Compostela Sacra

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is the spiritual heart of the Galician city and the destination of the famous Camino de Santiago. It is considered the burial church of the Apostle James, whose remains are said to rest in a crypt beneath the high altar. Construction began in the 11th century on the foundations of an older church and was expanded several times over the centuries, so that today a variety of architectural styles come together here. From the Romanesque south portal and the Gothic cloisters to the Baroque west façade and the Neoclassical north side, the building reflects the long history of the place. In 1985, the old town, including the cathedral, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For visitors, the experience often begins at the west portal, the Pórtico de la Gloria. This masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture, created by Maestro Mateo, shows a complex program drawn from the Book of Revelation, with Christ as judge and redeemer. Beyond it, the wide nave opens up, revealing the magnificent high altar. One special ritual is the swinging of the Botafumeiro, a large incense burner that is swung through the transept on a long rope. It was originally used to purify the air in the cathedral after pilgrims had spent the entire night praying there. In the crypt, the faithful can visit the silver shrine containing the relics, and at a staircase behind the statue of the saint, they can express their gratitude.