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Cathedral De Santiago de CompostelaHeritagePhoto Wikimedia Commons

Cathedral De Santiago de Compostela

Spain

8 story sections

Finally, we can enjoy the stunning Santiago de Compostela Cathedral - the ultimate goal! - for many pilgrims from all over the world. In Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque style, this Cathedral is a true landmark, not only in Galicia, but also throughout Spain.

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Orientation

    You are standing before the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the 'most revered Christian structure in Spain' and the spiritual heart of the Atlantic world. For over a thousand years, this building has been the ultimate…

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  2. 2Pórtico de la Gloria — Master Mateo's Masterpiece

    Before you enter the main nave, you must pass through—or at least admire the history of—the Pórtico de la Gloria. Created by the visionary architect and sculptor Master Mateo in 1188, this triple-arched gateway is considered the…

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  3. 3The High Altar and the Hug of the Apostle

    As you move into the center of the cathedral, your eyes will be drawn to the High Altar, an overwhelming display of Baroque splendor. The current altar was created in the late 17th century, replacing the simpler medieval versions. …

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  4. 4The Crypt of Saint James — The Sacred Relics

    Below the High Altar lies the most sacred part of the cathedral: the Crypt. To reach it, you descend a small set of stone steps located behind the main altar. …

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  5. 5The Botafumeiro — The Great Pendulum of Incense

    One of the most famous sights in the cathedral is the Botafumeiro, a massive silver-plated incense burner that hangs from a complex system of pulleys in the central transept. Weighing approximately 120 pounds and standing 1.5…

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  6. 6The Cathedral Decks — A Walk on the Roof

    For a truly unique perspective, we recommend taking the 'Cathedral Rooftop Tour' (Coo-beh-tah de la Kah-teh-drahl). This guided tour allows you to literally walk on the granite-tiled roof of the cathedral, following the stone…

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  7. 7Plaza de la Quintana and the Holy Door

    Exiting the cathedral toward the east, you enter the Plaza de la Quintana. This large, two-level square is one of the most atmospheric spaces in Santiago. …

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  8. 8Closing

    As we conclude our tour of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, we leave behind a monument that has stood as a beacon of faith and architecture for nearly a millennium. We have seen the 'Portico de la Gloria,' where Master…

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What is Cathedral De Santiago de Compostela?

Cathedral De Santiago de Compostela is a place in Spain with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
LocationSpain
TypeHeritage
Story sections8
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates42.8807, -8.5448
Last updated

Nearby places

within a 5-minute walk
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