Cathedral De Santiago de Compostela

Cathedral De Santiago de Compostela

Cathedral De Santiago de Compostela
4.5
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  • George F
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Santiago de Compostela
    Started in Porto and finished in Santiago de Compostela. A truly unique and unforgettable experience. History, culture, scenery, food and lots of memories. Thank you SantiagoWays and thank you Maria for organizing such an amazing trip for us. Let’s start planning next summer trip!!
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written October 3, 2023
  • Yan C
    Hong Kong, China882 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning architecture
    Tourists to Europe some time are bored by visiting too many churches. This is however not just another cathedral. This is reported to be the burial place of St James, the destination of many early pilgrims, and no doubt one of the grandest architecture in Europe. The inside of the cathedral is not very big, but elegant and beautiful. The outside appearance is absolutely stunning. It is difficult to describe in words by awesome and imposing it is. You have to see it to appreciate it.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 26, 2023
  • frb0b
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Restored Cathedral is Magnificent
    I walked the Camino Sanabres to see the completed restoration of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. I had been there 3 times before while it was completely under construction and had never able to see it. If you go to Santiago, make sure you book one of the tours for the ROOF of the Cathedral. NOT KIDDING, one of the coolest things I've ever done.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written December 21, 2023
  • Beverley D
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Go and see this! Incredible!
    Guided tour of Old town and cathedral was excellent. Separately did rooftop tour, unfortunately only Spanish, and Portico Gloria, English guide via mobile phone. All well worth it. A most incredible place
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written January 30, 2024
  • andream0402
    Melbourne, Australia4,078 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Iconic Cathedral
    A very impressive Cathedral with an interesting history. It’s beautiful from the outside and even more beautiful inside. You can tour the museum of the Cathedral for €6 or €4 concession. You will see relics from the original structure, vestments, tapestries and paintings. A good value visit. To visit the Cathedral is free.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 15, 2024
  • CeilingsPA
    Lansdale, Pennsylvania823 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Rooftop tour
    Booked the first rooftop tour of the day (10am), only in Spanish, however not a problem, as it is the visuals you go up there for, Truly amazing. Afterwards we went in to the cathedral (free) looked around and went behind the altar, again a very impressive building. Highly recommend you book the tour, hopefully you get good weather, as we did.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 19, 2024
  • drmader
    Orinda, California3,005 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Breathtaking
    Not crowded and easy to walk in and wander around, pray, look at all the confessional chapels, make a donation, look in the souvenir store and even walk through the sepulcher which is all Gold and ornate. Loved our time here at the end of the Camino. A nice reward
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 17, 2024
  • Survivory
    Luxembourg City, Luxembourg1,107 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beat the crowds if you can
    If you want to have a wow moment you need to come early before the crowds arrive. We visited twice, first in the evening for the Pilgrim Service and then again the following morning just when it opened. Two completely different visits. You are allowed in during the service but I do not recommend it. Mainly out of respect for those who are there for religious reasons. They deserve to be there without people wandering around. You can also expect an evil eye from the staff if you sneak out during service. Which only is fair. Better come early in the morning if you have the opportunity. Then you can visit in peace and have a chance to see the cathedral in its full glory. There is a lot of gold and silver and other shiny things. The entrance is not where you expect it to be, it is to your right if you are facing the cathedral from the outside. If you come straight from the camino, be aware that you are not allowed to enter with a back pack. Not sure how hard that is enforced, but there are big signs so I guess there is little room for flexibility there.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 22, 2024
  • CNTL S
    15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good
    The tour of the Santiago Cathedral was amazing! The architecture is stunning, and the guide shared captivating stories about its history and significance. The beautiful artwork and detailed craftsmanship are truly impressive. The tour is well-organized and provides a deep insight into this historic site. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Santiago!
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 13, 2024
  • Nicholas E
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    #1 Tours in Santiago de Compostela
    The rooftop add-on is WELL worth it. Be ready for some steep narrow stone steps but the views are amazing. The Pórtico of Glory is also a must-see. Read the brochure before your tour and you’ll appreciate it more.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles10,857 reviews
Excellent
7,877
Very good
2,182
Average
585
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123
Terrible
90

tinaNtravel
San Jose, CA2,096 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
Jaw dropping amazing. The altar is stunning and everything in the church is! Be sure to go under the altar to see the blessed remains of St James. Also go through the Holy Doors which are on the side of the church near the gift shop exit. They are green with many carvings. We were unable to hug the statue of St. James on the altar due to Covid restrictions we were told. Be sure to walk all around the Cathedral as there are many rooms and separate church areas all worth visiting and noteworthy on their own. This is truly an impressive Cathedral. If you want to see the Jesse tree and statue of St James from the movie “The Way” - buy tickets online in advance. It was sold out all days we were there and closed on the actual feast day. Also, bring a mask. This was the only place we visited where masks were required.
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DERtravels
Pomona, CA1,451 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
The two hours they gave us on a shore excursion tour was not enough time to spend in the Cathedral here at Santiago de Compostela. When you enter the cathedral you actual first tour the library with many artifacts. We went in the Chapter Room, Tapestries, Cloisters, the Nave.

There is renovations going on inside the cathedral proper, but still the gild work is astonishing. We were able to view where the the relics of St James reside. There are huge incense burners hanging in the church, still in use today.

Continuing the walk through the cathedral building one goes to the magnificent steps leading out the back of the church. There are official gift shops associated with the cathedral.

