ROML 297 – Walking the Portuguese Caminho de Santiago

Four credits, EXP, HU
One week on campus; three weeks in Portugal and Spain
Professor Matthew Bailey

In this course we study the Portuguese route to Santiago de Compostela and the cultural history of the Camino de Santiago and then walk the 144-mile (232-kilometer) route from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela in northern Galicia, Spain to the shrine of St. James the Greater, the patron saint of Spain and one of the twelve apostles of Christ. The first week is spent on campus studying the cultural history of the route, modern concepts of pilgrimage, and an introduction to the Portuguese language. While on campus, students choose a specific town or city along the route to research and explore. We convene again in Lisbon, the cultural and political capital of Portugal, visit cultural sites and further our Portuguese-language skills. We then travel to Porto, Portugal's most beautiful city and from there embark on the pilgrim route. The pilgrimage is divided into twelve stages, averaging a demanding 12 miles per day. We take a rest day in Tui, on the border with Spain, and end with two nights in Santiago de Compostela, where we visit the Cathedral and the tomb of Saint James.

The course counts as a 200-level elective for the Spanish and French majors and the French minor.

Prerequisite: Fitness compatible with 12 consecutive days of 10-14-mile walks.

For further details, please reach out to Professor Bailey (baileym@wlu.edu).

Applications open October 7th, 2025.