Santiago de Compostela is a city located in the northwestern region of Spain. It is the capital of the province of A Coruña, in the autonomous community of Galicia. Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago travel to the city as their final destination. Equally important, as an important religious and cultural center, the city has a rich history that spans over a thousand years. Several museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions call the city home. Above all, the city hosts the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
A magnificent Romanesque structure, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela stands in the heart of the old town. The cathedral was built on the site where, according to tradition, the remains of St. James the Apostle were buried after his martyrdom in Jerusalem. The original church on the site was constructed in the 9th century. Thereafter, it was replaced by the current cathedral, built between the 11th and 13th centuries.
Master Mateo completed sculptural work on the main entrance, known as the Portico of Glory, in the 12th century. Inside, the cathedral is equally impressive, with a soaring nave, a series of chapels, and a number of important artworks. In addition, the cathedral’s collection holds many priceless liturgical objects, vestments, and relics. For instance, one of the most significant features of the cathedral is the Botafumeiro. This giant thurible, or incense burner, swings through the nave during special religious celebrations. As a matter of fact, the Botafumeiro weighs over 50 kg and measures 1.6 meters in height, making it one of the largest in the world.
In 1985, UNESCO designated the cathedral as a World Heritage Site in recognition of its cultural and historical importance. At the present time, Christians from around the world see the cathedral as an important site of pilgrimage and worship.
