The pilgrim's credential.
It is the document on which you collect the travel stamps. It accompanies you on the Way and, if meeting the requirements, allows you to request the final certificate.
What it is for
In Santiago it documents passage and can be requested for pilgrim hospitality. It does not book a bed and does not guarantee free overnight stays. The Compostela it is the certificate issued at the end, distinct from the credential.
Current rules require at least 100 continuous km on foot on the same official route, or 200 km by bike. For departures from outside Spain at least 70 km on Spanish territory are required. Collect two dated stamps per day, especially to prove the minimum distance, at the start and end of the stage; check special cases with the Pilgrim's Office. The Compostela has religious or spiritual purposes.
Where to get it in Italy
These are references published by the Confraternity of San Jacopo. Request the form and arrange delivery before presenting yourself: issuance is free, with an optional donation, for those who share its spirit of faith.
| City | Where and how | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Milan | Sanctuary of Santa Maria alla Fontana, piazza Santa Maria alla Fontana 11; meetings of the Lombard Chapter upon confirmation | capitololombardo@gmail.com |
| Turin and Piedmont | Request to the Piedmont Chapter to arrange delivery and local contact | capitolo.piemonte@confraternitadisanjacopo.it |
| Bologna | Local contact of the Confraternity; appointment to be arranged | francos@iperbole.bo.it |
| Florence | Contact for Florence and province | confraternitadisanjacopo.fir@gmail.com |
| Rome and Lazio | Contact the Lazio Chapter for the delivery point | lucia.colarusso@hotmail.it |
| Genova | Meetings in the churches indicated in the Ligurian Chapter calendar; check venue and date | davidegandini@ilporticodellagloria.it |
| Padova | Parish center San Benedetto, riviera San Benedetto 38; by appointment | paolo.spolaore@icloud.com |
| Perugia | Headquarters of the Confraternity, piazza IV Novembre 6; confirm the delivery | segreteria@confraternitadisanjacopo.it |
Where to get it along the Way
Authorized associations, parishes and some albergues distribute it. Search the departure locality in the Pilgrim Office lists and confirm opening hours. Not all facilities have credentials available.
In Santiago: Pilgrim Office, Rúa Carretas 33, phone +34 981 568 846.
And on the Italian routes?
Each route may have its own credential and its own certificate. Ask the manager which to use, where to buy or collect it, and which stamps are required. The rules of the Compostela do not automatically apply to Italian caminos.
Find the manager from the path cardReferences verified on 30 September 2026. Confirm appointments and availability before delivery. Source: Pilgrim Office · Confraternity of San Jacopo.