Page 6 - Camino de Santiago - UTracks

Camino Portuguese
Lisbon - Porto - Santiago, 613km
For many pilgrims, the Portuguese Way is more spiritually connected to the Camino than any other way. The Camino is all about
the apostle St James, and Portugal, it is said, is where he was known to have rst preached. It is also believed that his nal journey to Santiago was via Portugal when his bones were brought back from Jerusalem following his beheading.
The Portuguese Way was rst used by
Queen Isabel of Portugal in the 13th century when she made her pilgrimage to Santiago. The Portuguese Way extends from the capital, Lisbon, across the border to Santiago, although the majority of today’s travellers begin from the city of Porto since this section has more way marks and auberges to assist true pilgrims.
The Portuguese coast drips in history. It is along this coastline that Christopher Columbus returned to announce his discovery of America and the architecture of Porto and the University of Coimbra showcase an exciting and vibrant period that once existed in Portugal.
This way is second only to the Camino Francés in popularity, with an average of 16% of all modern day travellers and pilgrims choosing to undertake this Camino to Santiago.
Santiago de Compostela
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Tui
Porto
Coimbra
Lisbon
PORTUGAL
Self guided cyclists on the Porto to Santiago section
The Scallop Shell is the most iconic symbol of the Camino. Along with yellow arrows, the shell guides the way to Santiago, adorning churches, distance markers, shops and even on pilgrims’ backpacks. There are many mythological meanings attached to the scallop shell and why it became synonymous with the Camino. Some of the more practical reasons include that one could collect it
from the shores of Finisterre, the real end of the Camino, as proof they completed their pilgrimage. It was also the perfect shape for eating or drinking from. The scallop also represents many lines converging to
a single point, just like the Camino.
SPAIN