Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is undoubedly one of the greatest cathedrals in the world! This is because of its majestic size,design,history and setting which combined with architecture of the Old Town make it a very special and unique place to visit.

The cathedral is the mother church of the Archdiocesis of Santiago. It's where the archbishop's chair resides. The remains of the Apostle Saint James are kept here.Since the 9th century it has been one of the most important centres of pilgrimage in the whole of Christianity. Pilgrims from all over the world gather here throughout the year.

It is a place of worship and full of historic remembrances and artisitc representaions.Pope John Paul II ended his visit to Spain at Santiago de Compostela in 1983 when he referred to the Cathedral as "one of the most famous places in history...which hosts the tomb of Saint James who according to the tradition was Spain's evangelizer..."

The museum at Santiago Cathedral is accessed from the Portico de la Gloria or the Cloister in Obradoiro Square.

The opening hours are as follows:

From 1 October to 31 May Monday to Saturday from 10.00 to 13.30 and from 16.00 to 20.00, Sunday from 10.00 to 13.30;

From 1 June to 30 September from 10.00 to 14.00 and from 16.00 to 20.00, Sunday from 10.00 to 14.00.

The Museum is closed on 1 January,6 January,25 July,15 August and 25 December. It's also closed on the following evenings:Maundy Thursday,Good Friday,Shrove Tuesday,19 March,1 November and 8,24 & 31 December.

Prices

Regular ticket 5 euros.

Reduced tickets (groups,eldelry groups and students) 3 euros.

Educational centres (advance bookings) 1 euros

Free ticket 18 May (International Museum Day).

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral also has a shop in Platerías Square.

The Cathedral's website has comprehensive information on its history,points of interest,the museum,pilgrimage routes and photographs & virtual tours etc.