Santiago de Compostela is the goal of the grandest pilgrimage train in Europe. For a thousand years, pilgrims have trekked from Paris (and other points all over Europe) to the Cathedral of Santiago.

At about 10:00 every morning, the day’s pilgrims enter town (from the last traditional overnight, just a few miles away) and hike through “France Gate” to the town center.

The Cathedral of Santiago is the pilgrim’s target. Like the rest of Santiago, the stones of the Cathedral — green and black with moss and mold — reflect the famously drizzly weather of Galicia.

Triumphantly, pilgrims finish their journey. Even if you’re just hiking over from your hotel, be in front of the Cathedral each morning at 10:00 to greet the pilgrims and feel their sense of accomplishment.

Frayed walking sticks and well-worn boots take the ritual last step onto the scallop shell (symbol of St. James) in the pavement in front of the Cathedral. For the rest of their lives, medieval pilgrims would wear a similar shell around their neck to show they made the trek to the legendary burial place of St. James.

The finale of the pilgrimage is a Mass in the Cathedral. In Santiago, as in much of Europe, you’ll find graphic statues of the man they call “St. James the Moor-Killer” - a sword-toting Christian triumphantly, almost happily, lopping off the heads of Muslims. Today’s Muslim community feels these giddy Moor-slayers should be given a lower profile.