Out front at any time you can see pilgrims finishing the "Camino" to the Cathedral. Hostels, restaurants and other gift and souvenir shops line the streets. If you are lucky you might even hear the plaintiff tunes of a bagpiper.
Written September 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nick Evans
Bournemouth, UK105 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
The cathedral has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Currently it’s a wreck, full of scaffolding and with little to see except the grotesque altar dominated by the statue of Saint James. Clamber the steps behind him and you can touch his cape as millions have done before. The point? Entirely up to you and your god. I found the place utterly depressing.

Except for one thing. A busker was playing bagpipes in a strategic location that had his music echoing hauntingly around the stone alleys and byways. That was a quite spiritual experience.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ScottEmmaLee
Apison, TN225 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Couples
We couldn’t attend pilgrim mass after our Camino as queue starts at least 1.5 hours before. We were able to walk through between services. Door is on right side as you look at main front. Tower tour is an additional cost with museum. Tour is only in Spanish but still incredible experience walking around the roof and bell tower. Crypt entrance is further around right. Queue moved quickly.
Written October 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Linda Y
Frisco, TX5,697 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
Most of my time in Santiago was spent in the magnificent Cathedral that took 137 years to build and was consecrated in 1211. It is one of the only three remaining churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus. The main altar is an extraordinary elaborate Baroque masterpiece, depicting St. James (Saint Iago) as Apostle, Pilgrim, and Slayer of the Moors. Due to covid, the narrow passage behind the altar was closed (pilgrims used to be allowed to hug the Apostle’s mantle). Beneath the altar, a separate entrance leads to the crypt of Saint James and his 2 faithful disciples, Saint Theodorus and Saint Athanasius. In the years in which the Feast of St. James (July 25) falls on a Sunday, that year is celebrated as a Holy Year or Jubilee. 2021 was such a year, and I entered the Cathedral through the Holy Door, the Door of Forgiveness, only open in Holy years (the last one was in 2010). Good news: the Holy Year has been extended through 2022! Note that church capacity was monitored, and it is possible that you may be turned away for Mass so plan to arrive early. Entrance to the cathedral is free. Another incredible (free) event: The Pilgrims Vigil, every Saturday night. If you are not afraid of heights, do not miss the opportunity to climb the bell tower and stand on the roof of the Cathedral! Cost is 10 EU but more than worth it (as is the cost to view the Door of Glory and the Cathedral Museum).
Written February 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

rayporsche
Ottawa, Canada32 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2019
We arrived in Santiago the first week of October 2019 after hiking from France. Visiting the cathedral was the culmination of our 800km walk. It was our goal and although our motivatin was not religious/spiritual we do appreciate the historical significance of this City and this church. The Cathedral is impressive for its massive scale, the unique artifacts therein (altar, Saint Iago figure, the central censer, the painting and chapels) and the adjacent museum. It is, IMHO, one of the four most important church architectures on our planet, and historically of equal importance as are The Vatican, and the Hagia Sofia.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andy M
Torrox, Spain7 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Couples
Unfortunately, due to the extensive repair and restoration work being carried out both inside and outside of the cathedral, the entire building and contents were shrouded by sheeting and scaffolding. We walked in through one door and straight out through another. Absolutely nothing was on show. A bad choice on our part to visit Santiago without researching the situation of it's greatest attraction.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mick G
57 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
If you are planning to go to the cathedral this year you really need to know that it is being worked on for the Holy Year next year. This means that the whole place inside is being gutted and full of scaffolding. There are pieces of baroque gold showing and you can still the casket of St James in the crypt but essentially it is a lot of plastic sheeting. I am sure it will be wonderful but not yet. Go on line and look up The Portal of Glory. You have to book on line and you get to see at least one wonderful piece of this cathedral. The tour is in Spanish but even if you don't know the language, we don't, it is still very worth it. It is limited to 25 people each tour. The exterior is worth gazing at for a good time too and the museum and Palace are worth a visit.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Malgorzata
12,083 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, one of the greatest monuments of Romanesque architecture in Spain, has been included in the UNESCO list since 1985. Its construction began in 1075 during the reign of Alfonso VI of Castile. The culmination of the architectural evolution of the cathedral is its main, late-baroque facade overlooking the Obradoiro square. A beautiful place, symbolic. But, you must remember that the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela does not allow pilgrims with backpacks larger than a purse-purse to enter inside. Undoubtedly a must-see during your stay in Santiago.
Written June 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,803 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
Reputed to be the burial place of St. James the Great, Santiago de Compostela is also one of the focal points of the Way of St. James, being the traditional terminal point of the pilgrimage.

The exterior has elements of Romanesques, and Gothic architecture. Much of the exterior however is Baroque with the entrance to the portico an outstanding example of Spanish Baroque. This facade is lavishly decorated with sculptures of kings, saints, patrons and topped with the figure of Saint James dressed as a pilgrim on the central tower.

Inside, the chapels are mainly located in the ambulatory with the Chapel of the Pillar being the most splendid and a masterpiece of baroque craftsmanship with every bit of space decorated, even the ceiling and corners of the walls.

The focal point of the church is the high altar with a Baroque altarpiece depicting scenes of heaven and pilgrims, surmounted by another sculpture of St. James as a pilgrim. Below this altar is the crypt containing the relics of St. James. There's usually a short queue to visit the crypt where the relics can be viewed from behind a grill.

An architectural masterpiece, pilgrimage point and wonderful church to visit.
Written January 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Cathedral De Santiago de Compostela

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