Codex Calixtinus of Santiago de Compostela

Codex Calixtinus of Santiago de Compostela

The famous Liber Sancti Iacobi from the library of the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela was considered for a long time to be a work by Pope Calixtus II (1119–1124). As a result, it gained its designation as the Codex Calixtinus, which it retained even after this false attribution was clarified. The Codex Calixtinus is the most important work for the history of the veneration of Saint James. The manuscript presumably originated ca. 1160 as a work from the circles of educated clerics. Thus, for example, the name Aymeric Picaud is closely associated with the manuscript.

The Story of the Way of St. James in Many Aspects

Divided into five books, the “Bible” of the Camino de Santiago encompasses a large wealth of information. After a chapter with liturgical texts and hymns for the celebration of the feasts dedicated to Saint James there is a section with 22 miracle stories associated with the saint. The story of the transfer of the saint’s corpse to Santiago presents further background information on the veneration of the saint. The subsequent text of the so-called Pseudo-Turpin gives an account of Charlemagne and his campaign against the Moors of Spain in the year 778. Finally, the last and most important part of the manuscript contains the famous pilgrimage guide.

A Practical Pilgrim’s Guide

For a long time, this historical pilgrim’s guide from the *Liber Sancti Iacobi made up the foundation for a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The chapter is further divided into 11 subchapters with detailed itineraries for the various routes with the most important stops at shrines and churches, practical references for the pilgrimage and its course, warnings of dangers, descriptions of the regions through which the pilgrim travelled, and much more fascinating information.

One of the Most Significant Book Treasures of Spain

This diverse text is gorgeously, artfully designed on 450 pages. Exuberant ornamentation, in which insular influences are clearly recognizable, alternate with delightfully figural depictions. The text itself is also extremely tasteful and is elaborately designed and adorned with lavish initials. With such splendor, the Codex Calixtinus is a true treasure of 12th century Spanish illumination, which stands ready with a new surprise for the reader on every page!