Page 68 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Northern Spain

66  NOR THERN SP AIN REGION B Y REGION

Santiago Cathedral

With its twin Baroque towers soaring over the
Praza do Obradoiro, this monument to St James is
a majestic sight, as befits one of the great shrines
of Christendom (see pp24–5). The core of the present
building dates from the 11th–13th centuries and
stands on the site of the 9th-century basilica built “Passport” – proof of
by Alfonso II. Behind the Baroque façade and through a pilgrim’s journey
the original Pórtico da Gloria is the same interior
that met pilgrims in medieval times.

. West Front
This richly sculpted Baroque
façade was added in the 18th
century in front of Mateo’s
Pórtico da Gloria.

KEY
1 The Santo Dos Croques is
a statue of Maestro Mateo, the
cathedral’s architect – touching
it with the forehead was said
to bring luck and impart wisdom.
2 Pazo de Xelmírez
3 Statue of St James
4 The twin towers are the
cathedral’s highest structures at
74 m (243 ft).
5 The botafumeiro, a giant Ticket office
censer, is swung high above
the altar by eight men during and museum
important services. entrance
6 The Mondragon Chapel (1521)
contains fine wrought-iron grilles . Pórtico da Gloria
and vaulting. The cathedral’s most
7 Clock Tower impressive element is the
sculpted Doorway of Glory,
8 Cloister with its statues of apostles
9 Chapterhouse and prophets. It dates
from the 12th century.
For hotels and restaurants see p204 and pp216–17

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