The Northern Way is perhaps the most historical route, the first one that the pilgrims of all the European Christianity of that age take to reach Santiago de Compostela. The origin of the pilgrimage to Santiago by the route of the Cantabrian coast goes back to the immediate later moments of the discovery of the tomb which is said to be that of the Apostle Santiago Major (9th century).
The dominion of the most part of the Iberian Peninsula by the Muslims, isolated the Christian Kingdoms in the northern areas of the country. The Jacobean Ways of the ancient Kingdom of Asturias were pioneers in directing the devout pilgrims to Santiago.