The pilgrimage to the tomb of the apostle James in Santiago de Compostela in Spain is called the Way of St. James (Spanish: Camino de Santiago). This primarily refers to the so-called Camino Francés, that high medieval main traffic axis in northern Spain, which extends from the Pyrenees to Jacob's tomb and connects the royal cities of Jaca, Pamplona, Estella, Burgos and León. The development of this route, which is still used today, dates back to the first half of the 11th century.
In 1987 the European Council called for revitalization of the Camino de Santiago. The centuries-old and partly forgotten Europe-wide network of paths of the Way of St. James moved increasingly into the focus of institutions, governments, initiatives and associations.
Since then, a large number of initiatives have emerged that research and redefine the regional course of the Camino de Santiago. Every year countless people set off for the most varied of motives in the direction of Santiago de Compostela. (from the Pfahlenheim website)