When talking about the history of the Camino de Santiago, it is essential to mention the figure of Apostle James, whose life, preaching, martyrdom, and the later discovery of his tomb marked the beginning of the Jacobean routes, which today are walked by thousands of pilgrims every year. In this article, we will explore the origin of the Camino de Santiago, the figure of the Apostle, his connection with Galicia, the discovery of his tomb, and the birth of the pilgrimage to Compostela.
Apostle James at the Portico of Glory
The life of Apostle James
James the Greater, also known as James, the son of Zebedee, was one of Jesus’ closest disciples according to the Gospels. His family, devoted to fishing in Galilee, was formed by his father Zebedee and his mother Salome, who is considered in some traditions to be the sister of the Virgin Mary. James also had a younger brother, John, and both were called the “Boanerges” or “Sons of Thunder” because of their impetuous nature. The Bible does not specify his birthplace, but it is believed he came from Galilee, possibly from Bethsaida, a fishing village on the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias).
At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, James and his brother John were called to follow him while they were working with their father as fishermen. They immediately left their boat and father to join Jesus, becoming part of the first group of disciples along with Peter and Andrew. This encounter and their commitment to Jesus took place around the year 28 AD, when Jesus called them “fishers of men,” symbolizing their new mission.
Apostle James preaching
His journey and preaching in Galicia
After Jesus’ death, James was one of the first to preach his message, spreading it across various regions in Palestine and beyond. Later, following his mission to evangelize the far west of the known world, James arrived in Roman Hispania, where he is believed to have brought Jesus’ message to the local pagan tribes.
Thus, in Galicia, which was believed to be the “End of the World” or Finisterrae, he gathered a group of followers and undertook the challenging task of evangelizing a pagan people. One of his stops, according to legend, was Santiaguiño do Monte, in the town of Padrón, located on the Portuguese Way and closely linked to the Jacobean tradition. He is also associated with Muxía, near the Sanctuary of the Virxe da Barca.
After his mission in Galicia, James returned to Palestine, where he continued preaching. He was arrested by order of Herod Agrippa I and martyred by beheading in the year 44 AD, becoming the first apostle to be martyred for his faith.
Holy Stones in Santiaguiño do Monte
The Traslatio, the Depositio, and the Inventio
After James’ martyrdom, his body was transported by his disciples, Theodore and Athanasius, from Jerusalem to Galicia, in a journey known as the Traslatio. Tradition says that his body was placed in a stone boat that sailed without a rudder or sail, arriving on the Galician coast, specifically in Padrón. After searching for a burial site and overcoming many obstacles with Queen Lupa, James’ body was laid to rest in the place we now know as Santiago de Compostela, an episode referred to as the Depositio.
The discovery of the tomb of James
Eight centuries later, in the 9th century, the tomb of James was discovered—an event known as the Inventio—which marked a milestone in the origin of the Camino de Santiago. Legend has it that a hermit named Pelayo saw a field of bright stars over a hill; one theory suggests that the name “Compostela” comes from this campus stellae (Latin for “field of stars”). Intrigued by the heavenly vision, he went to the site and discovered a marble tomb. Pelayo informed Bishop Theodemir of Iria Flavia (Padrón), who then notified King Alfonso II of Asturias. From his court in Oviedo, the king set out on what is now known as the Primitive Way to reach the newly discovered tomb in Compostela and confirm the find; in fact, this king is known as the first pilgrim.
Alfonso II the Chaste, the first pilgrim in history
The origin of the Camino de Santiago
The discovery of James’ tomb had a significant historical and political impact during the Christian “Reconquista”. Possessing the Apostle’s relics was a morale booster for the Kingdom of Asturias in the face of Muslim presence in the peninsula, and it promoted pilgrimage to his tomb as a way to seek protection. At the same time, it became a path of faith and penance and later a way to earn indulgences. In this context, the veneration of Saint James became a unifying factor for European Christians.
The creation of the city of Santiago de Compostela
Thus, around James’ tomb, a first church was built, later replaced by increasingly larger ones. At the same time, monasteries such as San Martín Pinario, churches, homes, artisan workshops, city walls, and other structures became part of the emerging city of Santiago de Compostela. Finally, with the beginning of construction of the current Romanesque cathedral at the end of the 11th century, the city became a major pilgrimage center, attracting thousands of people from all over Europe, especially along the French Way.
Statue of pilgrims at Monte do Gozo, arriving in Santiago
Live the history of the Camino de Santiago with us
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking the Camino de Santiago, this might be your moment. Because beyond the question of whether the Apostle’s remains are truly buried in the cathedral or not, what really matters is everything the Camino has meant —and still means— to thousands of people throughout the centuries: transformation, connection, pause, meaning. And we would love to accompany you on this special adventure: reach out to us and we’ll help you plan your route, with everything you need to experience the Camino with peace of mind and authenticity.
The Camino is waiting for you… Are you ready to take the first step?
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