What is the Pilgrim’s Office?
The Pilgrim’s Office is the official body of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. It is responsible for welcoming pilgrims who arrive in the city and for issuing the Compostela. The Pilgrim’s Office depends on the Cathedral Chapter, and its work consists of issuing certificates and offering information, assistance and a welcome to pilgrims.
The Pilgrim’s Office is where the pilgrimage ends. In this place, pilgrims present their credential with the stamps obtained along the Camino and receive the Compostela. The staff in charge attend to thousands of pilgrims every year, especially in the summer months and during Compostelan Holy Years.
Where is the Pilgrim’s Office?
The Pilgrim’s Office is located at Rúa das Carretas, number 33, a short distance from the Cathedral of Santiago. It is a modern building, prepared to handle the daily influx of pilgrims. It is located in the historic centre of the city, so it is easy to reach on foot from any point in the centre.
If you are at the Cathedral of Santiago, you must go around the building and go down Rúa das Carretas, a narrow and busy street that leads to the office. There are signs indicating the direction, so it is impossible to get lost.
Opening hours and services of the Pilgrim’s Office
The Pilgrim’s Office has opening hours adapted to the influx of pilgrims, which changes depending on the season. In the busiest months (July and August), the office opens every day of the week, with extended hours such as 8:00 to 21:00. On the other hand, in the low season, the hours are considerably reduced.
In addition to granting the Compostela, the Pilgrim’s Office provides different services, such as issuing distance certificates, assistance in different languages and tourist and practical information about Santiago de Compostela.
How to obtain the Compostela?
To be able to obtain the Compostela, the pilgrim must meet a series of requirements established by the Cathedral of Santiago:
- The first is to have covered at least the last 100 kilometres on foot or on horseback, or the last 200 kilometres by bicycle.
- The second is to have stamped the credential at each stage, with a minimum of two stamps per day.
The process is simple: at the Pilgrim’s Office, you present the stamped credential and your ID card or passport. The staff will check the stamps and, if everything is correct, issue the Compostela. The certificate includes the name, the date of arrival and the motivation for the Camino. The process is usually quick.
Other certificates and services
The Pilgrim’s Office issues different certificates apart from the Compostela. One of them is the Distance Certification, a document that shows the kilometres travelled; it is useful for pilgrims who want to record their effort beyond the official certificate.
Another certificate you can request is the Compostela for family members or companions. The Pilgrim’s Office can issue commemorative certificates for family members or companions who have supported the pilgrim during the Camino. You can also request duplicates of the Compostela in case of loss or damage.
Frequently asked questions about the Pilgrim’s Office
Can I get the Compostela if I did the Camino by bicycle?
Yes, but you must have covered at least the last 200 kilometres by bicycle. In addition, you must stamp the credential at least twice a day, just like pilgrims on foot.
What happens if I don’t have the credential?
Without the stamped credential you cannot obtain the Compostela. The credential is the document that certifies the pilgrimage, and without it there is no way to prove that the Camino has been done. If you have lost it, you can try to get a new one from one of the Friends of the Camino associations, but lost stamps cannot be recovered.
How long does it take to issue the Compostela?
The issuance process is quick: under normal conditions, the Compostela is handed over at the time of application. In high season, when there is a greater influx of pilgrims, there may be queues and the waiting time can be longer, but it rarely exceeds 30-45 minutes.
