• ⚠️ Emergency contact in Spain - Dial 112 and AlertCops app. More on this here.
  • Remove ads on the forum by becoming a donating member. More here.
This is a mobile optimized page that loads fast, if you want to load the real page, click this text.

Walked the Camino over 12 times to Santiago never once went into Cathedral.

Yup. And if you go to the 7:30 am Mass or the 7:30pm Mass you'll find that all those fervent pilgrims are either still in bed or in the long, long queue for O Bispo.

You can also enter without hindrance or crowds when Mass has ended and the congregation has dispersed. You'll find that that very huggable statue doesn't take tea-breaks and that those bones are there 24/7.

For crowd dodgers: The mass times in 2024 are as follows:
07:30 a.m. High altar.
09:30 a.m. High altar.
12:00 p.m. High altar.
7:30 p.m. High altar.

Those who got past primary mathematics can probably work out when might be an opportune time to go and pay their respects
 
Last edited:
Download free today.
Holoholo automatically captures your footpaths, places, photos, and journals.
Funny the most harsh and maybe verging on the offensive replies seem to come from veterans with a feeling of self-importance and sarcasm of their knowledge of the Camino.
Thankfully when I report they are withdrawn or changed moderators doing their job Màith thu.
 
My wife is unwell at moment finding it hard to get away walked to muxia last year through Finisterre did not go to light house I am a strange individual.
 
Download free today.
Holoholo automatically captures your footpaths, places, photos, and journals.
Lack of imagination harsh and untrue.
 
And here in little old Dublin it is an hour behind, depending which way you are looking. Last night, for example, the vigil mass for the great celebration of this date, (shh!) I tuned in at 18.30 for the 19.30 mass. The Botafumeiro was swinging away at the end of mass...

Mick, can you ignore your own thread? It could help you to not be bothered.
You do not need grief, specially if your wife is poorly. Try to keep clear of it for a wee while, and stay going, stay going.
Epic? Whenever! And I can tell you what happens to me when I hear the Irish version of announcements on the Luas! I know so little, and it can be quite hilarious trying to catch what is being announced!
 
SabsP said:
I think you mean Oficina de Peregrinos when you write tourist office? Did you collect your Compostela after your pilgrimage ? In that case you were at the Oficina de Peregrinos.
Click to expand...
Yes, we collected our certificate. I didn’t know the name of the office.
 
Get a Spanish mobil number + data while on the Camino
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
MickMac said:
My wife is unwell at moment finding it hard to get away walked to muxia last year through Finisterre did not go to light house I am a strange individual.
Click to expand...
I hope she gets better soon and interesting question and perspective. Thanks for the stimulus to reply. My first response in four years and food for thought
 
MickMac said:
Walked the Camino to Santiago over 12 times now, never once did I go into the Cathedral.

I was impressed by it's understated magnificent facade never felt a need to go in. I am not unreligious just never felt the need.
Click to expand...
The architecture inside is something to see. Of course not necessary but impressive.
 
Get a Spanish mobil number + data while on the Camino
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
There is obviously a need unfulfilled to keep returning. There’s no need to be afraid even if it is the end.
Try to be open it’s all part of the journey. I hope you didn’t miss the beautiful church in Los Arcos.
I have a friend (Australian - very long flights) who’s never been to a toilet on board an aircraft- he wears this as a badge of honour. I ask myself why??? Guess it’s his talking point or his fear.
 
Sheer utter.
 
Altus BALI Sleeping bag liner
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
@MickMac well done for posting, I think you have created a very good thought provoking thread.

I have been in, but in September this year I didn’t go in, as for me it’s not my destination, just part of my journey.
 
I guess it depends on what one sees as the destination. Traditionally, the destination was the relics of St. James in the cathedral. The city of Santiago de Compostela was just the city where the relics happened to reside. If you stopped in the Plaza de Obradoiro you would not have reached your destination but rather stopped just short of it.

I understand for many pilgrims, this is no longer the case. Many doubt the relics, or don't care about them. For many "it is the journey not the destination".

For you, what is the destination? What is it that makes it meaningful?
 
