We begin our morning with a tasty breakfast, acknowledging the fact that today is a
mix of emotions as it is our last day together. After breakfast, we meet our local art
historian for a tour of the Cathedral.
After we’ve entered the ‘walled’ segment of the city, a brief and pleasant stroll brings
us within sight of the Cathedral. Facing the Cathedral is the Plaza de Obradoiro
square, informally recognized as “kilometer 0,” and which holds special significance
for the thousands of pilgrims completing their pilgrimage.
The square holds some of Santiago’s most significant landmarks, including the Hostal
de los Reyes Católicos in the Plateresque style (Spanish Renaissance), the Palacio de
Rajoy, the Colegio de San Jerónimo, and finally, the Cathedral of Santiago de
Compostela.
As you will learn from our local guide, this structure has undergone several transformations over the centuries: from a pre-Roman necropolis to the early 9th-century original chapel, to the remarkable 12th-century Romanesque cathedral with its intricately carved west door, Pórtico de la Gloria, to the 18th-century Obradoiro facade.
The grandeur of this final destination, coupled with the meaningful journey, renders
every experience along the trail worthwhile! After the tour of the Cathedral, feel free
to participate, if you wish, in the Pilgrim’s Mass at noon. We hope you’ve enjoyed
your journey, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!
