Pilgrim's Reception Office — Attraction in Santiago de Compostela

For pilgrims who want the Compostela and/or Distance Certificate its best to pre register using their website. You receive a code on your smartphone which gets you entry to the Office with another number for final call to receive your documents. Those without smartphone should fill in a paper form preferably in advance and present to entrance security and proceed as per the rest. The normal waiting time is usually within the hour.

You can get a paper version or the new digital version,in which case you don't need to visit in person. In addition you can apply for Compostela by email by scanning your Credential and providing your address. It can be sent direct to your home then. I use the Office alot for Groups which provided all details are completed online a week in advance of arrival, the process is real smooth. Ángel is fantastic and I usually get the Compostelas for my group in person very quickly.

They also have a nice shop where you can buy the Credential for 1.50€(the Special Credential for Finisterre and or Muxia is available too from adjoining information office). They have souvenirs like the well designed credential holder which at 2€ is more expensive than the shops nearby but worth it, if stocks remain ! The waiting facilites downstairs and outdoors are pleasant. The hospitaleros are real friendly and helpful. Overall a superb and efficient service. The security entrance guards can be a bit difficult at times when under...

Very disappointed of the office for the pilgrims in Santiago. I was hoping for a last stamp and a certificate at the end of the walk, but after 1000 pilgrims, no one was allowed inside anymore, even if the hour was not late (around 3 pm) and asked us to return the next day or anytime in the next year (whoever this helps). I was very excited to find in Vigo a very modern and updated way to collect the stamps via qr codes (of course, the traditional was still available, but for us it made more sense to collect it electronically since we had found no books). Only to discover at the next stop in Pontevedra that no QR code was available in the whole city which included not one but THREE info offices and several churches. This is also the case for all the churches and cafes which arw on the way - only physical stamps are to be found. It makes you wonder how the system works… Again disappointment on the office of pilgrims where the electronic system only supports in giving a number in queue, but does not solve the problem of the queue. Hopefully, in the future the electronic stamps will be found everywhere and there will be a possibility to get the certificate via email. The Portuguese Camino was very nice and we enjoyed it completely. Buen...

After having walked about 120km from the Portuguese border, Tui, we were very excited to visit the cathedral as the highlight of our 120km Portuguese way pelgrimage and get our last stamp and Compostelana. After struggling to follow the official route in Santiago de Compostela because of a lack of signals and signs during the last 2km.. we arrived at 19:00 but the cathedral's main entrance was closed. (Google says it's open till 20:30.) We walked around and found an open door where people were entering so we checked it out. A very rude security guy had a problem with our backpacks (what else do you expect from a pelgrim??? A small lady purse?) So we turned around and left very disappointed. The pelgrimage office was also closed earlier as announced... And this is where you get the Compostelana... Also I'd like to mention for future pelgrims: do not expect to find any open church during the whole way of 120km... And in case you find an open church, there is no one to put the stamp nor can you put it yourself. Almost all of your stamps you'll get at the hostels you'll stay at or at bars and cafes along the way. It is so very very disappointing to encounter so little spiritual hospitality. Good luck...