Uncovering the Myth and Politics Behind St. James' Cult in Spain
A free public lecture on the origins of the cult of St. James will take place at the Ecumenical Center of St. Maurice's Church. Titled 'The Beginnings of the James Cult in Spain: Between Myth and Political Calculation', the event explores how St. James the Apostle became linked to Spain and the rise of Santiago de Compostela as a major pilgrimage site. The talk, delivered by Dr. Stefan Moeller, a physician and historian from Halle, is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
The lecture is part of the traveling exhibition 'Treasures of the Pilgrim Routes', organised by the St. James Society of Saxony-Anhalt. The event is hosted by the Ecumenical Center in cooperation with the Catholic Parish of St. Mauritius and St. Elisabeth. Support for the project comes from the Bonifatiuswerk of German Catholics.
The talk will examine the historical development of the Camino de Santiago, also known as the Jakobsweg. During the Middle Ages, this network of routes connected three key Christian pilgrimage destinations: Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela. Major paths included the Via Francigena, running from Canterbury through France and Switzerland to Rome, and the Camino Primitivo, stretching from Oviedo to Santiago. Other significant routes were the Ochsenweg in northern Germany and the Silberweg, which linked Andalusia to the north via stations like the 15th-century *'Krüge'* inns. These pilgrimage routes formed an intricate web across Europe, fostering cultural and religious exchange. The lecture will address both the spiritual and political factors behind the growth of the James cult in Spain.
Admission to the lecture is free, and all are welcome to attend. The event offers an opportunity to learn about the historical roots of one of Europe's most enduring pilgrimage traditions. Further details can be obtained from the Ecumenical Center at St. Maurice's Church.
