Note: Lodève is one of the pilgrimage sites on route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, home of the shrine dedicated to Saint James, the patron saint of Spain. The symbol of Saint James, the scalloped shell, became the primary symbol representing pilgrims. French pilgrimage routes to Compostela tend to follow old Roman roads, many of which continued to be utilized as primary roads of communication during the Middle Ages. Losève was a Roman colony serving as a connection between the coast and the valley. The city was taken over by the Visigoths and by 421 or 422 it was confirmed to have had a bishop. Historical sites include the former Catheral of Saint Fulcran of probable Carolingian origin, the former Priory Church of Saint Michel de Grandmont, and the ruin of the Castle of Montbrun.