The experience of medieval pilgrims on the route to Santiago de Compostela, Spain: evidence from the 12th-century Pilgrim's Guide.

A 12th-century Pilgrim's Guide to Santiago de Compostela reveals that medieval pilgrims experienced a diverse range of physical, visual, and spiritual encounters along the Camino Francés and Northern Spanish routes. Contrary to the emphasis on typical 'pilgrimage church' plans, the study highlights a rich variety of architectural forms and imagery designed to demonstrate the miraculous powers of local saints and influence devotees' behavior. The guide describes landscapes, customs, food, and shrines, offering insights into pilgrims' experiences that remain relevant today, though modern pilgrimages focus more on inner spiritual journeys than relics.

Garton, T. (2018). The experience of medieval pilgrims on the route to Santiago de Compostela, Spain: evidence from the 12th-century Pilgrim’s Guide. Pilgrimage in Practice: Narration, Reclamation and Healing, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781786394996.0001