What is the story of the shell on Santiago de Compostela?
The shell is a metaphor, its lines representing the different routes pilgrims travel from all over the world, all walking trails leading to one point: the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. However, it is open to interpretation.
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End of the CaminoAll the Camino's different routes end in Santiago de Compostela. The city's main square (Praza do Obradoiro), in front of the cathedral, is the final destination for many pilgrims. Others continue on to Finisterre, to see the sun set in the place that was thought to be the end of the world.
Its pre-eminence and sanctity lie in the fact that it is the burial place of the Apostle Saint James the Greater, who was one of Jesus Christ's 3 closest apostles along with Saint John (his brother) and Saint Peter. The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage rooted in medieval origins.
El Camino de Santiago, SpainEl Camino de Santiago, also known in English as The Way of St. James, is quite possible the world's most popular pilgrimage route.
It is said that this symbol is a metaphor, in that its lines represent the different routes traveled by pilgrims from around the World, which all lead to one point, the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. The Scallop Shell can be found on the milestone markers, guiding pilgrims in the right direction.