Camino de Santiago de Compostela | Reaffirmation as First European Cultural Route

 

Santiago de Compostela, capital of the community of Galicia, located in the north-west of Spain, known as the culmination of the pilgrimage route of the famous Camino de Santiago and as the alleged burial place of the biblical apostle St. James, reaffirms its notable relevance as destination linked to this iconic, cultural itinerary.

Historically, going back in time, the Council of Europe had distinguished the Camino de Santiago as the First Cultural Route in 1987, a period in which the phenomenon of pilgrimages has evolved considerably from year to year, with new developments and greater commitment on the part of the institutions.

Connected to all that, the European Federation of the Camino de Santiago, which integrates the public administrations of 10 countries, has recently notified the Xunta de Galicia of the renewal of the certification as the First European Cultural Route.

This new title reconfirmed endorses the work of the regional government in close collaboration with the various public administrations and associations in recent years to maintain this condition and above all to preserve the criteria that have made this prestigious recognition possible for more than 30 years.

The European Institute of Cultural Routes congratulated the Xunta de Galicia for its continued active participation in maintaining the criteria established by the Council of Europe, highlighting cooperation in research and development, the exchange of knowledge in different disciplines and the promotion of European values of coexistence.

The role that is played in enhancing the history and cultural heritage of Europe through the Camino de Santiago and the promotion of cultural tourism and sustainable development while respecting local and regional identities, among other criteria, are also part of the value and success of this iconic route.

The Camino de Santiago has kept this recognition after a rigorous evaluation process and this reaffirmation entails, in addition to the title received, also an opportunity to ensure the implementation of joint projects with other territories.

As an additional note, it was announced that currently the number of Compostelas delivered exceeds 200,000 with a substantial growth of 16% compared to the previous year and there is a very significant figure linked to a growing internationalization with 65% of foreign pilgrims.

Link : https://www.expreso.info/noticias/espana/101177_el_camino_de_santiago_renueva_su_condicion_de_primer_itinerario_cultural