Cathedral of Santiago de Compostella

The most famous pilgrimage site in Spain is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, built between 1075 and 1211. Several great masters of architecture and architecture took part in its construction, who created the largest cathedral on the Iberian Peninsula.

The original temple was consecrated in 1211 under King Alfonso IX. Centuries later, the exterior of the cathedral underwent various changes that turned the cathedral into an important monument of Spanish art, incorporating different styles.

In the Middle Ages, pilgrims for months moved along the route of St. James, at the end of which they arrived in Santiago de Compostela. In the Cathedral the relics of St. James are kept. The column in the doorway bears the imprint of those times - a depression formed in the stone from the many hands attached to the column to rest. The sacred relics are in a silver chest next to the main altar. Above the tomb of St. James stands a statue strewn with precious stones, which has become a tradition for pilgrims who came to venerate the shrine.