Botafumeiro, Giant thurible in Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Spain
The silver-plated brass Botafumeiro measures 1.60 meters in height and requires eight men called tiraboleiros to operate it during ceremonies.
The Codex Calixtinus from the 12th century first documented this ceremonial censer under the name Turibulum Magnum in Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.
During religious celebrations, the Botafumeiro swings in a 65-meter arc across the cathedral transept, releasing incense smoke as a symbol of prayers rising.
The cathedral schedules Botafumeiro ceremonies every Friday at 7:30 PM mass and during major religious festivities throughout the year.
When in motion, this massive thurible reaches speeds of 68 kilometers per hour and ascends to heights of 21 meters above the cathedral floor.
GPS coordinates: 42.88065,-8.54407
Latest update: May 27, 2025 07:01
Discover a selection of points of interest in Santiago de Compostela, bringing together religious, historical and cultural sites. This city in northwestern Spain offers much more than the endpoint of the famous pilgrimage route that bears its name: a 12th-century Romanesque cathedral, a medieval center with cobbled streets, a traditional market from 1873, Baroque monasteries and 19th-century parks make up its architectural and urban heritage. The Cathedral of Santiago dominates the old town with its Romanesque structure and Baroque Obradoiro façade. The medieval quarter extends around the Plaza del Obradoiro with buildings from different periods, including the 16th-century Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. The Mercado de Abastos has offered regional Galician products since 1873. The Monastery of San Martiño Pinario displays 17th-century Baroque architecture, while the Parque de la Alameda from the 19th century provides walking paths and viewpoints over the old town. The Collegiate Church of Santa María del Sar preserves Romanesque elements from the 12th century. These locations document the city's development from the Middle Ages to modern times.
Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle
32 m
Glory's Portico
92 m
San Martiño Pinario monastery
147 m
Fachada das Praterías (Catedral de Santiago de Compostela)
48 m
Plaza del Obradoiro
138 m
Palacio de Gelmírez
96 m
Quintana square
39 m
Monastery of Saint Pelagius of Antealtares
84 m
Casa del Cabildo
108 m
Museo de la Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
98 m
Fachada do Obradoiro, Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
89 m
Fountain of the Horses
77 m
Museo das Peregrinacións e de Santiago
81 m
Plaza de Cervantes
148 m
Casa da Parra
53 m
Casa da Conga
64 m
Casa das Pomas
164 m
Casa do Deán
108 m
Bank of Spain building in Santiago de Compostela
78 m
Palacio Arzobispal de Santiago de Compostela
113 m
Biblioteca de la Fundación Gonzalo Torrente Ballester
136 m
Pazo de Monroi
160 m
Biblioteca de Estudios Teológicos de Galicia
63 m
Cordero Carreta House
124 m
House at 17 Rúa do Vilar, Santiago de Compostela
158 m
Asorey family house
120 m
Old town of Santiago de Compostela
51 m
Praza de Praterías
70 mReviews
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