Camino de Santiago
The Camino Português
Only those who have walked the ‘Camino’ will know what it means and those who walk the ‘Way’ will certainly want to do it again.
This route, which heads north following the Atlantic coast of Portugal and Spain, was used by Queen Isabel of Portugal (1271 – 1336) to make at least one pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Queen Isabel was canonised in 1626 and this is celebrated on her feast day, 8th July.
The route passes close to St James’ Anglican Church,
Porto, an inclusive church, which delights in welcoming everybody through its
doors and especially those walking the Portuguese Way to Santiago de
Compostela.
Pilgrims, tourists, visitors, come and explore this hidden gem, see its magnificent stained glass, including the amazing St James window, absorb its prayerful atmosphere, light a candle, and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this holy place. If you need a listening ear, priests are available. If you feel the need for prayer, we would be honoured to pray with or for you.
The grounds of St James are an oasis of peace and an ideal place for solitude, reading and journalling.
Every pilgrim needs a Credencial – a small book
with your name that gets stamped at every place your visit and/or stay. It has
two important purposes: it gives access to the pilgrim albergues and it
has to be presented at the Pilgrim Office of Santiago Cathedral in order to
obtain a Compostela. The stamps collected in it, daily, are a detailed
record of your journey along the camino.
You can purchase a Credencial from the official Credencial distribution office in your country or from St James’ Porto.
Visit our small information centre where we will stamp and date your Credencial or Pilgrim passport. You may also purchase, for a small donation, lightweight guides, miniature bottles of ‘Pilgrim’s Spirit’ (Port), Holy Water from St James’ Well, Pilgrim’s shells, bottles, badges etc.
If you walk from Porto to Santiago de Compostela then
you should take your time to see both cities, not just rush in and out. Both are
world class cities that every travelling person should see at least once in
their lifetime!
Whatever your reasons for walking the St James
Way, we want you to have the most special time. We are here to listen, to advise
and empower you to make this significant journey, and what's more - we want to
hear all about it when you've come back! Bom Caminho if you’re preparing to go
out on the trail this year! See you soon.
St James’ Anglican Church, Porto is a member of the Confraternity of Saint James.