Best lightweight Camino guides
Ideal pocket guides for during & after your Camino. Each weighs only 1.4 oz (40g)!
Those ones for whom it is no longer the case… I don’t understand why they trudge on a camino and say they are pilgrims if there’s no interest in the reason that camino routes exist. I understand it if they aren’t aware of what they are seeking (the whole wide berth the Cathedral gives on the compostela for those walking in a spirit of spiritual inquiry)…. But if it’s just, fundamentally, to take a leak on the very idea of James the Greater, and of the idea of *holiness*…
I can understand those who are angry with God, or disappointed in the promises of the Church… and who may even be disappointed on arrival if the miracle they’ve needed hasn’t been delivered (and there’s a whole theological thing about the things we pray for versus the things that the Divine thinks we need… so I’ll skirt that and just note that I am aware…)
But for those who really see no point in Santiago… why bother walking there? Why not fly to Santiago and just go backward? Or just go take the GR 65 in France without a reason other than for the scenery and the exercise?
Why arrive on the board and fundamentally make a face at the whole thing?
Something sticks in my craw and I am not able to put my finger on precisely what it is, but maybe it’s just that I am baffled by the *disdain* for the very purpose of the routes that lead to Santiago.
At the very least, if the system that leaves one cold has nonetheless made the “journey” possible, maybe just quietly exit out the side door, and don’t let it bang too loudly when you leave…
 
Personally, I try to be respectful of the reason that the Camino exists even if I don't share the faith that created it.

But one can value something without caring too much about it's origins. Many live "in the moment" without caring too much about the history. This can still lead to a valuable experience. These pilgrims are likely to fall into the "journey rather than the destination" category.

I think it is pretty clear that the Camino experience offers people something that they are not finding on other walks or on flights to Santiago. That you can't imagine what that is doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

But I agree that it isn't good to disdain the foundation of the Camino here. It just goes against common courtesy to your fellow pilgrims for whom it may be meaningful.
 
David Tallan said:
If you stopped in the Plaza de Obradoiro you would not have reached your destination but rather stopped just short of it.
Click to expand...
Agreed but 'cept for the social "intermingling" why would the present pilgrim bother to even GO to the Western plaza? (and suffer those horrible bagpipes) As Kath has pointed out they recently opened the "floodgates" off the Eastern plaza to allow the "expanded pilgrim population" to enter via the East gate/door and then hang a left or right to see the relics or have a hug (or both).

They may then "enter" the Cathedral in reverse and even pay to see the entrance off the Western plaza. It's just necessary crowd control.
 
Last edited:
Promote your Camino Project on the forum
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
Interesting… especially the line about living in the moment… I read Ron Purser’s book “McMindfulness” (he’s a practicing Buddhist and an organizational psychologist)… on the dangers of living in the now, without attention to past or future. The experience might be “personally valuable” but is not unconnected at the large pattern level to the lack of care we see for the past or the future — of land, of culture(s) on the pilgrimage routes.
The Venn diagram of privileging personal experience, toilet tissue dropped, graffiti about “Santiago is Disney for Catholics”… demands for Spain to cater to pilgrims demands for 6pm dinner… is symptomatic of being connected to one’s own interests over all else.
 
Camino Jewellery
A selection of Camino Jewellery
I like the tradition of the bagpipes when you hear them when entering the square or at Scottish sporting events (esp. against England) but beyond that I will definitely pass!
 
Last edited:
TravellingMan22 said:
I like the tradition of the bagpipes when you hear it when entering the square or at Scottish sporting events (esp. against England) but beyond that I will definitely pass!
Click to expand...
I have heard some sorry piping on entry to the square, but I hae also heard some magnificent piping… and there was a piper in the fog at O’ Cebreiro this year when I climbed into town…
Maybe I’m a sap but the pipes, well played or not, raise a sob from my chest every time…
 
Nothing as good as the Irish pipes not the wailing Scots ones which give me a headache

https://twitter.com/x/status/1845812029036048776
 
Last edited:
Get a Spanish mobil number + data while on the Camino
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Sure! I saw one when I exited Lagar Jesus Albergue last month just north of Padron. It was nice to see and hear initially but I would make it a very short listen!
 
I like the one who wears a kilt* and looks the part - both because of what he wears and his playing. I appreciate the effort he puts into it.

*There may be more than one who wears a kilt, but the last few times I walked through the players (including a woman and another man) did not.
 
Camino Ready, Backpacks, Boots etc
3rd Edition. Vital content training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
Ah! People! The Scottish Bagpipes! Nothing quite so stirring.
Here is a sample. However, what is it all about? Not allowed on this forum....
 
