The Association of Friends of the Künig Trail has agreed to create the Hermann Künig Award for hospitality; intended to distinguish natural or legal persons, outstanding in the exercise of hospitality and attention to pilgrims.
It is an honorary distinction, consisting of a diploma and a ceramic plaque, aimed at highlighting each year an example of altruism in behavior with pilgrims and passers-by. The prize will be awarded to exemplary people or institutions for their spirit of generosity and welcoming travelers. The jury will be made up of representatives from the world of Culture and the field of pilgrimage.
This distinction is named after Hermann Künig, because this German monk, author of the first guide for the pilgrim, written in the 15th century, conceived his work as an essential tool to guide the steps of the "pilgrim brother"; with the aim that he could advance along the Camino enjoying security and hospitality, to reach his destination "unscathed."
Association of Friends of the Künig Trail
In the fall of 2019, when The Association of Friends of the Künig Trail was founded, the promotion and dissemination of the culture and values of the pilgrimage were marked among its purposes. And within these values, one, essential, is hospitality.
It can be considered that the Camino de Santiago is perhaps the manifestation of most notable hospitality of European history. Millions of travelers crossed all countries in the direction of Compostela; The majority of them received shelter and food both from religious institutions and from the inhabitants of rural villages themselves. This is witnessed in the voluminous Santiago odeporic library, where popular Hispanic charity is praised, time and again.
