Here you can find an internet medieval sourcebook with English translations of texts relating to the Camino de Santiago. Among the best-known texts is the 12th-century Liber Sancti Jacobi, which is available elsewhere in several different print and online editions.
Numerous other sources tell us about the pilgrimage and life in medieval Galicia. For example, here you can read medieval texts attempting to protect pilgrims from common dangers, an account of a rebellion launched by Compostela’s townspeople against their bishop, and a poem extolling the exemplary hospitality available in Roncesvalles.
We have translated the following sources, arranged in roughly chronological order:
- Cistercian General Chapter statutes regarding travel and monasteries in Galicia (late 12th to 13th centuries)
- Gossuinus, Life of Ascelina (c. 1200): on a woman whose husband has left on pilgrimage
- Song in Praise of Roncesvalles (c. 1199-1215), a poem celebrating an important pilgrims’ hospital
- Documents on the Sale of Shells to Pilgrims (13th century)
- Miracle of St. Ildefonsus (13th century)
- Caesarius of Heisterbach, Dialogue on Miracles (c. 1220s): stories about friendship, optimism, and the power of St. James
- Caesarius of Heisterbach, Dialogue on Miracles (continued): stories on the dangers of pilgrimage: One pilgrim group is infiltrated by a thief, while another pilgrim is falsely convicted of theft.
- Caesarius of Heisterbach, Eight Books of Miracles: additional stories concerning pilgrims and themes of punishment, retribution, and physical violence
- Royal Documents on Protections for Pilgrims to Santiago (13th century)
- Welcoming Pilgrims to the Santiago Cathedral (c. 1243-1250)
- Papal Documents on the Monopoly on Shells in Santiago (13th and 14th centuries)
- Deeds of Berengar (14th century; describing events of 1317-1320)