The credential and Compostela

The credential is the pilgrim's passport which must be stamped on each stage. The Compostela is the document which certifies completion of the pilgrimage.

The pilgrim's credential is the sort of passport which must be stamped on each stage of the route. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages and the document which was given to pilgrims for use as a safe-conduct. It must be stamped at least two times a day over the final 100 km (for pilgrims on foot or horseback ). The only official and valid credential is issued by the Pilgrim Office.

It provides access to pilgrim hostels and serves as proof of the pilgrimage, allowing the pilgrim to request the Compostela upon completion.

In order to obtain the Compostela, it is not necessary to have completed the route over a consecutive period of time, but the journey must be geographically consecutive. This means that it is possible to follow the route on weekends, for example. However, it must always be taken up again at the previous destination, as skipping a section would invalidate the right to obtain the certificate.Read more