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Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
Best time to visit
Arrive before 10am to avoid lines and crowds. September and October offer mild weather and fewer pilgrims than the European summer.
Budget tips
Basic entry to the cathedral costs 12 euros, but the combined ticket for the museum and cloister is 20 euros. Book online 48 hours in advance to avoid extra lines.
Recommended for
Pilgrims and hikers, Lovers of sacred architecture, Amateur historians, Travel photographers
Plan your visit
1.5-2 hours
About
Quick facts: The Cathedral of Santiago holds the tomb of the apostle James, one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Christian world. More than 300 thousand pilgrims arrive on foot every year to embrace the statue of the saint.
Highlights: Inside, the Botafumeiro, an enormous 80-kilogram censer, flies over the heads of the faithful during solemn masses. Seeing this silver ball cross the central nave at 70 km/h is a spectacle that makes the ground tremble.
Insider tips
- Dress in layers: inside the cathedral it is cold even in summer, but the sun warms you up quickly in the square.
- The best angle to photograph the facade is at dusk, from the right side of the Praza do Obradoiro.
- Avoid the 11am to 2pm time slot, when the tour buses arrive and the nave gets crowded.
- Go up to the cathedral rooftop for a panoramic view of the city and the baroque towers.
Where to Stay in Santiago de Compostela
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