Hiking through History: A Spanish Pilgrimage
About Hiking through History: A Spanish Pilgrimage
In this unique Global Seminar you will hike approximately 300 miles of the historic Camino de Santiago in northern Spain which follows ancient Roman roads and the pilgrimage path of the Crusades. Beginning in the town of Ronscesvalles on the border between France and Spain, you will walk through several of the unique regions (Basque, Navarre, Rioja, Castille, Galicia) that comprise northern Spain and will gain an understanding for what makes this route uniquely Spanish and historically significant.
As you make your way across the Spanish countryside, you will discover and experience the many cultures (Germanic, Arab, Celtic) that have created modern day Spain and influenced the Camino. The Camino passes through the cities of Pamplona, Burgos, and Leon which are all rich with historic significance to Spanish and European history, and ends in the city of Santiago de Compostella. Drawing on literary, historical, and art historical references, you will learn about the more than 1,000 year-old route as well as experience it firsthand by visiting cathedrals, museums, monasteries, and ruins along the way.
Learn more about the Camino de Santiago by watching the flim, The Way.
*Please note: This will be a very physically demanding program. You will be hiking approximately 12 miles, or 5-6 hours, almost every day of the program, rain or shine.
Faculty & Staff
On-site support is provided by a local organization. On-site staff provide information to you regarding cultural activities as well as ensuring 24-hour emergency support.
Program Leader
Nanette Hanks is an Assistant Dean in the College of Liberal Arts. She has degrees in Art History (with a focus on the medieval period in Spain) and Humanities from the University of Minnesota, extensive international experience, and has led hiking groups as a trail guide on the Camino de Santiago for the past 15 years. In 2007 Dean Hanks co-facilitated a May Term freshman seminar in Turkey for the University of Minnesota. She lived in Spain for 4 years and speaks fluent Spanish.
Housing & Meals
You will live in backpacker-style housing with other program participants. Welcome and farewell meals are included in the program fee. Additional meals can be taken in the housing or at local eateries.
Excursions & Social Activities
This Global Seminar is unique in that you will hike to a new village in Spain almost every day. During your hike, the following are some of the sites you will discover:
- Ronscesvalles: The beginning of the pilgrimage. Here you will receive a passport document that will be stamped in each village you pass through.
- Larrasoana: Hike through Spain's Basque region and enjoy the unique architecture of the area.
- Pamplona: Discover the Roman, Morrish and Frankish influences in this city famous for its yearly Festival of San Fermin.
- Puente la Reina: Discover a town that was built in the 12th century almost exclusively to serve pilgrims.
- Irache: Visit a monestary, bodega, vineyard and wine museum.
- Logrono: Founded by the Romans, this city is now the financial capital of the region and is known for its wine and culinary traditions.
