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A religious destination, Santiago de Compostela.

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The three major pilgrimage destinations in Christianity since medieval times are Jerusalem,

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Rome and Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain.

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Santiago is Spanish for Saint James.

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He was one of Christ's twelve apostles.

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The pilgrimage route with World Heritage status starts in France and stretches for more than

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800 kilometers into Spain.

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It would take more than a month to walk the entire route.

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After crossing the Pyrenees, pilgrims reach the town of Roncesvalles.

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They can receive a pilgrim record at the pilgrimage office, where it gets stamped.

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Saint James' remains were discovered in Santiago at the beginning of the 9th century.

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The local cult associated with the saint spread throughout Europe in the 11th century.

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It was believed all sins would be forgiven by making a trip to Santiago.

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The maundy ritual here hasn't changed since medieval times.

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The pilgrims' feet are purified with water and there is a prayer for the pilgrim's safety

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during the journey.

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Meals and accommodation are available, everything is run on a voluntary basis at the various

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stops on the way.

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Monte de Gozzo, or the Hill of Joy, is just five kilometers short of the cathedral.

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This is where pilgrims get their first glimpse of the city.

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The Santiago Cathedral welcomes all pilgrims.

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Tens of thousands of them have laid their hands on this pillar.

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A groove has been worn in the stone.

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The pilgrims pay their respects to Saint James depicted at the top of the pillar.

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The mass to celebrate him takes place on the 25th of July each year.

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The spirit of medieval times lives on with the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.