Conditions for Gaining a Compostela

The Cathedral website (http://peregrinossantiago.es/eng/pilgrimage/the-compostela/) states that: ‘In the 20th century the growth of pilgrims arriving in Santiago by vehicular transport gave rise to a concern that the aspects of effort and sacrifice previously characteristic of the pilgrimage may be lost or diminished. It was also the case that there was a growth in certificates issued by other bodies which sought to imitate the traditional Compostela. Therefore the Cathedral of Santiago decided that to gain a Compostela a pilgrim had to provide evidence on a Credencial that they had walked or travelled on horseback at least the last 100kms of their journey to Santiago and, if travelling by bicycle, the last 200kms. That rule still stands today.’

Thus the conditions for gaining a Compostela are (according to the Cathedral's website):

You need to have made the pilgrimage for religious reasons or for a similar motivation such as a vow.
You need to have walked or travelled on horseback at least the last 100kms, or cycled the last 200kms, to arrive at the tomb of the Apostle in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
You should collect at least two sellos (stamps) each day on your Credencial. This will usually be where you sleep and one other place such as a Church, bar, café etc. You must ensure that you do this at least in the last 100 kms from the Cathedral of Santiago if you are walking or on horseback and 200 kms if you are travelling by bicycle.

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