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Province of A Coruna
Santiago de Compostela
Things to Do in Santiago de Compostela
Portico de la Gloria
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Portico de la Gloria

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Portico de la Gloria
4.5
561 reviews
#12 of 121 things to do in Santiago de Compostela
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Top ways to experience Portico de la Gloria and nearby attractions

The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
580 within 3 miles
Casa dos xacobes
289
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Spanish • Asian
A Noiesa Restaurante
1,479
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Spanish
Orixe Gastronomía Galega
595
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Spanish • Contemporary
Restaurante Abrasador Gaia Medieval
195
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Steakhouse • Mediterranean • Barbecue
Oliveira Tapas-BAR
177
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Spanish • Fusion
Benedita Elisa
259
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Spanish
Tertulia
500
0.2 mi$ • Dessert • Cafe • Spanish
A Horta Do Obradoiro
789
460 ft$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Spanish
Entre Pedras
228
0.2 mi$ • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options
taperia vinoteca la jefatura
780
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Spanish
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Attractions
117 within 6 miles
Palacio de Raxoi
187
135 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
138 ftSpeciality Museums • Churches & Cathedrals
Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos
719
161 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Torre De La Carraca
9
177 ftArchitectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
Plaza del Obradoiro
3,419
192 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Camino de Santiago
1,188
346 ftHiking Trails
Botafumeiro
2,671
438 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Cathedral De Santiago de Compostela
10,723
216 ftHistoric Sites • Architectural Buildings
Praza da Quintana de Vivos
255
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Museo Catedralicio
374
287 ftSpeciality Museums
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
561 reviews
Excellent
369
Very good
95
Average
42
Poor
21
Terrible
34
Linda Y
Frisco, TX5,649 contributions
Maestro Mateo (Master Matthew)
Oct 2021
Maestro Mateo and his workshop are responsible for the incredible 12th-century Portico da Gloria whose colors are still visible. This exquisite work, dating from 1168-1188, is considered Mateo’s greatest achievement and one of the best examples of Romanesque art in the world. With over 200 figures representing the Old & New Testaments across three magnificent arches, I was mesmerized. Entrance to the Cathedral is free. However, there is a charge if you want to see the portico from the front the way it was intended to be seen (historically by pilgrims entering the church). Buy a combined ticket that includes the Museo Catedralicio. Do not miss either!
Written February 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mick G
53 contributions
A surprise
Mar 2020
Especially as the main cathedral is being rebuilt this was a magic treat.It needs to be booked on line and there is a 25 person limit for each tour. It is in Spanish but that does not matter. The Portico is a rare world treasure and you should not miss it. The carving is superb and the whole effect is stunning. You can get close to see all the details. A sheer pleasure.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK165,953 contributions
The Glorious Portico
Dec 2022
The Pórtico da Gloria is the monumental Romanesque portico of Santiago de Compostela created by Master Mateo and his workshop. From base to the lintel, the portico is beautifully decorated with wondrous sculptures. The base and columns are decorated with demons and fantastical creatures, while the upper portions including the jambs, capitals and tympanum are decorated with images of saints and scenes of heaven. The centrepiece of the central tympanum is the Pantocrator, depicting Christ in majesty, presenting the wounds of crucifixion and surrounding Christ, the four Evangelists.

One of the best things to see in Santiago de Compostela. It's just a shame photos are not permitted
Written January 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frederic Schwaller
Altorf, France732 contributions
The Happy Sharing Company exploring Santiago
Aug 2020
Lovely discovery at the arrival on after Camino Santiago on the way to Fisterra.
Milestone Zero marvelous Carvings and Statues for a majestuous entrance
Happy Sharing Happy Outside Happy Pilgrims
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jerandnanc
Hartford, CT309 contributions
Facade still under renovation
Apr 2015
Unfortunately, the Portico remains is still undergoing needed restoring and is mostly covered so you only can catch minimal glimpses of parts of the portico. The cathedral is worked on continually (continuously?) so there will always be something that can not be seen. My rating is based on the rest of this beautiful facility.
Written April 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Raul C
Montreal, Canada24 contributions
Beautiful
Oct 2014 • Business
Brilliant work on this Portico, was built by Maestro Mateo, between 1168 and 1188, you can see the whole influence of the gothic style, there are some of the original pieces that are at the museum of the cathedral and others still at the Portico, but I strongly suggest to see this brilliant work
Written November 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
am08540
London, UK675 contributions
Beautiful even if you can only see parts of it
Oct 2014 • Couples
Designed by Master Mateo and added to the cathedral. One could easily spend hours looking at it in detail. But the rest of the cathedral beckons. As many have noted it is under renovation but its slowing close to completion. Make sure you do the rooftop and museum tours.
Written October 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LuizDutraNeto
Rio de Janeiro, RJ8,621 contributions
Still under renovation ...
Oct 2013 • Friends
The famous Portico of the Glory ("Portico de la Glória") at the Cathedral's main façade (towards "Praza do Obradoiro") has been under renovation for quite a while and you won't probably be able to see it fully in the near future. The Portico, a work of romanesque sculpture, was completed in 1188 by Master Mateo, one of the most acclaimed sculptors of that time. The mythic "Tree of Jesse" and the beloved "Santo dos Croques" are out of reach. What is indeed an excellent reason for planning a future visit to Santiago de Compostela! Enjoy the Cathedral anyway!
Written September 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
EtonCapital
Dallas, TX170 contributions
Incredible
Oct 2019 • Solo
Tickets are required and they are limited, also, no photos. The portico is not visible from the street and according to the guide there is no plan to make it, so this is the only way you can see the portico. The museum was interesting as it told the story of the school of carvers that made the carvings. However, to actually see the detail carvings without restoration and hear the stories of the Bible the symbols tell was incomparable. You could spend hours looking at them.
Written October 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Diamond2904
Buckinghamshire, England290 contributions
Worth the organised tour
Jun 2019
This is a wonderful sight. You have to book your tickets either online or hope there is space on the day. Having booked ours online we were lucky enough to get ours swapped on arrival in Santiago for an English speaking guide and this took place at 2 p.m. The guide explained the Portico and without this we wouldn't realise what we were looking at! The tour lasts 45 minutes. You are not allowed to take photos. During this we learnt that there is a 'copy' of the Portico in Ourense cathedral so on a wet day we caught the train to look at it. It is similar but without the wow factor.
Written June 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Portico de la Gloria (Santiago de Compostela) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Portico de la Gloria
We recommend booking Portico de la Gloria tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 Portico de la Gloria tours on Tripadvisor