The Camino de Santiago was officially declared as an Ambassador Marca España or Brand of Spain.
This is a welcome recognition for the historic Route of Saint James and all those who have done it can consider themselves ambassadors as well.
We had our cameras there. Enjoy the little report!
More info: Camino Assist
The Way of St James, Major European
Cultural Route since 2004
(Article by Marca España: www.marcaespana.es)
The Ambassador Marca España, soon after the tomb of Saint James the Great, the first martyr among the apostles, was identified in the ninth century, the city of Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia, became a major centre of pilgrimage. The route soon filled with new architectural styles and came to be associated with the leading European schools of thought.
Although there are as many as ten routes leading to Santiago de Compostela, the most popular one is the so-called Camino Francés (French Route), walked by most European pilgrims. Sancho III the Elder and Sancho Ramírez of Navarre and Aragon promoted this route, whose description is in the Codex Calixtinus. This manuscript, dating back to 1135, is stored in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
The Way of St James was the first route awarded European Cultural Route status by the Council of Europe in 1987, and in 2004 it was granted the title of Major Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. Before that, the Spanish and the French sections had been added to the World Heritage List in 1993 and 1998, respectively.
The Way of St James was the first route awarded European Cultural Route status by the Council of Europe in 1987.
The designations mentioned above have promoted Spain as a tourist destination and drawn considerable income. For the Way of St James involves much more than just walking, as it takes pilgrims deep into Spanish culture and traditions. Monasteries, churches, convents, castles, stunning landscapes, Roman villas palaces, and, of course, the kindness of the people travellers meet on their way to Santiago are all part of this religious and cultural trip.
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com