L
eading up to July 25, legions of people
embark on a spiritual journey to walk
(and sometimes cycle) the Caminode Santiago (the Way of St. James). This ancient
pilgrimage route, which consists of a large network
of pathways across Europe, has drawn in hundreds
of thousands of people in recent years. On some
routes—many marked by gold scallop shells, the
symbol of the pilgrim—travelers will encounter
the Pyrenees mountain range, while others will be
graced with trails fl anked by vineyards or eucalyptus
forests. No matter which route is taken, all roads
lead to Galicia, a breathtaking region tucked away in
northwest Spain. What awaits them at the end of this
pilgrimage, after meeting the steps of the Cathedral of
Santiago de Compostela? A dense, lightly sweetened
almond cake called Tarta de Santiago that people
have been consuming for centuries.
Boasting a picturesque coastline and a gastronomy
that rivals the best of Europe, Galicia is home to the
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where it is
reputed that the remains of St. James (Santiago), the
patron saint of Spain, rest. The cathedral represents
an overwhelming mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and
baroque architecture, with its crowning artistic jewel
being the world-famous Portico of Glory, an elaborate
gateway depicting more than 200 detailed, hand-
carved biblical fi gures. Those hiking the Camino will
ultimately arrive here, the fi nal destination, in order
to pay their respects and begin the day of feasting,
delighting in Tarta de Santiago in remembrance of
St. James.