Pilgrim's Credential

What is the Pilgrim's Credential?

When planning your pilgrimage, you must obtain a Pilgrim¿s Credential, an official accreditation issued by the Diocese of Cartagena to those who intend to make a pilgrimage, whether on foot, by bike, or on horseback, to the Basilica de la Vera Cruz (True Cross) de Caravaca.

It contains useful information for pilgrims: maps, links and spaces to acquire stamps along the pilgrimage's different stages.

Where is the Pilgrim's Credential issued?

PAPER CREDENTIAL
In the Region of Murcia you can get it at these places:
MURCIA
- The Diocese Bookstore (Librería Diocesana). Plaza Cardenal Belluga, 1, 30001, Murcia. Tel: 968 212 489 Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturdays from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.
CARTAGENA.
- Episcopal Vicariate (Vicaría Episcopal de Cartagena). Calle Dr. Luis Calandre, 40, 30205, Cartagena. Tel: 968 534724. Opening hours: Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- The Diocese Bookstore (Librería Diocesana), Calle del Carmen, 17, 30201, Tel. 968 521 709 Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm.
But you can also get one at other religious sites throughout Spain.
More information available here.
Diocese of Cartagena. Tel. +34 968 221 371
A donation of ¤2 is requested for the credential, which can be paid when you pick it up.
Those pilgrims who prefer to do so can request that their credential(s) be sent to the postal address they provide, for which they must write an email to the General Secretary of our bishopric at secretariageneral@diocesisdecartagena.org, indicating the number of credentials they wish to acquire, their full postal address, and mobile phone number for the courier to complete the delivery (shipment by domestic courier in 24-48h). To expedite the procedure, please also attach a photo/scan of the receipt of the bank deposit/transfer made for the credential(s) (¤2 each), in addition to the shipping costs (¤6.50 for the entire shipment). The Banco Sabadell IBAN + account number for the deposit is ES49 00810626980001231528. SUBJECT: "Credenciales Caravaca + Envío"

DIGITAL CREDENTIAL
The digital credential is an app that allows pilgrims to obtain and update, on their mobile phone or other electronic device, their Camino de la Cruz de Caravaca credential, thus digitally certifying their pilgrimage to Caravaca.
This app allows you to enhance your pilgrimage experience, and facilitates the accumulation of stamps. This application is available for Android and iOs devices, in Spanish and English.

Where do I get my pilgrim's credential stamped?

In the different towns you pass through you can request a stamp for your credential at any of the following places. As far as possible, try to get at least one stamp each day, and to record the day on which you got each one.
- Religious buildings, cathedrals, churches, convents, etc.
- Public buildings, such as tourism offices, museums, etc.
- Hotels, inns and other accommodations.
- Restaurants and diners
More information on where to get your credential stamped

How do I get my Pilgrim's Certificate?

The Caravacensis is the official certificate documenting completion of your pilgrimage, whether on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, to the Vera Cruz (True Cross) de Caravaca.
You can acquire it at the Basilica de la Vera Cruz if the following requirements are met:
- A pilgrimage of at least 50 km on foot or on horseback.
- A pilgrimage of at least 100 km by bicycle.
The pilgrim's credential must have at least one stamp per day, in addition to an indication of the date on which the pilgrim received it.
- Pilgrimage to the Vera Cruz de Caravaca, out of Christian convictions or as part of a spiritual search.
Check out the Pilgrim's Certificate/Caravacensis infographic at the following link.

What if I'm going to make the pilgrimage by car or bus?

If you will be visiting the city by motor vehicle, you can also obtain a Diploma certifying your visit to the Basilica de la Vera Cruz. This document is also reserved for those pilgrims that have travelled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, but who do not meet the requisites established for the Caravaçensis.
If you're going to visit the Basilica with a group of more than 15 people, you must complete the following form so that the staff has enough time to prepare your diplomas before your arrival.
Check out the Diploma infographic at the following link.