Get your Compostela Certificate

Get your Compostela Certificate

What Is the Compostela?

The Compostela is a certificate issued by the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela to pilgrims who complete the Camino. More than just a document, it’s a deeply meaningful symbol of your journey, whether spiritual, religious, or personal, that certifies that you’ve completed the Camino de Santiago. It includes:
  • Your name
  • The date of your arrival in Santiago
  • The route you walked or cycled
  • Your name is written in Latin, as part of the centuries-old tradition.
We will provide you with the Pilgrim Passport (Credencial del Peregrino), which you’ll need to collect stamps along the way to prove your progress.

How to Qualify

To receive the Compostela, you need to meet three basic criteria:

1. Purpose
Your Camino should be undertaken for spiritual, religious, or reflective reasons, or in the spirit of seeking meaning.
2. Minimum Distance
Walk at least the last 100 km
OR cycle at least the last 200 km to Santiago
3. Credential Stamps
If you’re walking more than 100 km or cycling more than 200 km → 1 stamp per day is enough
If you’re doing the minimum distance only → you’ll need 2 stamps per day
You’ll collect these stamps in your Pilgrim Passport along the way.

 The Compostela is always free and can only be issued to the pilgrim themselves.

Where to Collect Stamps

You can get your Pilgrim Passport stamped in many places. Some ideas:

🛏️ Albergues and accommodations
⛪ Churches and monasteries (beautiful, unique stamps!) 
☕ Cafés and shops — many are happy to stamp 
🏢 Pilgrim offices in cities like León, Burgos, Santiago

💡 Tip: Try collecting your stamps earlier in the day — mornings are calmer, especially in churches and historic buildings.

Do I need to pre-register to collect the Compostela?

Yes! You must complete the online pre-registration form before collecting your Compostela.

You will receive a confirmation code by SMS or email (QR format).
This code is required to enter the Pilgrim’s Reception Office — no QR, no access.

🔒 Security at the entrance will scan your code.
👉 You can pre-register weeks in advance of arrival in Santiago.

Where and how do I collect my Compostela in Santiago?

1. Get your final stamp at the Cathedral of Santiago
2. Walk ~4 minutes to the Pilgrim’s Reception Office

📍 Pilgrim’s Reception Office
Rúa Carretas, nº33 (access via Rúa Costa do Cristo from Praza do Obradoiro)
15705 Santiago de Compostela – A Coruña, SPAIN
🕓 Open daily from 10:30 to 18:30 (Closing time may be earlier depending on demand)

3. Show your QR code from pre-registration to security
4. Present your stamped Pilgrim Passport to staff
5. Your Compostela will be issued in Latin if all criteria are met