Peregrinos Ilustres del Camino de Santiago

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Famous pilgrims

Luis Carandell

The famous journalist and writer Luis Carandell is on the list of famous pilgrims that have traversed the Route to Santiago. As a result of his experiences, the journalist born in Barcelona in 1929, wrote two books: "El Camino de Santiago" (1991), and "Ultreia: Historias y Leyendas, Gracias y Desgracias del Camino de Santiago" (1998).

He has also given lectures on the topic. During his lecture at the Association of Friends of the Route in Logroño, Carandell approached the historical and cultural significance of the Route over its history. He also explained the influence of the Route on the sorrounding areas, and the historical events that took place throughout its millenary history.

Shirley MacLaine

On the list of distinguished women who have made the pilgrimage to Santiago is Shirley Maclaine, the recognized actress, heroine of delicious sentimental comedies such as "Irma la douce" (1963) and winner of an Academy Award in 1984, and several Emmys and Golden Awards.

She has also written some best-sellers. In 1994 she was spotted walking along the route, just like any other pilgrim. The star, who was facing a personal crisis, set out on the way from France. She walked 20 km a day, spoke with other pilgrims, visited some churchs and stayed at hostels.

Fernando Sánchez Dragó

Over the history many personalities have made the pilgrimage to Santiago, among them is the Spanish writer and essayist Fernando Sánchez Dragó, who drove his Citröen along the route from October through December of 1971, while he was writing "Gárgoris y Habidis". When he finished the journey he promised himself to repeat it on foot because "in order to know it in depth you have to suffer from it", but he has not done so.

Anthony Quinn

Among the many personalities that have travelled by the route to Santiago is one of Hollywood living legends, Anthony Quinn, who did so in 1999. He was not a plain pilgrim, but a member of the cast of a TV production about the route. The filming took place along the route, which gave the actor the opportunity to learn a lot about it during his "pilgrimage".

Alfonso II the Chaste

Alfonso II the Chaste, King of Asturias (791-842) was a key figure in the history of the Route to Santiago. Legend states that he approached the Route as soon as he heard about the discovery of the Apostle´s body. The King arrived at Iria Flavia accompanied by his noblemen. There, he ordered to build the first church dedicated to Santiago, and two other to the Advocacy of El Salvador and San Pedro; and San Pablo, respectively.

Aymeric Picaud

Aymeric Picaud, a French monk, is one of the most famous pilgrims who made the Route to Santiago. Around 1140 he wrote the "Pilgrim Guide to Santiago de Compostela", which is included in the 5th book of the "Codex Calixtus", also called "Liber Sancti Jacobi". Picaud´s work is considered the first tourist guide ever written.

Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar "El Cid"

According to the Castilian epic poems, Rodrígo Díaz de Vivar, the famous "Cid Campeador", the popular christian hero, was one of the famous pilgrims to arrive at Compostela. His purpose was to kneel down in front of the Apostle Santiago. But in fact there is no proof of that. The assumption that the Cid made the Route comes from many legends that were spread after his death.

Felipe II

Not all prilgrims that have made the Route of Santiago are anonymous people. On the contrary, over the history, the Route has seen many distinguished people, including members of royal houses, such as: Matilde, daughter of Enrique I, King of England, in 1125; Guillermo X, Duke of Aquitania, in 1137; Alfonso VII, in 1138; Luis VII, King of France, in 1154; and Santa Isabel of Portugal in 1325.

Gotescalco (o Gotescalc), Obispo de Le Puy-en Velay

There are no translations available.

Es el primer peregrino ilustre del que hay constancia, en el año 950. En una época en que el ser obispo era más que un servicio eclesiástico un título nobiliario con todo lo que conllevaba, Gotescalco hizo el camino con su corte y sus caballeros. De ello ha quedado constancia por un curioso hecho.

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