During the eleventh and twelfth centuries, the tomb of Saint James (Santiago) in northwestern Spain became the most important pilgrimage destination in Western Europe, eventually coming to rival even Rome and Jerusalem.The "Via Tolosana," the southernmost of the four great pilgrimage roads, began at the Provençal town of Arles. Across the river Rhône, approximately one day's journey to the west, pilgrims would arrive at the abbey church of St.-Gilles-du-Gard, originally built above the shrine to the semi-legendary sixth, perhaps eighth century abbot known in English as Saint Giles (Latin = Egidius).
Click on the following link to explore the ways to Santiago de Compostela:
Virtual Tour #1: St. Gilles-du-Gard
Source: The International Society for the Study of Pilgrimage Art
Recommended web site:
Medieval Pilgrim Roads to Santiago de Compostela
Medieval Pilgrim Roads to Santiago de Compostela
