- Показать поездку
- Добавить в корзинуУдалить из корзины
- Поделиться
- День 15
- воскресенье, 7 сентября 2025 г.
- ☀️ 81 °F
- Высота: 1 043 фт
Соединенные ШтатыCollege Park33°38’18” N 84°26’31” W
Final Days in Santiago de Compostela

The day after our arrival in Santiago we surprisingly woke up early- no need to hike anymore but we wanted to get in line for the final stamp on our passports and to obtain our Compostela, the certificate of completion of the Camino de Santiago. An officer at the pilgrim’s office reviewed our stamped passports making sure we had at least two stamps from the last 100 km of our journey and then we each received a certificate with our names inscribed in Latin- yay!!!
We visited the Praza do Obradoiro again this morning to see it in the daylight, to admire the west facing façade of the Cathedral and to see the Portico de Gloria. The square was packed with pilgrims and tourists and we took more pictures especially of St James way up high in the central tower. We made our way around the church to the Praza das Praterias (silversmiths), saw the huge fountain of horses and climbed up the steep steps to the south door which is so ornately carved. It’s here that we lined up for Mass. Once we entered, the awe and delight of our visit peaked because the cathedral is sumptuously decorated from the exterior to the fabulous interior. We were amazed at the gold altarpiece resplendent with statues of huge cherubs and St. James and his disciples. The massive organ, art and carvings and painted columns were a visual treat. Pictures just don’t do the golden display justice. Today there were three priests saying Mass and a nun with a beautiful voice up front who led us in song. There were confessions being heard in the chapels on each side of the church so we took advantage. We lit candles and murmured our intentions to be sent up with the prayers from the rest of the pilgrims who were doing the same.
Praise God we arrived safely!
Then it was time to walk the streets of Santiago and explore and eat some snacks and ice cream! We were suddenly caught in a sweep of local folks holding tall candles and pushing past us up a tiny street. We heard music and then, to our surprise, a procession of men solemnly carrying a wooden platform with the statue of Nossa Señora Peregrina decorated with flowers marched right by us. They walked to the beat of the music striking their staffs in a synchronized fashion with one hand and carrying the platform in the other. The band that followed played drums and bagpipes among other instruments and they were dressed in ancient traditional Spanish fashion. I’ve always dreamed of seeing a procession like this!
Getting something to eat then was our next priority. Each little restaurant had painted menus posted outside lettered with swirly words in Spanish that invited you inside. Window front shelves of glass were adorned with displays of seafood and fresh cut meat and sausages and sprays of vegetables. Pastry shops with luscious sweets and Santiago tarts in their windows tempted us. There were also a myriad of souvenir shops full of jewelry with shells and crosses, holy medals and rosaries, tshirts and porcelain tiles ready for pilgrims.
We went to another Mass at 7pm and the church was packed with worshipers of every nationality and each country was welcomed by the seven(!) priests who conjointly celebrated the evening Mass. We wondered if we might see the Botofumeiro swing but although this nighttime Mass was beautiful and the priest’s homily was full of welcomes and blessings to the pilgrims we didn’t get to see it. We had a beautiful dinner with happy people all around us toasting and singing. I enjoyed some Godello wine (like a white burgundy) from the region and went back to the room to relax and write and Luke stayed out to explore.
Monday morning came too soon. We got up and checked out of our sweet little hotel room that had a Juliet balcony and windows with a view of the Cathedral. We left our bags in lockers and Luke went to enjoy the view on the rooftop tour of the Cathedral while I shopped around a little. We had an early lunch then decided to go to Mass a final time before boarding our bus back to Porto for our flight home. Our Mass was beautiful again and so meaningful because of all we’d been through to get here and sad because we had to leave. Luke translated the major points of the homily for me and at several points even I could understand the priest when he exhorted us to ask St James for his protection and intercession. And then it happened! The Tiraboleiros in red appeared and began preparing the giant incenser, the Botafumeiro, to swing. Seeing this iconic occurrence is rare and I really appreciated my second time to witness it and also to have Luke see it! We watched the priest light the flame for the incense and then step back as the men heaved together to lift and swing the Botafumerio. We were on the side of the church in position to watch it clank and spark and smoke and swing up high from side to side of the church - truly exhilarating! Then the priest blessed us and we left the beautiful church with sadness but anticipation of life after Camino. We walked over to board the bus to the airport in Porto and we were on our way back home; excited to see our loved ones and share our experiences. 🙏❤️ 🥾Читать далее
ПутешественникI have enjoyed your vivid descriptions of your trip. What a beautiful experience to share with Luke. Makes me want to take my backpack and boots out of retirement! Love you 🩷
Renee Lucas Pascale🩷
ПутешественникYou are surely blessed!
Renee Lucas Pascale💕