The Cathedral of Santiago, its history and origins.

The final stop for each pilgrim is arriving to Santiago de Compostela's Cathedral, where the Apostle Santiago, rests forever, and of course, one of the most important holy sites of the world.Pronounced as Spanish Property of Cultural Interest in 1896 and World Heritage Site in 1985.

The causes of Santiago's worship are vague and don't have a clear origin. Legends speaks that he moved to the Iberian land and that he was beheaded in 44 AD during a visit to Jerusalem. It is additionally said that his remaining parts were moved to Galicia and afterward the track was lost until 814 AD, when a hermit called Pelayo discovered them. Lord Alfonso II of Asturias requested to create a small church where the Missionary's remaining parts should rest, but it was crushed two centuries later by muslim king Almanzor.

Later, the cathedral was built in 1075, by king Alfonso VI and thanks to the patronage of the religious administrator Diego Peláez's, where the remaining parts of the apostle were discovered close by. It is primarily constructed by stone and its building period was finished in the twelfth Century, being blessed in the thirteenth Century, within the sight of Alfonso IX.

The Santiago de Compostela Cathedral building it is framed with various parts and styles, that we will explore in detail in the following posts.

If you want to do The Way of St. James withh us, or simply visiting Santiago, feel free to contact us!

We are a specialised agency that will offer you all the services you need to enjoy a perfect trip.