Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Cathedral · Santiago de Compostela, Galicia
Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
Romanesque cathedral of the 11th century with a Baroque façade, which houses the tomb attributed to the apostle James, the Pórtico da Glória by Mestre Mateus and the Botafumeiro. End of the Way of St. James.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
The Catedral de Santiago de Compostela was built beginning in 1075 on the site where, in the 9th century, the tomb attributed to the apostle James the Greater was discovered. The Romanesque church, with a Latin-cross plan, ambulatory and galleries, was designed to receive masses of pilgrims who could circulate around the altar without interrupting services.
At the end of the 12th century, Mestre Mateus carved the Pórtico da Glória, the old main entrance, with about 200 figures of prophets, apostles and elders of the Apocalypse, which still show traces of the original paint. Between 1738 and 1750, Fernando de Casas Novoa designed the Baroque façade of the Obradoiro, which enveloped and protected the portico.
Inside, behind the high altar, a staircase leads to the image of the apostle, which pilgrims embrace, and in the crypt stands the silver urn with the relics. The Botafumeiro, a thurible of about 50 kg, swings from one side of the transept to the other pulled by eight men, during the masses in which it is used.
The Cathedral Museum, with cloister, library and treasury, and the guided visit to the rooftops, over the stone roof, complete the visit.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours for the cathedral; plus 1h30 for the museum and the Pórtico; 1 hour for the rooftops.
Best time
Early in the morning, before the groups, to see the interior calmly. The pilgrim's mass is usually at noon; arrive beforehand to get a seat. Visits to the Pórtico da Glória and the rooftops have scheduled times; book in advance.
How to get there
It is located on the Praza do Obradoiro, in the center of the old town, a 15-minute walk from the train station. Tourist access is usually via the Praza das Praterías.
Tip
Book in advance on the official website the visit to the Pórtico da Glória and the rooftops. Large backpacks are not allowed: leave them at the hotel or in luggage storage. Dress appropriately for a place of worship.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
Do you have to pay to enter Santiago cathedral?
Entrance to the cathedral for prayer and general visiting is usually free. The museum, the Pórtico da Gloria and the roof access require tickets and timed reservations.
What is the Botafumeiro?
A giant metal thurible, weighing around 50 kg, swung from side to side down the nave by eight men, the tiraboleiros, during certain masses.
Where is the apostle’s tomb?
In the crypt, beneath the main altar, in a silver urn. The staircase behind the altar leads to the apostle’s statue, which pilgrims embrace.
What is the Portico of Glory?
The cathedral’s historic entrance, carved by Master Mateo at the end of the 12th century, with about 200 figures. Visits are in small groups and by timed entry.