Traditionally, and I think psychologically, the final destination will be home, having been along the Way and to Santiago.

And I think that to oppose journey to destination is not only to set aside pilgrimage as such, but also to misunderstand the Camino as a Way, and the Way of Saint James.
 
Galicia has its own tradition of bagpipes. If a Galician is playing Galician pipes in Galicia, why make an effort to look like a Scot?
 
Camino Way markers in Bronze
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Why would a Galician wear a kilt?
 
Camino Way markers in Bronze
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
dick bird said:
Why would a Galician wear a kilt?
Click to expand...
You’re right! Went back to my pictures and I don’t know why I thought he was wearing a kilt - memory is a funny thing. He was wearing traditional Galician clothing. Anyway, I meant this guy.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_4217.webp
    2.2 MB · Views: 59
Now I am wishing that I could be headed this Tuesday for the pub where the Galician and the Irish musicians hang out together and gig around. I do believe that Dear Spouse might be in a position to enjoy the evening, so I shall hope for some lovely video clips from the night…
… and also hope that the weekly gathering continues.
 

Casa das Crechas?
 
Camino Way markers in Bronze
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
SabsP said:
Casa das Crechas?
Click to expand...
Mmmm. I am going to have to see if I can find the name on my photos with the geo-tag… during the day, it’s just an unmarked door into the side of a building and it does not look like much… I will see if I can figure it out… and come back to edit if I locate the name. It’s on Plaza de Feixoo
Edit: Modus Vivendi.
And on Tuesdays they have Gaelic music get-togethers…
 
Last edited:

At least very close to each other.
 
MickMac said:
Walked the Camino to Santiago over 12 times now, never once did I go into the Cathedral.

I was impressed by it's understated magnificent facade never felt a need to go in. I am not unreligious just never felt the need.
Click to expand...
Did the OP apply for a Compostela ?
I have been told that the latin text of the Compostela says that the person to be named ( the name in latin as far as possible) visited the thumb of Apostle Santiago aka Saint James.
If… send the Compostela back.
 
More 2024 Camino Guides available
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
Will do thanks for your advice.
 
What MickMac does or doesn't do regarding any of the "rules" or traditions about the Camino is their business. Traditions are important, so is history, but not so for everyone. I choose to respect that.

The vast majority of members in this forum also respect that and that's what I so love about this community. Can you imagine a group of people, from all over the world, who so love Spain and it's caminos, that we come together on this forum and share our thoughts and feelings, no matter how diverse our experiences are. No other social media platform I know of is this caring, respectful or tolerant of our diversity. I hope this forum lasts another 20 years +.
 
Strong reactions to a benign statement.

'tis a well grounded man that never felt the need. Perhaps a sign of a good Camino?
 
Camino Cleanup Program & Retreat
Join the Camino cleanup. Logroño to Burgos May 2025 & Astorga to OCebreiro in June
Too late have sent back my Compestela's registered post, that Gibson post included, it "cut me the quitk" very sad day after all my Caminos but orders are orders and he who must be obeyed "oh holyier than thou" Gibson I firmly apologise.
Oscar wilde once said "Sarcasm is the highest form wit"
 
Walkalong said:
Strong reactions to a benign statement.

'tis a well grounded man that never felt the need. Perhaps a sign of a good Camino?
Click to expand...
Don't know if I am a well rounded person but round man yes
 
MickMac said:
Walked the Camino to Santiago over 12 times now, never once did I go into the Cathedral.

I was impressed by it's understated magnificent facade never felt a need to go in. I am not unreligious just never felt the need.
Click to expand...
When people ask me about my Camino, I say it was the best thing I ever did, and something I can only ever do once, though I may walk to Santiago again. I also tell them, the hardest part is the first step, its just a walk, but so much more, it is so very simple, walk, eat, sleep, walk. Any pair of shoes, backpack, poncho, hat, umbrella will do, as long as you can make that first step, because after that, you are never too tired to take just one more step, so will reach Santiago, if you really want to.

