Photo: Inside the Cathedral at Santiago De Compostela
Saint James holds an important role in the Catholic faith. Not only was he one of Jesus’ original Twelve Apostles who was also present at the Transfiguration, he is believed to have carried out Jesus’ ministry to the far reaches of Europe, spreading Christianity here to the Iberian Peninsula.
I spent much of day 14 walking with Ingrid from Sweden. The walk went quickly with our lively and interesting conversation. We compared our lives – her as a divorced woman in Sweden sharing 50-50 custody time raising her children with her x-husband and having a career, and me in the USA raising children with a live-in husband and having a career. We compared women in Sweden versus women in America, among many other topics. Ingrid is on her way to SW France to sign closing paperwork on a house she is buying in Roquebrun. We made plans to meet for a celebration drink in Santiago.
St James’ remains are buried in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and this is the destination for all 5 designated Camino walks and why Santiago was selected. This pilgrimage destination is one of the most popular in the world.
St James became the leader of the Christians in Palestine after St Peter’s departure for Rome. He was martyred shortly after preaching the Gospel near the Temple. One legend says he was stoned by the crowd and received a death blow with a club. Another says the king ordered his beheading. Either way St James’ body found its way back to Spain, where he had once preached.
Tonight I am lodging in Padron, the spot where the boat from Palestine with St James’ remains ended its journey. From here the remains were carried overland to Santiago.
The Cathedral at Santiago De Compostela was built to hold St James’ remains. Construction was started in 1075 and completed in 1211. To say is an impressive structure is an understatement!
The world famous Padron peppers originated here in Padron. They are traditionally prepared by sautéing in olive oil and served with course salt.
