, other European cultural routes have emerged, centered around different religious shrines, holy places, or the journeys of saints, thus becoming an important mode of integrating religious culture with contemporary society in Europe.

[Source: "Culture Routes of Taiwan Special Exhibition, 2024-2025", Bureau of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture, Taiwan]