But possibly, for you, having walked to Santiago 12 times, perhaps you have never walked a Camino, and maybe, for you, the Final Step, into the Cathedral, is the hardest
 
Reactions: KFH
Camino Ready, Backpacks, Boots etc
3rd Edition. Vital content training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
@MickMac, you are joking, right? I refrained from reacting to that post: a brand-new member who shares his thinking with us in his very first post on this forum ... and who cannot himself read and interpret ecclestiastical Latin that has been creatively fashioned after a medieval text or two or three or even more ...
 

Funny thing is I studied Latin for a while at university so thought it was humorous to reference the Latin on the Compostela, but on this thread which I thought might be interesting ? I received the slings and arrows of my peers and some unadulterated insults one person called me "Sectarian" but changed it to "Contrarian" moment's after I complained. People can be judgemental but I take it all with a grain of salt.
Glad to see over 140 contributions and the passion they hold for "our" Camino thanks to the moderator's for letting the thread run it's course.

Slan.
Màith sibh.

exitus àcta probat
 
Altus BALI Sleeping bag liner
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
@MickMac: You are an enigma, man.

For some reason, I had you down as somebody who walks sections every year or whenever possible. I am asking myself: So he walked Camino over 12 times to Santiago but how many times did he finish on the Obradoiro square?
 
Correct Always ended in Santiago your right some years walked for two to three weeks depending on work. Your Nancy Drew investigations are commendable Màith thu.
 
Camino Preparation Guide
Fail to prepare? reduce your risk by buying this book full of practical info.
2nd ed.
Hooray for this statement of yours, Mack, you have given many the delightful satisfaction of telling about themselves, their experiences, their opinions and their views.

And, then I must also use the chance to tell about mine, of course.
I didn't go into the cathedral because of endless queues and I didn't ask for the Compostela (even longer queues, I just didn't make it time-wise). Now it has become important for me to get it and attend mass. Not to hang the paper on the wall to show everyone, but for my own sense of closure. And also spend a whole day in this wonderful city. I will definitely visit the viking exhibition anyway, which may also be "wrong" in some people's eyes, ha ha..
 
Last edited:
MickMac said:
never once did I go into the Cathedral.
Click to expand...
Maybe your sensibilities were confused between the IN and the OUT because of the huge amount of architecture covering the original "pilgrimage place" from 1,000 years back. Wiki explains this as:

"The Holy Door opens into the ambulatory of the apse, between the Chapel of the Azucena or Saint Peter (Galician: Capilla de la Azucena o de San Pedro) and the Chapel of the Savior [Wikidata], where the construction of the cathedral began in 1075. There is a belief that the door was designated as the door for pilgrims because of its placement near the ambulatory. The route the ambulatory makes around the altar, and the descent to the tomb of the Apostle James, mark the end of the pilgrimage. The exit from the tomb represents redemption and a new life, similar to that described in Plato's allegory of the cave."

So maybe your continual Camino walks were an effort to FIND that "New Life" that was barred from you because to EXIT from the tomb you first need to ENTER and that remains a mental block for you after many walks TO the tomb (with Cathedral built on top).

HINT: go in East Door and look for the big red star on the floor
 
Get a Spanish mobil number + data while on the Camino
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
(chuckle) Everybody wants that paper--- They just want it on their own terms.

Plenty of complaints these days about "cultural appropriation", but not from the people doing it to the Camino. Those trying so hard to secularize the Camino don't understand how new members who are Catholic are shocked that Catholicism is essentially banned here.

Funny thought-- How many pooh-poohing entering the Cathedral would start a Camino 30 yards AFTER the 100k sign?
 

As a ( cultural ) catholic I completely agree with the standards from administrator and mods regarding religion and discussing catholicism.
Catholicism is not banned here IMO. Proselytism is though. As is a holier than thou attitude of who is the better/ the truer/ the most sincere pilgrim.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Camino Photo

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Most read last week in this forum

Similar threads

Reluctant pilgrim returns
Replies
20
Views
2K
KariannNor
S
  • Tags cathedral
    • Scheduling Cathedral tours - Mass vs nighttime vs rooftop vs Portico
    Replies
    24
    Views
    2K
    Westmalle
    W
    Hybrid bike+walk Camino Coastal Portuguese route
    Replies
    6
    Views
    378
    MountainMiMi
    C
    Perhaps a Hidden Motivation for Walking the Camino
    Replies
    18
    Views
    1K
    OZAJ
    O
    R
    One day walk into Santiago
    Replies
    11
    Views
    3K
    Annw
    Menu
    Log in
    Register