Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
921 47 00 19
Neighborhood
: San Ildefonso
Public Transportation:
Take the bus from Segovia to La Granja (Line six).
Other Resources
60. Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela
In the 9th Century, the bishop of
Iria Flavia
(Galicia) found
a tomb near his city that he believed contained the mortal
remains of the apostle
Saint James
,
who according to some
traditions had been transported to Spain by his disciples
after being tortured and executed in Jerusalem.
King Alf-
onso II
was convinced of the authenticity of the tomb, and
ordered the construction of a church in the site, which later
became a cathedral and was the origin of the city of Santi-
ago (the name of St. James in Spanish tradition).
The Cathedral of Santiago is unique in Spain, mainly due to
tury over the Roman original. The elaborate, pointed spires
are not found on other major Spanish religious buildings.
Another important architectonical feature is the Gate of
Glory, remarkable for the detail and artistry of its numerous
statues.
Besides its artistic merits, the cathedral is the destination for thousands of pilgrims who
every year walk
The Way of Satin James
(also known as the Pilgrim's Trail). Santiago is
the third most important pilgrimage city in the Christian world, after Jerusalem and Rome.
The Cathedral has many activities, including
cultural events
(
English translation
), a
Mu-
tion
)
, and of course
mass
(schedule,
English translation
).
