The Way of Sant James

• Regional Representative José Manuel Balseiro explained that a lighted totem sign will be installed in each municipality, enabling pilgrims to obtain the information they need for their stay
• The measure will boost the positive image of the route and showcase the cultural heritage of Galicia

Lugo, 24 July 2017

The Xunta de Galicia will allocate almost 46,000 euros to the French Route Municipal Association to improve signage for the local tourism resources found in the different Galician municipalities located along this route.

Specifically, eight Lugo municipalities will be receiving signs: Pedrafita do Cebreiro, Triacastela, Samos, Sarria, Paradela, Portomarín, Monterroso and Palas de Rei. There will also be three more in A Coruña: Melide, Arzúa and O Pino.

The regional representative of the Xunta in Lugo, José Manuel Balseiro, explained that the intention is to install a double-sided lighted totem sign in each association municipality. The signs will provide helpful information for people visiting the area and pilgrims, making their stay easier.

‘This measure will undoubtedly boost the positive image of the French Route and showcase the cultural heritage of Galicia,’ indicated Balseiro.

One side of the new signs will show a street map for each municipality, with a legend giving the main points of interest. The other side will indicate the various tourism resources and cultural heritage of Galicia along the Way of St. James. All of these resources will have a QR code, allowing visitors to obtain further information on a web hosting service also included in this project.

It should be noted that the French Route is the most popular pilgrimage route. It is one of the best known among pilgrims, as well as internationally. In Galicia, it runs for approximately 160 kilometres, and the areas covered by association members accompany the route from the point where travellers enter Galicia until they complete their journey in Compostela.

The new signage will also allow pilgrims more freedom to follow their route, choosing how many kilometres they want to travel, what to visit, when to rest, where to eat, where to sleep, all supported by the information provided.