The Camino de Santiago · Eight Hundred Kilometres to See One Man

The cathedral of Santiago de Compostela holds the remains of Saint James, and from the ninth century pilgrims from all over Europe walked hundreds of kilometres to reach it, forming the whole pilgrimage route and its wayside shelters along the way.

In the cathedral there is a column, and pilgrims put their hands on it when they arrive; the column has worn into a deep handprint. Above hangs a huge censer, and during the ceremony several people pull the ropes to swing it back and forth through the nave.

Those who have walked the whole way say the hardest part is not the legs but walking at night, seeing someone ahead of you and never catching up.

Historical Mysteries / Galicia · Spain / 9th century