A monumental block You can go all around the Cathedral to look at its four façades, each with its own monumental square. In Plaza del Obradoiro you will see the main façade, with its tall baroque... read more
The Obradoiro façade Do you what is the most repeated photograph in Santiago' That of the Cathedral’s Obradoiro façade. It is called Obradoiro because construction work lasted almost 100 years, and the... read more
“Pórtico de la Gloria” Everyone agrees: the “Pórtico de la Gloria” is one of the Romanesque wonders of the world. It features more than 200 figures carved by Maestro Mateo more than 800 years ago;... read more
The apostle that is embraced
Have you ever embraced one of Jesus’ apostles? Well, you can if you are a good pilgrim in the Cathedral of Santiago. On the high altar there awaits a very old statue of the apostle (800... read more
Well-guarded relics The relics of the Apostle James and his disciples lie below the main altar. When you enter, you have to keep still since it is a very small and very old mausoleum. The oldest part of the... read more
“Botafumeiro” I bet you have never seen a censer as big as the one in the Cathedral of Santiago' Nor one as famous: it even his its own name. It is called “Botafumeiro,” because, in the Galician... read more
A church inside another church The oldest chapel you will find is called Santa María de la Corticela. It is 1,100 years old. It even existed before the Cathedral! It was a small chapel, where the monks that looked after... read more
The rooftops… and Compostela’s Quasimodo If you have already seen the Cathedral inside, why not visit it at the top' Convince your parents to go up to the rooftops, because that will be one of the best memories you will take away with... read more
Museum Don’t miss the Cathedral Museum! You will be able to see with your own eyes small pieces of Santiago’s history and its basilica’s. From Roman coins to the tombs of Galician... read more
"Berenguela" The Clock Tower has its own name: it is called “Berenguela” after an archbishop in the Middle Ages, who built the tower to defend the Cathedral. You will see it from many parts of the... read more
The Holy Door In Plaza de la Quintana you will find the Holy Door, which is open during some years and closed during others. Of course, because it only opens during Holy Years! If you do not go through it in... read more
The mysterious pilgrim in Plaza de la Quintana Don’t read this unless you are very brave: there is a ghost in Plaza de la Quintana. It’s true, you yourself will be able to see it every night. Silently creep up to the foot of the... read more
King David This is a secret that we Compostela residents only tell our best friends. Can you see the image of King David in the Platerías façade' Yes, that elegant sculpture with a crown,... read more
