Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
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Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - by Fernando (CC BY-SA 4.0)





Description
The Santiago de Compostela Arch-cathedral Basilica is the final destination of the Way of St James (Camino de Santiago) pilgrimage routes crossing France and the Iberian Peninsula. It was built between the late 11th and early 13th century in Romanesque style, with later Gothic and Baroque additions, and owes its fame as the burial place of Saint James the Great, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. Highlights include the Obradoiro façade completed by Fernando de Casas Novoa in Baroque style and the Portico of the Glory completed by Master Mateo and his workshop in 1188, the façade "da Acibecharía", and the main altarpiece.
Access & Transport
The church is centre stage in the town of Santiago de Compostela, 1.2km north of the train station. It is 70km to A Coruña on the AP-9 or 30mins by train. Porto is 230km away, across the Portuguese border.
Instructions & Recommendations
To see the Pórtico da Gloria, the museum admission ticket is required (12/10 €). There is also an option for museum + tour of the decks and access to the north tower (12/10 €).
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral. Preserves this historic building, part of the city's cultural and architectural heritages
Conclusion
Out of all the cathedrals in the country, that of Santiago doesn't come close to being the most impressive from an architectural standpoint, but for most visitors that is secondary and it is through the lens of a temple of faith that they experience it - in that regard it scores high even though the commercial aspects are too close to the surface in our opinion.
Key positive
Impressive facades
The end of the Camino(s) de Santiago
Key negative
Expensive museum admission fee
Interior is a bit of a let down
Suitability
Accessible (except for the roof and tower) and no religious denomination restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Monday07:00 - 21:00
Tuesday07:00 - 21:00
Wednesday07:00 - 21:00
Thursday07:00 - 21:00
Friday07:00 - 21:00
Saturday07:00 - 21:00
Sunday07:00 - 21:00