The Pilgrim's Credential: Everything you need to know.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

The Pilgrim's Credential is much more than just a document. It represents the official start of a journey that transforms those who live it. Each page, each stamp and each signature records the journey and keeps the memories of all the places the pilgrim passes through.

Regardless of the route chosen - the Central Portuguese Way, the Coastal Way or any other variant - the credential accompanies the pilgrim from day one. It acts as a spiritual passport and bears witness to the inner and outer journey of those on their way to Santiago.

As well as identifying the walker as a pilgrim, the credential is essential for obtaining the Compostela, the certificate given by the Cathedral of Santiago to those who complete the pilgrimage for spiritual reasons.

In this article, you'll find out everything you need to know about the Pilgrim Credential: its history, where and how you can buy it, the correct way to use it and the most iconic stamps of the Portuguese Way that deserve a place in your collection.

1. The History of the Pilgrim Credential

The tradition of the Pilgrim's Credential has deep roots dating back to the Middle Ages. For centuries, churches and religious orders handed out letters of recommendation to travelers to confirm that they were pilgrims. These documents opened the doors of shelters and hostels, guaranteeing them safety and hospitality.

At the time, the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela was one of the greatest acts of Christian faith, along with journeys to Rome and Jerusalem. Over time, the credential evolved and adapted to the customs of each generation.

During the 20th century, with the revival of the Camino de Santiago, the credential took the form of a passport. Since then, pilgrims have recorded their journey with stamps at each place they pass through. Thus, each stamp symbolizes a step taken towards Santiago.

Today Pilgrim Credential symbolizes the link to an ancient tradition. It is also the document that allows you to obtain the CompostelaThe certificate proving the completion of at least 100 km on foot or 200 km by bicycle to Santiago de Compostela.

2. What the Compostela is

The Compostela is the official certificate given to pilgrims who complete the Camino de Santiago for spiritual or religious reasons. The Cathedral of Santiago issues this document upon presentation of the duly stamped Pilgrim's Credential.

The Compostela text is in Latin and mentions the pilgrim's name, confirming that he walked the Way "devotionis affectu, voti vel pietatis causa", i.e. out of devotion, promise or faith.

To receive the Compostela, the pilgrim needs:

• Travel at least 100 km on foot or 200 km by bicycle to Santiago.
• Get two stamps a day for the last 100 km.
• Present the credential at the Pilgrim Welcome Center, next to the Cathedral.

The Compostela marks the culmination of the spiritual journey and officially recognizes the effort and faith of those who reach Santiago.

3. Where to buy the Pilgrim Credential

If you're going to start the Portuguese Camino de Santiago, you should buy the Pilgrim Credential before departure. Fortunately, there are several practical ways of doing this.

a. Online shopping

Nowadays, it's very easy to buy the Pilgrim's Credential through our official website. Simply follow this link and place your order. We'll send the credential directly to your address, so you can start the Camino fully prepared.

You can choose to buy it individually or together with Vieira do Peregrinothe traditional symbol of hikers. So you start your pilgrimage with everything you need.

Credential Kit + Pilgrim's Shell

10,00 €

Everything you need for your Km.

O Km 0 is more than just a point on the map - it's the moment you decide to leave.
This kit is designed for that moment: when you say "yes" to the Way and only need the essentials.

What the kit includes:

🪪 Of ficial Pilgrim's Credential
The document that you will stamp along the Way, in albergues, cafés and churches. It's compulsory for anyone who wants to get the Compostela in Santiago.

🐚 Traditional shell of the Camino
With drawstring, ready to hang on your backpack. The universal symbol of pilgrims - a sign that you're on your way, with purpose.

Quantity of Credential Kit + Pilgrim's Shell

Add

SKU: kit-credencial-concha-do-peregrino

Category: Pilgrim's Credential

b. Pilgrim associations

Associations of friends of the Camino de Santiago in Portugal and abroad also offer credentials. These organizations have offices in strategic cities along the route and, in many cases, send the credential by post on request.

c. Hostels and Churches along the Way

Many hostels and churches along the Portuguese Way sell credentials. So if you haven't bought one before you set off, you can find it in places like Lisbon Cathedral, Porto Cathedral or in hostels in the main towns along the route, such as Ponte de Lima or Valença.

d. Tourist offices

In many places, tourist offices also offer the Pilgrim Credentialespecially in big cities like Lisbon, Porto and Valença.

