Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela dominates the Praza do Obradoiro in the historic centre of Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, and has been the destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage for over a thousand years. According to tradition, the tomb of Saint James the Apostle (Santiago in Spanish) lies beneath the high altar, making it one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Christendom alongside Rome and Jerusalem. The current building was begun in 1075 in the Romanesque style; the twin towers and elaborate Baroque façade visible from the Obradoiro square were added by Casas Novoa in the 18th century. The interior follows a Latin cross plan and the nave is flanked by double aisles to accommodate large numbers of pilgrims. The high altar features a gilded statue of Saint James; behind it, visitors can embrace the statue via a walkway as part of the traditional pilgrim ritual. Beneath the altar, a crypt holds the silver reliquary with the saint's remains. The Pórtico de la Gloria, the original 12th-century Romanesque portico by Master Mateo, is now sheltered inside the cathedral after restoration and is considered one of the masterpieces of medieval European sculpture. The famous Botafumeiro — an enormous silver incense burner weighing 53 kilograms — is swung dramatically across the transept on certain feast days and during the Pilgrim's Mass at noon, which is held daily. A comprehensive museum (ticketed) occupies the cathedral's cloisters and towers. The rooftop tour, also separately ticketed, provides panoramic views over the historic centre.