The capital of Galicia in northwestern Spain—Santiago de Compostela is best known for the Way of St. James a spiritual path and pilgrimage of repentance. It traces the many trails and paths of James the Greater, patron saint of Spain and Apostle of Jesus Christ who spread the Gospel throughout Europe, ending his ministry in Santiago de Compostela.
The ancient spiritual path consists of thousands of miles of trails stretching throughout Europe — the three most popular routes for hikers, travel enthusiasts, and pilgrims are Camino France, Portuguese and Primitive.
Camino France starting in St. Jean Pied de Port in France is a 500-mile trek through the Pyrenean mountains into Northern Spain and the towns of Burgos and Pamplona take an estimated 35 days to complete. Camino Portuguese starts in Lisbon and runs along the coastal countryside through Porto, rural villages, and scenic woods. The 370-mile trek takes about 25 days. The Primitive Way is the original path reportedly taken by the first pilgrim, King Alfonso II of Asturias — starting in the Old Asturian capital of Oviedo and approximately 230 miles in length. Alfonso II is also responsible for the original shrine the Cathedral de Santiago is built upon.
Plaza del Obradoiro - Pazo de Raxoi
The center of Santiago De Compostela and one of the most beautiful town squares in all of Spain — Plaza del Obradoiro surrounded by Palace of Rajoy, Cathedral of Santiago, The Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, and San Jerónimo College represent Galician’s four pillars of religion, pilgrimage, government and education — and features over 700 years of history composed of Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance or Neoclassic architecture.
Magnificent neoclassic Pazo de Raxoi in Plaza del Obradoiro commissioned by the archbishop Raxoi in 1766 and designed by Frenchman Carlos Lemaur — the former seminary is now the center of government and City Hall — and directly across from Cathedral de Santiago.
Cathedral de Santiago
Beautiful baroque and romanesque architecture is one of three churches built over a burial tomb of an Apostle of Jesus Christ. Apostle James summed to Judaea, beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I — and body returned to Santiago de Compostela according to Spanish traditions is believed buried in the Crypt along with relics of his two disciples Theodorus and Athanasius.
The cathedral ends the pilgrimage route of the Way of St James since the Middle Ages. Pilgrimages traditionally enter through the Pórtico da Gloria at Facade of Obradoire main gate; a Romanesque masterpiece by Maestro Mateo created in the twelfth century. It features three arches and over 200 granite carved figures depicting Apocalypse, Judgement Day, Prophets, and Apostle. Centered above the gate is a large carving of Christ — James on the center column below welcoming visitors as they enter.
The Crypt
James referred to as James the Greater to distinguish him from James, son of Alphaeus was the brother of Apostle John, sons of Zebedee. John and James were in Jesus’s inner circle and known for their zeal, fury, and thunderous attitude — even once wanting to call down fire on a village drawing a quick rebuke from Jesus. James was one of three Apostles to witness the Transfiguration—and the first martyred.
The crypt and substructure of the 9th-century church house the remains of James within a silver casket. There is a large statue of James the Greater and sculptures throughout the crypt depicting the life of Jesus, the Apostles, and stories of the Bible. There is much speculation on the authenticity of the body and artifacts — and even stories of them being hidden centuries ago to prevent pirates from stealing them. Once the body was lost and stolen only to miraculously reappear at the foot of the main altar.
College of San Jerónimo
Now the headquarters of University of Santiago de Compostela, College of San Jerónimo founded in 1501 to educate and serve the poor by the Archbishop Fonseca. The main façade features coat of arms of the founder and Virgin Mary with baby Jesus surrounded by the saints in Romanesque Gothic style.
Casco Antiguo (Old Town)
Extending south of Plaza del Obradoiro is UNESCO World Heritage and an 18th-century village full of medieval character and narrow winding streets lined with museums, specialty stores, and little restaurants.
There are many interesting landmarks including Fonte dos Cabalos, Convento de San Francisco, Monasterio e Iglesia de San Pelayo, and Praza da Inmaculada — it is just enjoyable to walk the cobblestone streets full of rich history and architecture. The historic streets closed to automobile traffic add to the old-world charm.
