The first Society of Friends of Santiago was founded in Paris in 1950. A decade later, a group was established in Spain (Estella, 1962). In the 1980s and 1990s, the association phenomenon began to spread throughout Europe and then around the entire world. These associations have played a crucial role in studying and placing signage along the pilgrimage routes, and in setting up and operating hostels.
Friends of the Way of St. James associations are independent not-for-profit organizations separate from Turismo de Galicia. Up-to-date contact information is provided here.
The dual objective of the first associations was very clear: the study and valuing of the history, art and literature associated with the pilgrimage to Santiago and assistance to pilgrims
In June 2015, the I World Meeting in Galicia of Associations of Friends of the Way was held in Santiago and brought together more than 250 organisations from the five continents
The most decisive work of the Associations has been the study and signposting of the Jacobean itineraries, together with the creation and administration of hostels.
This portal uses essential first-party cookies for its proper functioning, as well as third-party cookies for analytical purposes. You can find more information in the cookie policy
Cookie configuration
You can use these buttons to customise the services you wish to use on this portal.