Square · UNESCO
Praza do Obradoiro
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
The monumental square in front of the cathedral where pilgrims finish the Camino.
Church, mosque or temple · Spain · Galicia
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
The goal of the Camino pilgrimage, with a baroque facade and the tomb of St James.
UNESCO World Heritage about 1.5 h
For storytellers
Why Santiago de Compostela Cathedral matters
For pilgrims, this is the end of a long road. The baroque facade faces the Obradoiro square, where many walkers lie on the stones in joy after arriving. Inside, the tomb of St James the Apostle sits beneath the altar. At some Masses a giant incense burner, the botafumeiro, swings through the church.
Talking points
- The cathedral is believed to hold the remains of St James.
- The botafumeiro is a huge swinging censer used at certain Masses.
- Pilgrims arrive from different Camino routes.
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Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.