Cathedral of Santiago
The big ticket item in Santiago is the cathedral and so it should be. It is super impressive on the outside but inside absolutely blows you away.
The bus from the camp site dropped us in the Old Town which we are getting very used to in all these towns. It was a few blocks walk to the cathedral with a few sights on the way.
Lollypop dummies
Some beautiful gardens and fountains, unfortunately many of them dry.
Inside courtyard of the university.
Impressive building opposite the cathedral.
It’s pretty impressive up close.
The four horse fountain.
We had to buy tickets to the cathedral museum and other areas with an English guided tour. That’s for tomorrow. In the meantime we lined up with a lot of other people for free entry into the cathedral. It can hold a mass of people.
Entering by the side door you are immediately disappointed at the un impressive first look. Then you move to the centre of the church and face the alter. The mass of gold is breathtaking.
The incense gadget hangs from the high ceiling. It stands about 1.2m high. It is lit during special mass and swings over the congregation. We didn’t hang around to see it. You can also pay to have it swung into operation.
Saint James or Santiago.
The quadrant of the altar is enclosed on 3 sides and the outside is equally golden although not well lit. Around the walls behind the quadrant are a number of chapels, all offering confession each in a different language.
A most impressive set of organ pipes, a set each side.
This is the modest sight that first greets your entrance.
Some more modern lighting.
We journeyed down to the crypt to see the tomb of Saint James. Got told off for taking this photo.
One of the chapels.
Another chapel.
In terms of opulence, this cathedral would be up there with the Vatican and Westminster Abby. We are looking forward to seeing some more of the cathedral tomorrow.
Courtyard behind the cathedral.
The back of the cathedral.
There were plenty of beggars all around the cathedral but it’s good to see some buskers working for it. This guy was really good but his dog wasn’t much help.
Unexpected to see a female bagpiping busker in Spain.
We then visited the Museum of Camino History. This is a free museum and exceptionally curated showing how the pilgrimages evolved in all religions, through to the current Camino experience.
A fine collection of walking sticks used on the Camino.
To walk off a fabulous lunch we wandered through The Alameda, Santiago’s green heart spanning 85,000 sq m.
Met an Aussie Camino walker who just arrived. His mate was a bit stiff.
Tomorrow a bit more of the cathedral and Santiago.
David & Collette
