El Códex Calixtinus y el Camino de Santiago
The Codex Calixtinus and the Camino de Santiago
The Codex Calixtinus is a manuscript treasure from the 12th century. It is considered the first guide to the Jacobean pilgrimage. This document is kept in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
The codex was stolen in 2011 from the Cathedral of Santiago. It was taken from a secure chamber where the most valuable works were kept. The security system of the text was very strict, which had allowed it to be safely stored for 800 years. But the key to the vault was more neglected, practically without any kind of surveillance, which allowed the theft. After a year, on July 4th, 2012, the codex was recovered; it had been stolen by an electrician who had worked in the cathedral. This employee had not only stolen the Codex Calixtinus but also other valuable objects that he had been taking over the years in a slow trickle. This crown jewel was almost lost forever, and many specialists valued the Codex at ten million euros.
Let's talk about the Codex Calixtinus
The 225 double-sided parchments that make up the Codex Calixtinus are divided into five books and two appendices.
Letter from Pope Calixtus II:
This constitutes the beginning of the codex, occupying its first two folios. The author claims to be Pope Calixtus II and recounts how he gathered numerous testimonies of miracles performed by the apostle James. The letter is completed with details on how the manuscript survived various dangers.
Book I – Book of Liturgies:
This constitutes the bulk of the manuscript, gathering liturgical texts (masses, sermons…) in honor of the apostle.
Book II – Book of Miracles:
It contains the 22 miracles attributed to the apostle James performed in Europe. It is the second smallest book. Before the miracles, it includes a small prologue supposedly written by Pope Calixtus II.
Book III – Transfer of the body to Santiago:
This is the briefest book. It begins with a prologue and a summary, and then recounts the evangelization of the apostle in Spain and his subsequent transfer from Jerusalem.
Book IV – Charlemagne's Conquests:
This is dedicated to the adventures of Charlemagne in Spain. It tells of Charlemagne's entry into the Peninsula, the defeat at Roncesvalles, and the death of Roland. It also recounts the discovery of the tomb of James, the construction of the apostle’s city, and the liberation of the pilgrimage route.
Book V – Pilgrim's Guide:
This is the most well-known. It describes the Santiago routes in France and Spain, the pilgrimage routes created to reach Compostela. It also presents the places that should be visited along the way and warns travelers of the dangers they might encounter. It describes the city of Santiago and its cathedral in great detail.
Appendices I and II
The five books are completed with these appendices, which add to the codex a repertoire of liturgical chants for the great ceremonies in honor of the apostle James. From a musical standpoint, they constitute the most important part of the manuscript.
It is the reference book of the Jacobean world and the oldest work focused exclusively on the Camino de Santiago. For all those who wish to approach the Jacobean subject from its foundation, this treasure will be exciting.
In short, an essential book for every pilgrim with the aim of spreading and making known the pilgrimage to Santiago to the world throughout the centuries, a goal it has accomplished.
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