A MEDIAEVAL PILGRIMAGE

In the Middle Ages Santiago de Compostela was one of the three major pilgrimages to be made from Europe, along with those to Jerusalem and Rome. Pilgrims came here, to this remote north-western corner of Spain, to venerate the body of St. James.

SAINT JAMES

James, son of Zebedee, became the first of Christ's Apostles to be martyred when King Herod Agrippa ordered his execution in Jerusalem in AD 44. He is remembered today as one of the brethren of Jesus and a man of vital theological importance as the leader of the First Synod

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

From the early 10th century Santiago became an immensely popular place of Pilgrimage, drawing thousands of people from all corners of Europe. Compostela was rated as highly as Rome and Jerusalem and those that made the arduous journey wore the scallop shell proudly on the brims of their hats.

SAINT JEROME & OUR LADY OF FATIMA

We will follow the southern route from Portugal northwards to Spain and visit places of interest along our way - St Jeromes' Monastery; the Catholic Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima; the Church of Bom Jesus do Monte. There will be a visit too to Oporto, home of port wine! It promises to be a rich and rewarding journey.