Poles travelling to Compostela in time and space

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to indicate major routes with their length and duration from Poland to Santiago de Compostela, to analyze the journey of Poles along these pilgrimage routes from the fourteenth century to modern times, and to describe factors contributing to the development of such travels to the tomb of St. James. The medieval pilgrimage routes followed by the Poles, as well as the length of the route, pilgrimage duration, dynamism, and versatility of the pilgrimage space were analyzed. The conclusions indicate that the medieval pilgrims from Poland, heading for St. James’ tomb, covered the longest section of the pilgrimage road along the East–West axis in Europe. The growing number of contemporary Polish citizens following the Way of St. James is primarily the result of the revival of pilgrimage through medieval pilgrimage routes, the revival of the St. James’ cult in many Polish parishes, the activities of numerous St. James’ organizations and fraternities, the promotion of the Way, and the “fashion” for Camino de Santiago.