Pilgrimage is a timeless expression of the human spirit, a journey through physical landscapes and the depths of history, culture, and faith. Among the most revered of these is the Camino de Santiago, a network of routes leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. This pilgrimage has drawn countless travelers for centuries, offering paths rich in spiritual meaning and cultural significance.
In a historic expansion of this tradition, the Camino de Santiago extended to the Mediterranean in January 2023, incorporating the Camino Maltés, a route beginning in the Maltese archipelago. This integration celebrates Malta’s unique Christian heritage and establishes it as an essential part of the Camino’s enduring legacy.
Malta: A Cradle of Pilgrimage
The Maltese archipelago’s association with pilgrimage predates its formal inclusion in the Camino network, rooted in its ancient history as a spiritual and cultural crossroads. Its Christian identity originates with the Apostle Paul’s shipwreck there in 60 CE, as recounted in the biblical Book of Acts. According to tradition, Paul found refuge among the Maltese and introduced Christianity during his three-month stay, a legacy that firmly established the islands’ spiritual importance in the early Christian world.
Throughout the Roman era, the archipelago’s strategic location in the central Mediterranean made it a waypoint for pilgrims traveling between Europe, the Levant, and North Africa. As maritime routes expanded during the medieval period, Malta became a haven for travelers undertaking long and arduous journeys to sacred destinations such as Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela.
The Knights Hospitallers and Pilgrimage
The Maltese archipelago’s connection to the Camino de Santiago deepened during the tenure of the Knights Hospitallers, also known as the Knights of St. John. When the knights established their headquarters in Malta in 1530, they transformed the islands into a fortress of faith and hospitality. Their efforts built on a long-standing tradition of welcome, as described in Acts 28:1–10, which highlights the Maltese people’s kindness to the shipwrecked Apostle Paul.
The Knights of St. John carried on their mission of assisting Christian travelers –a duty they had upheld since their founding in 1113. Pilgrims journeying to Santiago de Compostela often found support and refuge in Malta, where the knights provided resources and safe passage. A notable example is recorded in the Liber Bullarum, which includes a 17th-century document from Grandmaster Alof de Wignacourt granting safe passage, or credencial, to a traveler from St. Paul’s Grotto in Rabat to Compostela.
A Legacy of Devotion to St. James
The Maltese archipelago’s ties to the Camino de Santiago are enriched by its historical devotion to St. James, the patron saint of Spain. This devotion predates the arrival of the Knights Hospitallers and highlights Malta’s cultural connections to Spain, particularly during the period of Aragonese rule.
Evidence of early veneration for St. James can still be seen across the islands. Frescoes in the Hal Millieri Chapel, references to chapels dedicated to St. James in Gozo and Zabbar, and historical records of churches like the one in present-day Żejtun underscore the Apostle’s enduring presence. Even the early vice-parish of Zabbar bore St. James’s name before its elevation to parish status in the 17th century.
Malta’s role as a Mediterranean waypoint also links it to other regions with shared Camino traditions. Historical accounts suggest that St. James himself may have traveled through the port of Sant’Antioco in Sardinia on his way to Spain. This connection is echoed in the modern Camminu Santu Jacu, a Sardinian route that complements the Camino Maltés, tracing a path from the Cathedral of Sant’Antioco to Cagliari and onward to mainland Europe.
The Camino Maltés: A Pilgrim’s Journey Through Malta
The Camino Maltés begins in Rabat, where pilgrims can visit St. Paul’s Grotto, a sacred site associated with the Apostle’s refuge following his shipwreck. From there, the route winds through historic towns and coastal landscapes, immersing travelers in the archipelago’s layered history and spiritual heritage. Pilgrims encounter landmarks like the imposing Fort St. Angelo in Birgu and the bustling Grand Harbor in Valletta, which serves as a gateway to the maritime leg of the Camino.
One of the Camino Maltés’ defining features is its seamless integration of land and sea travel. Pilgrims departing from Valletta’s Grand Harbor follow historical maritime routes to Sardinia, Barcelona, and beyond, tracing the journeys of medieval travelers who navigated the Mediterranean to reach Compostela.
Sacred Spaces and Hidden Treasures
The Camino Maltés highlights the archipelago’s historical ties to pilgrimage and its rich architectural and spiritual heritage. The Maltese islands are home to numerous sacred sites, including the Baroque magnificence of St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta and the peaceful and majestic Ta’ Pinu Basilica in Gozo. These landmarks showcase centuries of devotion and craftsmanship, inviting pilgrims to pause and engage deeply with their surroundings.
Beneath the surface of the islands lie ancient catacombs, carved into limestone by early Christian communities. These subterranean burial chambers offer a quiet space for contemplation. Dimly lit passages and intricately carved niches connect visitors to the faith and perseverance of the archipelago’s earliest believers. These catacombs stand as some of the most significant Christian archaeological sites outside of Rome.
A Unique Chapter in the Camino’s History
The inclusion of Malta in the Camino de Santiago broadens the reach and meaning of the Camino network. It transforms the Maltese archipelago into a bridge between ancient and modern traditions, connecting the legacies of St. Paul and St. James. For today’s pilgrims, the Camino Maltés offers a spiritual journey alongside opportunities to discover the archipelago’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and centuries-old faith.
This new chapter in the Camino’s history celebrates the diversity of its paths, showing how pilgrimage transcends borders and unites people across time and space. The Camino Maltés invites pilgrims to embark on an experience that combines historical depth, spiritual exploration, and personal discovery.
Embark on Your Camino Maltés
Are you ready to begin your journey? XirCammini, Malta’s official Camino organization, supports individuals and groups walking the Camino Maltés and other routes within the Camino de Santiago network.
Contact us at [email protected] or via WhatsApp at +35679046942 to plan your pilgrimage. As a registered Voluntary Organization (VO1646), XirCammini is dedicated to preserving and promoting historical and faith-based walks in Malta and Europe.
Let the Maltese archipelago be your starting point for Compostela—a gateway to exploration, transformation, and inspiration. See more on VisitMalta.org
