What is a compostela, and how can pilgrims obtain it?

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A compostela is a certificate given to pilgrims who complete the Camino de Santiago (i.e., who reach the tomb of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, Spain). Pilgrims receive the compostela when they present a credencial, a kind of passport with stamps collected along the route, in Santiago de Compostela. They also must have traveled at least 100 km (62 miles) on foot or horseback or 200 km (124 miles) by bicycle to receive the compostela.