Women on the Camino de Santiago

The article about women on the Camino de Santiago summarizes how this historic pilgrimage offers a safe, enriching, and personal growth experience, with stories from women who have traveled the route and reflections on their feminine legacy, inspiring future pilgrims to embark on their own adventure.

In recent years, the presence of women on the Camino de Santiago is slightly higher than that of men, according to the statistics. In this article, you will discover the fascinating stories of women who have traveled the Jacobean routes before you. Many women, when considering the idea of walking the Camino de Santiago, have concerns and ask themselves many questions. Can I walk the Camino de Santiago alone? Will I be safe walking the Camino? Are there safe points along the route? Keep reading and find all the answers!

The Camino de Santiago is a safe experience that generates a genuine sense of empowerment and freedom.

Will I feel safe walking the Camino?

One of the most common concerns for those who are going to walk the Camino de Santiago is the safety on the Camino de Santiago. This is especially true for those who are going to walk the Camino for the first time, and it applies to both men and women. Fortunately, everyone claims that the Camino de Santiago is a safe and welcoming place, even for those who are going to walk the Camino alone.

However, as with any journey, it is important to take basic precautions that will help you feel a greater sense of safety:

• Walk in a group or with company, especially in less traveled sections. Most female pilgrims feel safer when they are accompanied by an organized group.
• Inform a loved one of your itinerary and maintain regular contact. Always carry a charged mobile phone for emergencies.
• Use applications like AlertCops, which will provide support in case of any type of emergency.

A safe option to undertake the Camino de Santiago is in an organized group.

The experiences of women on the Camino are very positive. They have found solidarity and support among the pilgrims and locals, as the community and spirit of the Camino is strong and always willing to help.

Are there violet points along the Camino?

Yes, along the Camino de Santiago, especially in the busiest sections, you will find violet points. These are safe spaces for women who may need help or feel unsafe. The violet points are managed by volunteers and organizations dedicated to the protection and support of female pilgrims.

These points offer information, assistance, and a safe place to rest. They are located in shelters, information centers, and other strategic locations along the route. Some municipalities along the Camino de Santiago such as Cacabelos, on the French Way, have them available, both for the local population and for female pilgrims.

On the way, you can be at ease; there will be more female pilgrims like you.

Examples of female pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago

In history, men have predominated over women on the Camino, perhaps as a consequence of the patriarchal sense of society centuries ago. Women who undertook the Camino de Santiago were often queens, nobles, or religious figures, and today we have historical records of female pilgrimages. Fortunately, in recent decades, the presence of women on the Camino has become a norm. Below, we will mention some examples of famous female pilgrims in history and modern times.

Jimena Garcés

Jimena, wife of Alfonso III the Great, made a pilgrimage to Compostela on two occasions in the 9th century. Jimena is considered the first documented female pilgrim, although her journeys were part of her duties as Asturian queen. Nevertheless, there are ancient documents that mention Jimena made a pilgrimage to Santiago per causa devotione. The Iriense Chronicle documents that both the king and queen offered numerous gifts and donations to the church of Santiago.

Gildeberta of Flanders

The Calixtine Codex, attributed to Aymeric Picaud, presents a highly valuable guide for pilgrims to Santiago in its fifth book, an authentic travel guide. There are records of a woman, Gildeberta (or Girberga) of Flanders, who accompanied him on her pilgrimage from Rome.

Mentioned as a companion and sotia or partner at the end of the book, she may have been a co-author during her journey around the 12th century. The possible collaboration of Girberga highlights the presence of women on the Camino when pilgrimage to Santiago was very dangerous for them. Today, a film about the Camino, “La sinapsis del Códice” (Pablo Iglesias, 2010), recalls the story of this pilgrim.

The Calixtine Codex, the first guide to the Camino de Santiago, may have been co-written by a woman

Bona of Pisa

Bona of Pisa made up to nine pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela, quite remarkable. She was born in Tuscany in the 12th century and became a nun at the age of 10. At the age of 14, she made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land following her father in the Crusades, although she was captured and enslaved by Muslims. Released 5 years later, she heard about Santiago de Compostela, where she repeatedly made pilgrimages before dying in Pisa in the early 13th century.

Her remains rest in the church of San Martino in her hometown, where she is venerated as the patroness and celebrated every May 29. Considered patroness of pilgrims and tourism professionals, she was canonized for her dedication and effort in helping other pilgrims.

Saint Bridget of Sweden

Saint Bridget of Sweden was a noble and mystic Swede who pilgrimaged to Santiago in the 14th century, being one of the most famous female pilgrims in history. Very popular in Sweden, her deep religiosity and an ancient family tradition led her to Compostela.

Since the times of her paternal great-grandfather, her family had the custom of pilgrimaging to Compostela, as did her father and mother. Bridget, coming from a noble and wealthy family, made this journey accompanied by her husband, Ulf Gudmarsson, and a large entourage. In fact, historical records highlight that the journey to Compostela incurred great expenses and efforts for the family. Later, Bridget pilgrimed to Rome and the Holy Land, among other places.

Reaching Santiago was dangerous in the Middle Ages, for both men and women.

Shirley Maclaine

In the 20th century, the American actress and writer Shirley Maclaine also traveled the Way. In her book “The Camino: A Spiritual Journey,” she recounts her personal and spiritual experience along the route. The Oscar winner for Best Actress in 1985 for “Terms of Endearment” walked the Camino de Santiago in 1994 on the recommendation of her psychotherapist. He accompanied her throughout the entire route of the French Way from Roncesvalles.

Jenna Bush

Jenna Welch Bush, one of the daughters of former United States President George W. Bush, completed the Camino de Santiago in the Holy Year 2004. Jenna began her journey after finishing her studies in English Philology, accompanied by two friends and a discreet but strong security detail. She started her route in the Galician town of Samos and, on her way to Santiago de Compostela, enjoyed the landscape and gastronomy of Galicia.

Women pilgrims can enjoy a Buen Camino today

Angela Merkel

In 2014, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed feeling moved by her experience of walking a section of the Camino de Santiago. A very short section, just 6 km of the last 100 km of the French Way, but she claims it is an experience she will remember “for a lifetime.”

Julia Baird

John Lennon's sister, Julia Baird, walked the English Way as part of an expedition of the Royal Order of Knights of María Pita. Her adventure in 2018 aimed to promote this route and support its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list due to its historical significance.

In summary, these stories inspire many women to embark on the Camino de Santiago, a safe and enriching place for women. The pilgrim community ensures a positive and safe experience for women on the Camino de Santiago.

Women on the Camino can walk it with peace of mind

From the Middle Ages to the present day, many have found in this Camino an opportunity to grow, reflect, and connect with a millennia-old tradition. If you feel inspired by the stories of these women, dare to live your own adventure on the Camino de Santiago. ¡Buen Camino!