LA CORUNA, SPAIN

During the Middle Ages, there were three main places of pilgrimage for Christianity: Rome, Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela. A visit to the shrine of St James (Santiago), Patron Saint of Spain, entitles us to wear the cockleshell emblem in the company of perhaps half a million pilgrims a year

During the Middle Ages, there were three main places of pilgrimage for Christianity: Rome, Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela. A visit to the shrine of St James (Santiago), Patron Saint of Spain, entitles us to wear the cockleshell emblem in the company of perhaps half a million pilgrims a year.The view of the city of Santiago from a distance, particularly the ‘Pasco de la Herradura’ (Horseshoe Promenade), is most striking. Santiago is not just a city of monuments – the city itself is a monument.Upon arrival in Santiago we begin a panoramic city drive – before proceeding on foot to the focal point which is the Cathedral at Plaza del Obradoiro. To one side lies the Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos, a former hospital that is now a luxurious hotel. We will stop here for refreshments prior to visiting the Cathedral.The Cathedral offers a unique range of architectural styles: Romanesque, Baroque and Ogival Gothic are combined with the most elegant Plateresque throughout its vast confines. Our knowledgeable guide shall highlight points of interest, such as the silver urn containing the ashes of St James that is kept in a small crypt immediately under the ornate high altar, dominated by the carved image of the Patron Saint. We can admire the ancient door, Portico de la Gloria, which is perhaps the finest creation of the 12th century European sculptor Maestro Mateo. There is the possibility of watching the giant incensory known as the ‘Botafumeiro’ being swung by four friars.
Please note that most of the tour in Santiago is on foot, as coaches are not allowed into the old town. Total walking time is about 2 hours and there are approximately 20 steps to enter the Cathedral. It cannot be guaranteed that the Botafumeiro display will be seen.