Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle, Catholic cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle is a Catholic church in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, built from grey stone with Romanesque and Baroque elements. Its floor plan follows a Latin cross with three aisles spanning 100 meters in length and 70 meters in width.
Construction began in 1075 under King Alfonso VI, when Bishop Diego Peláez directed the project over the remains of earlier churches. Later building phases brought the Baroque façade in the 18th century and further redesigns that surrounded the Romanesque interior.
The name Santiago connects to Saint James the Apostle, whose believed tomb has drawn pilgrims from across Europe for centuries. Most visitors today touch the central column of the portal and attend daily services that fill the space with prayer and song.
The church opens its doors daily for worship services, pilgrim visits, and confessions, with wheelchair-accessible entrances provided. The main entrance at Praza do Obradoiro often has crowds, while side entrances offer quieter access.
The Botafumeiro, a large metal incense burner, swings across the transept during special ceremonies and rises close to the ceiling. Eight men pull ropes to set it in motion, with the incense spreading throughout the entire space.
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