The stamps of the Camino: memories of each stage

The credential: the pilgrim’s passport

On the Camino de Santiago, every step counts, and every stamp is a trace of that experience. The pilgrim’s credential is much more than a document: it is the witness of the effort, faith, and emotion that accompany the journey from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela.

This “Jacobean passport” certifies that the pilgrim is completing the route on foot, by bike, or on horseback. It also allows them to obtain the Compostela —the official certificate— upon arrival at the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago, provided that at least the last 100 km on foot or 200 km by bike have been completed.

➤ A tradition with centuries of history

The custom of stamping the credential dates back to the Middle Ages, when pilgrims carried documents issued by their parishes to prove that they were on their way to the tomb of Apostle James. The stamps, called “signs” or “insignias”, were marked in monasteries, hospitals, or hostels along the route.

Today, the spirit remains the same: each stamp is a tangible memory of passing through places full of hospitality, culture, and spirituality. Many pilgrims proudly collect them, turning their credential into a visual diary of their journey.

• The first stamps were granted in churches and convents.
• Today they can be obtained at almost any point along the Camino.
• They are a symbol of authenticity and commitment to the route.

➤ Where to get stamps on the Sarria – Santiago section

On the Galician French Way, pilgrims must stamp their credential at least twice a day (once at the start and once at the end of the stage). Each stamp represents a moment, an encounter, and a different story. From the first in Sarria to the last in Santiago, all have special value.

• Sarria: Santa Mariña Church and hostels in the old town.
• Portomarín: Parish of San Nicolás and the Tourist Office.
• Palas de Rei: San Tirso Church and local shops.
• Melide: Traditional pulperías and Santa María Church.
• Arzúa: Santiago Parish and the Cheese Museum.
• O Pedrouzo: Santa Irene Chapel and village bars.
• Santiago de Compostela: Pilgrim’s Office and Cathedral.

Many places personalize their stamps with unique designs: shells, crosses, Jacobean symbols, or Galician landscapes. Some pilgrims even collect complete credentials as an artistic souvenir of the Camino.

➤ The symbolic value of the stamps

Each stamp tells a story. It represents the effort of a day’s journey, the kindness of the person who provides it, and the connection with centuries of pilgrim tradition. For many walkers, seeing the credential filled at the end of the Camino is as emotional as arriving at the Cathedral.

Additionally, the stamps are a way to interact with local communities: behind each one there is a smile, a brief conversation, or a moment of rest. It is the human essence of the Camino de Santiago.

• Symbol of effort and personal achievement.
• Trace of the places visited and people encountered.
• Physical proof of the spiritual and cultural journey.

➤ How to preserve your credential

To keep it in good condition, it is recommended to store it in a plastic sleeve or waterproof cover, especially on rainy days. Upon arrival in Santiago, many pilgrims laminate or frame it as a keepsake of one of the most significant experiences of their lives.

Some even choose to start a new credential on future Caminos, turning it into a continuous testimony of their pilgrimages over the years.

Fill your credential with memories, walk from Sarria, and let each stamp tell the story of your Camino.