Secrets of Santiago de Compostela: A Tour of the Ancient Cathedral

(20 reviews)

Santiago de Compostela audio tour: Secrets of Santiago de Compostela: A Tour of the Ancient Cathedral

This is an indoor tour

Santiago de Compostela

Spain

$9.99

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About the Tour

Centuries of devotion and artistic brilliance converge at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, which stands atop the reputed grave of St James The Great. On this walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you‘ll explore both the grandeur of the cathedral‘s interior and the breathtaking beauty of its exterior. I also hope to deepen your appreciation for this architectural marvel and the rich history and spirituality that surround it.

The tour starts at the magnificent Praza do Obradoiro, the Old Town’s main square, where I‘ll show you easy-to-miss details like the intricate blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture that adorns every corner of this architectural masterpiece. You‘ll circle the cathedral‘s surroundings and I‘ll reveal its fascinating layers of history. At the Azabachería, its northern façade, you‘ll see where pilgrims entered the cathedral complex from as far back as the 1100s. At the Berenguela Tower, you‘ll hear about its 6-tonne bell, the largest in the cathedral. From there you‘ll enter the cathedral and learn the secrets held within. I‘ll also show you where pilgrims have for centuries embraced the apostle, and hugged the statue of Saint James.

On this tour, you‘ll also have the chance to:

See the astonishing Botafumeiro, the world‘s largest incense thurible
Learn about the ceremonial rituals that involve the Botafumeiro, and how it symbolizes purification and spiritual cleansing for pilgrims
Visit the Immaculate, Quintana, and Platerias Squares, and decode the symbolism and importance of this area within the cathedral complex
Journey through the Holy Door, only open during Holy Years, and delve into the details of this extraordinary entrance
Find out how the discovery of Saint James‘ tomb in the 800s changed the religious landscape of the Iberian Peninsula forever
Hear about the significance and decoration of the temple‘s golden Baroque main altar
Pay your respects at the sepulcher of Saint James, the cathedral‘s spiritual heart
Discover the legends and history that surround this holy relic and understand its central role in the pilgrimage tradition

Whether you‘re a recently landed pilgrim or an art or history enthusiast eager to discover the cathedral‘s secrets, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Let‘s embark on this remarkable journey together.

Disclaimer: Any route changes or areas restricted for restorations that the cathedral determines unilaterally are not our (or VoiceMap’s) responsibility.

Tour Producer

Gabriela Garcia Stamile

2 tours

I'm a licensed tour guide and an enthusiastic ambassador for the wonders of Galicia. With a profound love for history and a deep connection to this region, I take immense pride in sharing the rich tapestry of our culture, traditions, and landmarks with visitors like you. I hope to ignite your curiosity and fascination for Galicia, a place where every stone tells a story.

Preview Location

Location 1

Obradoiro Square: introduction

Hello, and welcome to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, together with Rome and Jerusalem, one of the most significant centers for pilgrimage worldwide. I'm Gabriela, a certified tour guide with more than 7 years of expertise in the region.

You should be in the Obradoiro sq... Hello, and welcome to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, together with Rome and Jerusalem, one of the most significant centers for pilgrimage worldwide. I'm Gabriela, a certified tour guide with more than 7 years of expertise in the region.

You should be in the Obradoiro square, surrounded by magnificent stone buildings. Pick a place near the center.

Now, let me tell you about the origins of the pilgrimage and the Cathedral's history and artwork. I love to start with the legend that gave birth to the pilgrimage and the origins of the city. Please enjoy the story while admiring this beautiful square and the constant stream of pilgrims.

Throughout the 8th century, a great part of the Iberian Peninsula was under Muslim control. However, at the beginning of the 9th century, the discovery of Saint James' tomb was announced in a remote and desolate region of the northwest of Spain. The history of northern Spain and Europe was forever altered after this revelation.

Jacob was born in Bethsaida, he was the apostle John's brother and the son of Salome and Zebedee, according to the Bible. He was one of Jesus' favorite apostles and was present during crucial events in his life, including the crucifixion, the transfiguration, and the resurrection of Jairo's daughter. After Jesus died, his followers preached all across the world. The Brevarium Apostolarum, which was written in the 7th century, makes reference to Jacob preaching in today's Spain. He goes back to Palestina, where Herods Agripa I ordered his execution, in order to maintain concord among Jews. He became the first martyred apostle when he was beheaded in the year 44 AC, and he became known as James the Great. His body was transported by two followers, Teodorus and Athanasius, in an unguided stone boat from Jaffa to the north of the Iberian Peninsula. Once in Galicia, the disciples requested from the queen of these lands a burial place, but instead, they were imprisoned. That evening, an angel unlocked the door and let them go. They were given two oxen to carry the saint, and following the directions of a star, they buried St. James where the star and the oxen halted. After caring for the sepulchre, the disciples were buried there. Since the early Christians were persecuted, this location was forgotten for centuries.

