The conferences

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The story of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela is a long one, beginning around 830 with the discovery of the apostolic tomb, and continuing ever since.

The history of the pilgrimage is, of course, punctuated with dates and illustrious figures who have contributed to its influence:

• King Alfonso II and Bishop Theodemire in the 9th century,
• Archbishops Diego Gelmírez in the 12th century, Beranger de Landorre in the 14th, Antonio de Monroy in the 17th, Fernando Quiroga Palacios in the 20th,
• King Alfonso VI of Castile and Leon,
• the Catholic Monarchs

• the French sovereigns Charles V the Wise and Louis XI,
• Pope John Paul II…

Art has never been absent from the pilgrimage. Architecture, painting, sculpture, music and signage bear witness to its evolution over the centuries and, for those who know how to look, their choice of themes reveals a large part of European history.

The marvellous also accompanies the pilgrimage: Saint James preaches the Gospel in Spain, the tomb is marked by stars, Charlemagne crosses the Pyrenees at the head of his army, the Virgin appears on a pillar to the Apostle, he lends a hand in battle, his miracles know no borders….

But if legends and marvellous tales are part of the pilgrimage, they can also contribute to its success.