The Pilgrim’s Shadow: Mysteries of Santiago de Compostela
Every night, in Quintana Square, a shadow appears that has become one of the most iconic images of Santiago de Compostela. Thousands of tourists and pilgrims come when the sun has set, and the square is illuminated to have their photo taken with it.
The Portal of Glory
At the west entrance to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, behind the Obradoiro façade, is the Portal of Glory. This work by Master Mateo is considered to be the pinnacle of Romanesque sculpture. Its construction lasted twenty years and was completed in 1188.
The Clock Tower
The Clock Tower of Santiago de Compostela Cathedral dates back to 1316. Initially, Bishop Diego de Padrón ordered its construction as a defence tower for the Cathedral. Its construction was completed under the mandate of the French archbishop Berenguer Landoira.
The Holy Door
The Holy Door is located in the square of Quintana, on the east side of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Access to the temple through this entrance is reserved for Holy Years. An event that occurs every time the 25th of July, the Day of
Azabachería Square
The Inmaculada Square, popularly known as Azabachería Square, is, together with Platerías Square, Obradoiro Square and Quintana Square, one of the four areas surrounding the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Quintana Square
The Quintana Square is one of the four spaces surrounding the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The Quintana Square covers the east side of the temple and is the most important for the Jacobean tradition. It is the access to the Holy Door, the entrance for
The façade and Platerías square
The façade of the Platerías is the only Romanesque façade that remains in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. It was built between 1078 and 1103, although it was renovated on later occasions. It connects the south arm of the church with the exterior and next
The Façade and Obradoiro Square
En 1660, la Catedral románica sufrió su mayor transformación estética. Los peregrinos traían a través del camino de Santiago nuevas corrientes artísticas en auge en Europa. Es por ello por lo que en este momento se decide adornar la Catedral en estilo barroco y construir la
History of the Botafumeiro: The Cathedral’s purifier
The Botafumeiro is one of the most recognised symbols of the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. In Galician it literally means "smoke spreader". It is a censer that burns a mixture of charcoal and incense inside. It is the largest in the world and is believed
The Cathedral of Santiago: centuries of history and construction
The origin of the Cathedral of Santiago dates back to the history of the inventio, the discovery of the remains of the apostle Saint James. The disciples of James the Greater buried him on Mount Libredon, and there he lay until around the year 830, when
