Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Need to Know
TOP FESTIVAL
Feast of Saint James (25 July)
PEAK PILGRIM SEASON
June to August
BEST PHOTO OP
Take the cathedral rooftop tour (
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)
See our author's review on
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Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
Don't Miss List
BY IÑAKI GAZTELUMENDI, SANTIAGO TOURISM GURU
1 OBRADOIRO FACADE
I've lived in Santiago all my life, but it's still a privilege to see the overwhelmingly
baroque Fachada del Obradoiro every day. Study it closely, but step back into
the middle of the plaza where the 360-degree views are a journey through the
evolution of art, from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.
2 MAIN ENTRANCE
I'm always surprised how many people rush inside. Pause instead to contem-
plate the splendour of the El Pórtico de la Gloria, where I have a special weak-
ness for the 24 elders of the apocalypse with musical instruments. Inside, near
the Altar Mayor, the figure of Maestro Mateo moves me with its simplicity amid
the extravagant beauty elsewhere.
3 PLAZA DE LA QUINTANA
Of the four plazas that connect the cathedral to the rest of the old town, Plaza de
la Quintana is the most enigmatic, divided as it is between Quintana of the Dead
and Quintana of the Living. Seek out the subtly beautiful granite panel on the
monastery facade of the Mosteiro de San Paio de Antealtares.
4 THE CATHEDRAL'S ROOF
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