4. How to Use the Pilgrim Credential

You must stamp the Pilgrim Credential along the route, recording each stage of your walk to Santiago de Compostela. Follow these simple guidelines.

• Get stamps every day: look for at least one stamp per stage or two in the last 100 km. You can get them from hostels, churches, cafés, restaurants and other places along the route.
• Present the credential on arrival: when you arrive in Santiago de Compostela, go to the Pilgrims' Center for validation. If you have completed the minimum distance and have all the necessary stamps, you will receive the Compostela. Each stamp becomes a unique memento of your journey and shapes the story of your Camino.

5. Iconic stamps along the Portuguese Way

Collecting stamps is not just a formality. Each one has a special meaning and many have become symbols of the pilgrimage.

1. Lisbon Cathedral - Marks the official start of the route for those departing from the Portuguese capital.
2. Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, Coimbra - A sought-after stamp for representing the historical and spiritual richness of the city.
3. Porto Cathedral - One of the most emblematic stamps on the Portuguese Way.
4. Vairão Monastery, Vila do Conde - A place of spiritual welcome with a stamp of great beauty.
5. Albergue de Peregrinos de Ponte de Lima - Displays the town's famous medieval bridge.
6. Valença Fortress - It marks the farewell to Portugal and the crossing to Spain.
7. Tui Cathedral - The first Spanish stamp, a symbol of new beginnings.
8. Sanctuary of the Pilgrim Virgin, Pontevedra - One of the most venerated stamps.
9. Albergue de Padrón - Recalls the legend of the landing of the body of St. James.
10. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral - The final stamp, the most desired, which marks the arrival at the finish line.

6. Tips for Using and Protecting the Credential

To keep your Pilgrim Credential in good condition throughout the Camino, follow these recommendations.

• Protects the document: store it in a waterproof bag to avoid damage from rain or sweat.
• Stamp regularly: you get stamps every day, especially in the last 100 km, where two are required per day.
• Make the most of special stamps: give preference to places of historical or spiritual importance. This way, your credential becomes an even more meaningful souvenir.

7. Conclusion

The Pilgrim's Credential represents the link between the pilgrim and a tradition with centuries of history. More than just a document, it is the thread that unites every stage, every encounter and every emotion experienced along the Way.

So get ready before you go. Make sure you have your accreditation, whether it's from an association, a hostel or directly on our website. This way, you'll start your pilgrimage ready to live an experience that begins in the heart and ends in Santiago de Compostela.

8. Frequently Asked Questions about the Pilgrim Credential

1. What exactly is the Pilgrim Credential?

It is a document that identifies the walker as a pilgrim and makes it possible to record the stages traveled through the stamps collected along the Camino de Santiago.

2. What is the Pilgrim Credential for?

It serves to document the pilgrimage and is necessary to receive the Compostela, the official certificate awarded in Santiago.

3. Where can I buy the Pilgrim Credential?

You can buy it online on our websitein pilgrim associations, hostels, churches or tourist offices.

4. Can I buy the credential together with Vieira do Peregrino?

Yes. On our website you can choose between buying the Pilgrim's Credential on its own or together with the Pilgrim's Scallop, the traditional symbol of walkers.

5. Can I start the Camino without a credential?

You can, but without it you won't be able to get to Compostela or take advantage of some of the hostels reserved for pilgrims.

6. How many stamps do I need to get the Compostela?

For the last 100 km on foot (or 200 km by bike) you must collect two stamps per day. Before that, one per stage is enough.

7. Where can I get my credential stamped?

You'll find stamps in hostels, churches, cafés, restaurants, stores and also at tourist offices along the route.

8. What if I lose my credential along the way?

Buy a new one as soon as possible and try to recover the stamps from previous stages. Many locals help pilgrims in these situations.

9. Is the Pilgrim Credential valid?

No. You can use it at different times, even if you don't complete the whole Way in one go.

10. Can I use the same badge on more than one Camino de Santiago?

Yes, you can continue to use it on different routes, as long as you keep the document in good condition and add new stamps.