Among the world’s cathedrals, Santiago’s has the honour of guarding the relics of one of Jesus’ 12 apostles, called St. James the Greater. That is why the Cathedral is the final destination of the St. James Way. For more than a thousand years, millions of pilgrims from all over the world have travelled hundreds and sometimes thousands of kilometres to reach the Cathedral.
Another very important detail about the Cathedral is its Holy Year. When is it? When the Day of St. James, July 25, falls on a Sunday. During such years, the Holy Door is opened to receive those wanting to receive forgiveness for their sins. This is a great privilege that is only repeated every 6, 5, 6 and 11 years. 2010 was a Holy Year… and the next one will be 2021+2022. Santiago is therefore a Holy City, the same as Rome and Jerusalem.
Today, many pilgrims are moved by faith, others come to meditate about their life and others to admire the beautiful scenery along the Way of St. James… and the beautiful Cathedral.