Monastery of San Pelayo de Antealtares
Located in Old Town—the convent cloistered Benedictine nuns. Antealtares was originally a monastery for monks who since the Middles Ages formed the cultural nucleus of the “Locus Santi Jacobi” created by Alfonso II of Asturias to care of the Altar of the Apostle James.
Scallop Shell
Throughout the city, there are many Christian symbols, none more important and prevalent than the Scallop Shell. Symbolizing the miracle of the Knight of the Scallops where a ship returning the body of James arrived at a great wedding feast — and in the midst of the celebration, the groom on horseback leaped into the ocean and drowned. Then arising from the water a few minutes later alive covered in shells of scallops.
Legend is James returned to Judea with a shell — used to tell his journey to the ends of the known world. Beyond the legends and mythical stories, the Scallop Shell symbolizes the sacred path, personal journey, and spiritual struggles — going from the outermost edge of the shell, drawing back into our center and God. It reminds us of why we are walking and to focus on the unfolding story of life — and ultimately the journey leads to Christ.
Santiago Cross
The symbolism goes beyond the scallop shell and layered throughout the city's architecture — images of shields, stately crowns, biblical stories, and ornate details are on every building. The cross is everywhere — including Fleury, Moline, Carolingian, Fleury, Crusader, Greek, and Latin crosses.
The Santiago Cross is more elaborate with a pointed sword base and fleury arms — and synonymous with Knights Templar, Santiago de Compostela, and the 12th-century Galician-Spanish Military Order of Saint James founded by Kingdoms of León-Castile. Originally created to safeguard and escort pilgrims to the shrine of Saint James. King Ferdinand II of León quickly aligned with neighboring kingdoms including Aragon and Portugal to create the Order of Santiago and remove Almohads of al-Andalus (Muslin Moors) from the Iberian Peninsula.
The Order of Santiago still exists today as a part of the Spanish Crown. It is one of the four Spanish military orders which include Calatrava, Alcántara, and Montesa.
Casa do Cabildo
The beautiful Casa do Cabildo designed by the Architect of Galician, Clemente Fernández Sarela in 1757 is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in the region. It was the home for visiting Bishops and overlooks the popular Plaza de las Platerías with Fonte dos Cabalos (Fountain of Horses) with "dial is Compostela" (old woman of Santiago de Compostela) holding the star of Compostela.
Plaza de las Platerías named after the silversmith workshop that occupied the square in the Middle Ages. The Plaza is intimate, charming, and notable being surrounded by the clock tower, cloister wall, stone staircase to Casa do Cabildo, and the last remaining Romanesque façade of the Cathedral.
Monasterio de San Martín Pinario
The second-largest monastery in Spain after San Lorenzo de El Escorial was rebuilt in the sixteenth century — in the ninth century, the original chapel was dedicated to Santa Maria. Designed by Gabriel de las Casas the façade features an altarpiece of the Virgin, Christ Child, and Saints Benedictine Abbots — along with St Martin of Tours on horseback cloaking to shelter the poor.
Igreja de San Fructuoso
The 1754 Catholic temple by architect Luscas Feero Caaveiro designed in Churrigueresco style — unique in that it incorporates Mexican Baroque and Rococo Spanish architecture.
Iglesia de San Francisco
Franciscan monastery founded in the 13th century. Legend is the Saint Francis of Assisi during a visit entrusted a poor charcoal maker to build the monastery. Without resources, he miraculously found a great treasure in the Valley of God, land owned by the Monastery of San Martiño Pinarioa which he traded for an annual basket of fish — symbolizing God's provisions. The basket of fish was delivered for 500 years until the original convent collapsed.
The new temple with baroque and neoclassic style façade was created by architect Simon Rodriguez and sculptor of Francisco Asorey in the 18th century.
Santiago de Compostela is full of rich history, architectural wonders, museums, quaint restaurants, and shops to refresh your spirit. So whether you hike a Camino hundred of miles or drive, the old-world charm and biblical storytelling will captivate every architecture lover, scholar, and travel enthusiast — so get out and explore. Return for future posts on Outdoor Adventures in New England, Nashville Music Scene, and much more. All prints are available — DM for more information.
Sources: Wikipedia