• ShaunLCCamino de Santiago - May 2025Traveler
    View over Orbadioro square from the cathedral balcony
    No photos allowed, but the artistry of the Portico of the Glory was incredibleIn the cloisters, the original cracked bells and washing fountain (capacity 15 men!)Looking up the nave to the main altarMaria explaining the layout and the botafumeiroThe main altarThe main altar with botafumieroThe swinging mechanism for the botafumieroThe end of the side aisle near the altarBehind the main altarThe Holy Doors, only opened on special occasions, every 5, 6 and 12 yearsOne of the chapels was open, with a priest taking confessionsThe botafumiero swingingThe botafumiero swingingThe botafumiero swingingEntrance to the crypt where St James (Santiago) bones are keptIn the cryptThe bones of Santiago

    Day 35.0 - Santiago Cathedral

    June 4 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    On my rest day I had a tour of the old city and he cathedral.
    Our first stop in the cathedral was to see the Portico of the Glories, an intricately carved set of three granite columns and arches, showing the Old Testament, life of Jesus, and New Testament. It was recently restored and main entrance shifted to the side of the cathedral. The original colours are now visible.
    Next we went into the museum and temporary displays, lots of relics and historical artefacts which have been recovered, with artwork and library, and also the original Calixtus where the Camino route was recorded in the 900s (a copy is in Sarria).
    We went up to the balcony for a Birds Eye view of Obradioro square.
    Finally into the cathedral where Maria our guide showed us around. She showed us the botafumiero and explained how the monks swing it, and St James crypt where his bones are kept.
    The moment of the day was attending evening mass afterwards which was very nice, and got to see the botafumiero being swung.    Read more