The Credential and The Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago Credential
What is the Camino de Santiago Credential?
The credential is a document or accreditation in which the pilgrim records their journey. In this document, pilgrims collect stamps from the towns they pass through, certifying that they have been there. It not only serves as accreditation but also provides useful information, including maps and routes, which can be very helpful.
The credential has several purposes
The pilgrim’s credential is the simplest way to identify pilgrims during their journey along the Camino de Santiago. Thanks to this accreditation, pilgrimage accommodations are open for their rest and respite.
In many places, it allows access to pilgrim menus with special prices offered by many restaurants and discounts at accommodations.
However, the main purpose of the credential is to certify that you have walked the required distance to receive the Compostela.
The Compostela is a document granted by ecclesiastical authorities. It is issued in Compostela to all pilgrims who certify, through a properly stamped Camino de Santiago credential, that they have walked at least 100 kilometres on foot or horseback (200 kilometres if done by bicycle) for religious or spiritual reasons, even if in search of faith, along any of the Jacobean routes, while confessing a religious faith.
There is another type of accreditation known as the Pilgrim Certificate, which is granted to pilgrims whose motives are recreational or sports-related, with the same distance requirements.
When and where to stamp
All pilgrims must stamp their credential at the starting point of their journey and then once or twice a day, depending on the route. Those on foot will generally only need to stamp it once a day, except for the last 100 km, where they must do so twice. Those travelling by bicycle must stamp it twice a day throughout the journey.
Places where you can stamp the credential include churches and hostels (even if you do not stay there, you can still get it stamped). Additionally, many bars, restaurants, and town halls along the routes can stamp the credential.
If, for any reason, you have to interrupt your pilgrimage and resume it later, the first stamp you obtain must be from the same place where you last stamped it.
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