The tomb was found in the early 9th century by an eremite following some lights in the forest. He notified Bishop Teodomiro, who afterwards told the monarch. The first pilgrim in recorded history was King Alphonse II, who traveled from Oviedo to attest to the discovery. The king gave the order to construct a church to house the apostles' relics. In 899, a larger basilica replaced it, thanks to the influx of pilgrims from all over Europe. However, that temple was razed in 997 by Muslim forces. Finally, in 1075, construction of the present cathedral began. By building bridges, hospitals, lodges, and paths, monarchs and clerical authorities facilitated the pilgrimage and contributed to the Christian kingdom's unity. After 136 years, the Romanesque cathedral was completed in 1211. The temple underwent renovations during the Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical periods as a result of the ideas' evolution.

Granite, a robust stone that's widespread in the area, was mostly used to construct it. The Obradoiro square got its name from the masonry workshops that worked here on the Baroque façade for almost 100 years. The square is a city's social and religious hub.

Let's take a look at the adjacent structures before moving on to the Cathedral. The many forces at work in the city are reflected in each building.

Starting on the left side, facing the Cathedral is the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. In 1486, Isabella and Ferdinand, the Catholic Monarchs, visited Santiago. After observing how sick pilgrims were left to wander the streets, they decided to build a hospital. It was constructed starting in 1501 in late Gothic and Renaissance styles, symbolizing royal power. It's currently an exclusive hotel.

The imposing Rajoy Palace is the next structure on your left. The Santiago de Compostela City Council and the regional administration both have seats in this neoclassical structure, which houses political power.

Look at the next building on the left side. The rector's office of the university is located in this Renaissance-style building, representing the power of knowledge.

Before we set off, I'll explain briefly how VoiceMap works. At the end of each track, I’ll give you directions to where to go next and show you a picture on your phone to help you find it. Once there, just tap the red 'I am here' button to hear the next track. There are also thumbnail pictures of some stops at the top of your screen. You can explore at your own pace, and the directions for where to go will also be displayed on your phone.

Please now face the Cathedral's façade and start the next track. Read More

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Major Landmarks

Santiago de Compostela
Praza do Obradoiro
Praza da Inmaculada
Praza da Acibecharía
Pr. da Quintana de Vivos
Praza da Quintana de Mortos
Puerta Santa de la Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
Praza das Praterías
Organo De La Catedral de Santiago
Botafumeiro
Saint James' sepulchre

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Getting There

Route Overview

VoiceMap tours follow a route from a set starting point. It’s how we give turn-by-turn directions and tell a story greater than the sum of its parts.

Start location
Praza do Obradoiro, s/n, 15704 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
Total distance

688m
Final location
Praza da Inmaculada, s/n, 15704 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
Distance back to start location

131.14m

Directions to Starting Point

The tour starts in the Obradoiro square, also known as Praza do Obradoiro. You may get there from several parts of town, although Francos Street is the main route. When you arrive, you will notice four majestic buildings encircling the square. The Cathedral is the most prominent, and is easily identified by its facade and two tall towers.

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Tips

Places to stop along the way

On the Obradoiro square, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos boasts a lovely cafetería with views. Enjoy a cappuccino on the terrace while taking in the amazing pilgrimage atmosphere.

Best time of day

The Cathedral is open every day, from 7 to 21.The visit to the Sepulchre and the Embrace to the Apostle are available from 8.30 to 21. Masses take place at 7.30, 9.30, 12.30 and 19.30. Avoid the visit during the celebration, as is not allowed to visit it and make pictures during mass.
Depending on the season, there may be long lines to enter. Although the weather is rainy during the fall and winter, the less visited season is from November to March.

Precautions

Large backpacks and suitcases not permitted to enter the temple. In the entryway, there are security controls, and there are lockers in the surroundings.
Bring a small umbrella in fall and winter, or if the weather is rainy. In summer, you will need a hat and some water for a comfortable tour. There are some steps in the differents squares. Bring comfortable shoes.

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3.7 / 5

20 Ratings

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Secrets of Santiago de Compostela: A Tour of the Ancient Cathedral

About the Tour

Tour Producer

Gabriela Garcia Stamile

Preview Location

Location 1

Obradoiro Square: introduction

How VoiceMap Works

Major Landmarks

Santiago de Compostela

Praza da Inmaculada

Praza da Acibecharía

Pr. da Quintana de Vivos

Praza da Quintana de Mortos

Puerta Santa de la Catedral de Santiago de Compostela

Praza das Praterías

Organo De La Catedral de Santiago

Botafumeiro

Saint James' sepulchre