Cultural Web Lesson:  Spain
El Camino de Santiago

View some photos

Objectives of the Lesson

Students will use the Internet to visit sites about the Camino de Santiago, which crosses northern Spain.  

The focus is on cultural information.  Many of the links are available in English and Spanish.  

Geography and cuisine related to northern Spain will be investigated.

History and legends of the Camino & Santiago will be introduced.

Introduction to the Camino de Santiago

In the early 9th century the tomb of the Apostle St. James "Santiago"  was found in Galicia, Spain.  The Cathedral of Santiago is on the site of what is believed to the burial place of St. James.  St. James traveled to Spain during the 1st century to preach Christianity.  Upon return to Palestine he was taken prisoner and tortured to death.  His body was secretly taken back to Spain and buried.

Many centuries would pass before the hermit Pelayo had a vision in 813, which led to the discovery of the tomb of St. James.  It is said that the Apostle then performed many miracles, and that he even fought with the King against the Moors.  In the Middle Ages, Christians began to make pilgrimages to the site.  A chapel was originally built at the location of his tomb.  The chapel is now the famous cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the destiny for the pilgrims following the Camino. 

The Camino de Santiago has been declared by UNESCO to be a Patrimony for all Humanity.  The route to Santiago was a Roman trade-route, nicknamed by travelers la voje ladee, the Milky Way.  It was the road beneath the stars.  The route of the Camino follows the Milky Way, beginning in France and continues across northern Spain, ending in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia.  

Galicia is one of Spain's seventeen Autonomous Regions.  It is in the northwest part of the country and has strong Celtic and Gaelic origins.    See map.  

The Web Lesson

This web lesson will take you to many web sites about the Camino de Santiago.  Click on the links to visit different sites, then return to this lesson to continue.  

While visiting the web sites:

1. Read the stories and legends about the Camino.  Which ones did you enjoy?
2. Find out what symbol is used as a guide along the Camino.  
3. What do all pilgrims have with them for the trip?
4. What type of food would be typical in northern Spain?  
5. Would you like to make the pilgrimage?  Why or why not?

Let's begin.  First, take a look at a few maps of the Camino.

• Spanish portion of the Camino.  You can click on the towns along the map for details.  
• Major Pilgrim Route
• The Road

Next, browse some of the following sites to obtain information on the Camino, Saint James, the pilgrimage, towns along the way, and legends.  You can choose between the English and Spanish sites when available.  Begin with the sites that look most interesting to you and feel free to use the Related Links at the end of this page.   ¡Feliz viaje!

• El Camino de Santiago, extensive site by John Dagenais, UCLA, most of this site is in Spanish, there is some English information as well. 
  
  
• El Camino de Santiago, Xacobeo, Information about the Trip, Traditions, Route, Galicia, Cuisine with recipes.  Click on the links within this site for detailed pages.
  
  
• On Foot in Spain, by Nancy Frey, English site with legends, geography, history, cuisine and guided tours.
  
  
• The Road to Santiago, bilingual site, by World Heritage Cities
  
  
• CAMINO DE SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA,
  English site featuring three articles:
  • The Worship Relics in the Middle Ages
  • The Legend behind the Cult of St. James
  • The Modern Day Walker
    
    
• Want to go?  This Camino FAQ page will answer many questions.
  
  
• The Route to Santiago, brief introduction in English, CyberSpain

Related Links to El Camino 

Photos

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[Lake Tahoe Community College]  [World Languages Dept.] [LTCC Study Abroad]
Created and maintained by N Barclay     02/26/2010