The Way of Sant James

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 title of Honorary Ambassador is bestowed by the Xunta de Galicia in recognition of the work done by people and institutions to preserve the Way of St. James and its values. For its part, the Comité Internacional de Expertos del Camino (International Committee of Experts on the Way of St. James) was created in 1992.