What is the Letter of Safe Conduct?
The Letter of Safe Conduct is the credential that features the stamps of the various towns and villages travellers pass through. It is based on the document used during the Middle Ages to ensure that travellers and goods were allowed to travel freely and safely. Allegorically, El Cid now grants this safe conduct to 21st century travellers along the length of the Way.
The Letter of Safe Conduct is the credential that features the stamps of the various towns travellers pass through.
What is it for?
- It is a fabulous memento of your experience travelling the Way of El Cid: the stamps are extremely attractive and much sought-after. The collection was designed by Julián de Velasco.
- It is a way of discovering the ‘secret history’ of the towns and villages you pass through: each stamp reminds us of a historic or legendary event, or part of the local heritage. Remember to ask what each stamp means!
- The Letter of Safe Conduct entitles you to discounts of around 10% at more than two hundred accommodation options on the Way of El Cid (the discount applies to the main accommodation service).
- In addition, you can use the Letter of Safe Conduct to take advantage of our regular promotions and free gifts, including bracelets, badges, caps, bandolera scarves and T-shirts, etc.
- If you collect four stamps from at least seven of the eight provinces the Way passes through, you will receive the Way of El Cid certificate free of charge.
How can you obtain a Letter of Safe Conduct? How much does it cost?
The Letter of Safe Conduct is free of charge. In order to receive yours you may:
- Apply by mail, by writing to our offices.
- Ask in person at any of the 98 Tourist Information Offices located along the Way of El Cid.
Where is the Letter of Safe Conduct stamped?
The Letter of Safe Conduct can currently be stamped in 199 sites along the Way. Each town has a different stamp and one or more places where the document can be stamped, including Tourist Information Offices, accommodation options, town halls and other establishments. Outside many of these points you will see a distinctive tile featuring the carrion crow, symbolising the Way of El Cid.
If you would like to find out where to get your Letter of Safe Conduct stamped, click on the search button below. The file for each route includes a list of all the points that can be downloaded. You will also find a list of these places in the files providing information about each town.
How can you obtain the Way of El Cid certificate?
This document certifies that you have completed the Way of El Cid. In order to receive it, you must obtain at least four official stamps from each of the provinces. Naturally, you can get your Letter of Safe Conduct stamped in the towns and establishments of your choice, regardless of whether or not they have the official stamp, but in order to qualify for the certificate only the official stamps count.
Once you have obtained all 32 stamps all you have to do is take the Letter of Safe Conduct and show it to any of the Tourist Information Offices along the route and the staff will check the document. Give them your personal details (name and surname, address, town or city and telephone number). We will then post the diploma that certifies you are a Way of El Cid traveller!
You can also request it from us directly: just send us by email to info@caminodelcid.org a photo of your safe-conduct letter. Its number and the stamps can be clearly seen. Remember to tell us your data and shipping address.
Why did we choose the carrion crow as the symbol?
There is a new ‘character’ associated with El Cid and the Poem featured on the Letter of Safe Conduct: the carrion crow. This bird plays a very special role in the Poem of El Cid. Stanza 11 reads “Crows flew across to their right as they were leaving Vivar”.
The direction of the flight of the carrion crow was seen as an omen. For travellers, as for El Cid, the carrion crow is a symbol of good luck, which is why we decided to include it in the route. In addition, this bird is easy to spot along the length of the Way, and for many travellers it will be their faithful companion for much of their journey.
Rev. ALC: 07.11.2022