CityBuddy
Colexiata de Santa María do Sar
Best time to visit
Late afternoon, between 4 pm and 6 pm, when the golden light of the setting sun passes through the stained glass and illuminates the leaning columns, enhancing the dramatic effect of the architecture.
Budget tips
Entry costs around 2 to 3 euros and is free for residents of Galicia. It is not included in the cathedral pass, but the quick visit justifies the reduced price.
Recommended for
Architecture lovers, Photographers, Curious travelers, Romantics
Plan your visit
45 minutes to 1 hour
About
Quick facts: The cloister of this collegiate church has such a steep tilt that it seems to be sliding downhill, the result of centuries of soil settlement. Its 12th-century Gothic vaults are among the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula, built even before the famous cathedral of Santiago.
Highlights: What few people know is that the pillars of the nave were purposefully tilted inward to counteract the movement of the ground, creating a disconcerting visual effect. Upon entering, you feel that the building is alive, breathing and moving slowly over the centuries.
Insider tips
- Sit on the bench next to the high altar and look up: the perspective of the twisted columns is even more impressive.
- The leaning cloister is the perfect spot for creative photographs, especially with a wide-angle lens.
- Avoid mass times (usually at 12 pm and 7 pm) to have the space emptier and quieter.
- Combine the visit with a stroll through the peaceful Sar neighborhood, just a few minutes from the historic center.
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More attractions in Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
Praza do Obradoiro
Monastery of San Martiño Pinario
Cidade da Cultura de Galicia