Compostela Certificate: Requirements and How to Get It

What Is the Compostela?

The Compostela is the official certificate issued by the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela to pilgrims who complete the Camino de Santiago. It is written in Latin and confirms that you walked (or cycled or rode on horseback) for religious or spiritual reasons.

Official Requirements

To receive the Compostela you must:

• Walk at least the last 100 km to Santiago (from Sarria or beyond)

• Cycle at least the last 200 km

• Collect stamps in your pilgrim credential:

- Two stamps per day on the last 100 km (walkers)

- Two stamps per day on the last 200 km (cyclists)

• Declare a religious or spiritual motivation — or at least an attitude of search

If your motivation is purely athletic or touristic, you will receive a different document called the Certificate of Welcome (Certificado de Bienvenida) instead.

Where to Get It

The Pilgrim Office (Oficina del Peregrino)

• Address: Rúa Carretas 33, Santiago de Compostela
• Hours: 8:00-20:00 in high season, shorter hours in winter
• Cost: Free (the Compostela itself). A decorative "Distance Certificate" showing your exact route is available for about €3.
• Process: Queue, present your credential, answer a few questions, receive your Compostela

Expect a Wait

In summer (June-September), the queue can be 1-2 hours long. Try arriving early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of it.

The Pilgrim Mass

Attend the daily Pilgrim Mass at the Cathedral at 12:00 noon. On special occasions, the famous Botafumeiro (giant incense burner) is swung across the transept — a spectacular sight.

After Santiago

Many pilgrims celebrate with a seafood dinner on Rúa do Franco and then plan their return journey. If you need a transfer from Santiago back to the airport, or want to continue to Fisterra or Muxía, Taxi Castro provides comfortable direct transfers. Call +34 659 99 31 39.