Pilgrimages and religious tourism of Poles and Czech. Fallowing St. James’s steps to Santiago de Compostela

Abstract

The Way of St. James, which has existed for over 1000 years, is constantly being developed. Since the beginning of the 21st century there were over 5 thousand kilometers of St. James’s Way marked in Poland and Czech only. There are 22 sections of the pilgrim’s way marked with James’s shell in Poland and several more are currently being prepared. In the Czech Republic there are 10 sections available, two of which start in Poland. The cooperation of societies and brotherhoods of St. James from the Czech Republic and Poland is showing great perspectives for the creation of new sections of the Way in the future located in the Poland-Czech border area. The last twenty years have shown an increase and development of the pilgrimage movement via St. James’s Way - the longest and most widely known pilgrimage and culture trail in Europe. It is estimated that the sanctuary of St. James in Santiago de Compostela is being visited by over 5 million people each year. Among the pilgrims from the Central-Eastern Europe, the Polish and Czech deserve attention as their participation in international pilgrimage movement to Compostela is increasing each year. In 2013 – 2 515 pilgrims from Poland and 769 pilgrims from the Czech Republic received the so called ‘Compostela’ - a memorial diploma.