Page 98 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

96  NOR THERN SP AIN

Santiago Cathedral

With its twin Baroque towers soaring high over the
Praza do Obradoiro, this monument to St James is a
majestic sight, as befits one of the great shrines of
Christendom (see pp86–7). The present building dates
from the 11th–13th centuries and stands on the site “Passport” – proof of a
of the 9th-century basilica built by Alfonso II. Through pilgrim’s journey
the famous Pórtico da Gloria is the same interior that
met pilgrims in medieval times. The choir, designed
by Maestro Mateo, has been completely restored.

. West Façade
The richly sculpted Baroque
Obradoiro façade was added
in the 18th century.

. Pórtico da Gloria
The sculpted Doorway of Glory,
with its statues of apostles and
prophets, is 12th century.
KEY
1 Cathedral Museum items, 3 Pazo de Xelmírez 7 Mondragón Chapel
including a version of Goya’s The 4 Statue of St James (1521) contains fine wrought-
Swing, are on display, as well as the iron grilles and vaulting.
cathedral’s cloister, chapterhouse, 5 The twin towers are the 8 Clock Tower
library, reliquary chapel and crypt. cathedral’s highest structures at
74 m (243 ft). 9 Cloisters
2 The Santo dos Croques 6 The botafumeiro, a giant 0 Chapterhouse
(Saint of Bumps) has greeted pil grims censer, is swung high above
since the 12th cent ury. Touching this the altar by eight men during
statue with the forehead is said to important services.
impart luck and wisdom.

For hotels and restaurants in this region see p562 and pp582–3

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