Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Pilgrims' Progress

[April 9, Santiago de Compostela]

This is not the symbol of Big Oil, but of Big Religion. The scallop is the symbol of Santiago de Compostela, Christendom's 3rd major pilgrimage site (after Jerusalem and Rome). On this scallop impression, in the center of Praza do Obradoiro, pilgrims gather to celebrate the end of their 500 mile walk to Santiago.



 

They come to the

cathedral traditionally housing the

tomb of St. James the apostle of Christ.

The importance of the pilgrimage in the middle ages produced a work that resonates with the traveler today, namely the first "guide book", the 12th century

 Codex Calixtinus, with useful information for the Santiago-bound pilgrim.

1 comment:

Chris said...

awesome looking cathedral, thanks for sharing the history!