Glory's Portico, Romanesque portico at Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
The western entrance of the cathedral features over 200 detailed stone sculptures arranged across three arches representing biblical scenes and figures.
King Ferdinand II of León commissioned Master Mateo to construct this monumental entrance between 1168 and 1188, marking the completion with carved inscriptions.
The central arch displays the path to resurrection, while the left arch presents Old Testament patriarchs and the right arch depicts the Final Judgment.
Visitors need to reserve tickets in advance to access the portico, which opens daily from 09:00 to 20:00 throughout the year.
At the base of the central column, a kneeling figure represents Master Mateo himself, with the word Architectus inscribed on a sign.
Location: Santiago de Compostela
Address: Praza do Obradoiro, s/n, 15704 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain 15704 Santiago de Compostela
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-20:00
Phone: +34981552985
Website: http://catedraldesantiago.es
GPS coordinates: 42.88054,-8.54519
Latest update: May 26, 2025 20:50
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.
Way of Saint James
106 m
Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle
61 m
Botafumeiro
92 m
Palacio de Rajoy
94 m
Fachada das Praterías (Catedral de Santiago de Compostela)
73 m
Plaza del Obradoiro
46 m
Santiago de Alfeo University College
122 m
Palacio de Gelmírez
33 m
Quintana square
128 m
Casa del Cabildo
109 m
Hospital de los Reyes Católicos
108 m
Parador de Santiago de Compostela
99 m
Church of Saint Fructuosus
128 m
Museo de la Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
35 m
Fachada do Obradoiro, Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
3 m
Fountain of the Horses
95 m
Museo das Peregrinacións e de Santiago
121 m
Casa da Parra
140 m
Faculty of Medicine, Santiago de Compostela
108 m
Casa da Conga
121 m
Casa do Deán
135 m
Bank of Spain building in Santiago de Compostela
111 m
Palacio Arzobispal de Santiago de Compostela
64 m
Hostal of the Reyes Católicos, Santiago de Compostela. Chapel
103 m
Pazo de Monroi
154 m
Biblioteca de la Fundación Gonzalo Torrente Ballester
143 m
Biblioteca de Estudios Teológicos de Galicia
105 m
Old town of Santiago de Compostela
48 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes