The focal point of Santiago de Compostela is the cathedral. This is the destination of over 300,000 pilgrims who walk the Camino de Santiago every year.
Take a look at the cathedral from the Praza do Obradoiro. The original Romanesque structure was built between 1075 and 1211. Since then, Gothic and Baroque elements have been added.
At the top of the cathedral, you'll find a statue of St. James on top of his tomb. To the sides of the tomb are Theodorus and Athanasius, James' disciples who brought his body to Santiago.
Walk to the right of the Catedral to find the Praza da Quintana and the Holy Door. The door is opened during holy years and 2021 is one of them. The Holy Year has been extended through 2022 by the Pope.
Holy Years occur when July 25 (Feast of St. James) falls on a Sunday. The next Holy Year is 2027.
Admire the door, sculpted for the Holy Year in 2004, before entering. It shows scenes from the life of St. James.
Some of the images are gruesome. This one shows the beheading of James by Herod Agrippa.
The little snail at the bottom of the door represents the pilgrim--slow and steady, with everything on its back.
After passing security, walk down a short stairwell to find the tomb of St. James.
The remains of St. James reportedly are in the silver casket.
As you exit the other side, look back and up to find a statue of St. James..
After exiting the building, look to your right as you head to the main entrance to find the Shadow Pilgrim.
Next, enter the cathedral and see if you can catch a mass for the Pilgrims.
The main altar is elaborately decorated. There are 3 representations of St. James. The one on top is James the Moor Slayer, on top of a white horse. Under the canopy is James the Pilgrim. Below this is the original stone Apostle James by Maestro Mateo.
If you're lucky, the botafumeiro will be swung. It weighs 53 kg and takes 8 men to swing it. It swings toward the side naves.
It's swung on the following days:
The Epiphany: 6 January
Resurrection Sunday
The Apparition of the Apostle-Clavijo: 23 May
Pentecost
The Martyrdom of Saint James: 25 July
The Assumption of Mary: 15 August
All Saints: 1 November
Christ the King
The Immaculate Conception: 8 December
Christmas: 25 December
Transfer of the remains of the Apostle: 30 December
2021 09 12
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