Religious, Spiritual sights in Santiago De Compostela
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A
Catedral del Apóstol
Anyone who has journeyed along the Camino de Santiago will hardly be disappointed on finally entering Praza do Obradoiro to behold the lavish baroque façade of the Catedral del Apóstol. Before this elaborately festive façade was built in the 18th century, the less overwhelming but artistically unparalleled Pórtico de la Gloria (Galician: Porta da Gloria) - now behind the baroque façade - was the first scene to greet weary pilgrims.
The bulk of the cathedral was built between 1075 and 1211, in Romanesque style, and the Pórtico de la Gloria was its original façade. Much of the 'bunting' (the domes, statues and endless flourishes) came later.
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B
Mosteiro de San Paio de Antealtares
Across the plaza from the Puerta Santa is the long, stark wall of the Mosteiro de San Paio de Antealtares, founded by Alfonso II for Benedictine monks to look after St James' relics, and converted to a nunnery in 1499.
Climbing the steps at the top of the plaza you'll find the entrance to the convent, above which stands the beatific figure of the 10th-century Galician child saint San Paio, his throat being slashed in reference to his martyrdom in Córdoba. Keep an eye out for the sacred art museum, containing the original alter raised over the Santiago relics.
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C
Mosteiro de San Martiño Pinario Church
The huge Benedictine Mosteiro de San Martiño Pinario, a seminary that's closed to the public except in summer, when it opens as a hostal. The monastery's elaborate baroque church now operates as a museum featuring the beautifully carved Renaissance choir stalls originally used in the cathedral.
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D
Colexiata de Santa María do Sar
About 1km south of the old town along Rúa do Patio de Madres stands, precariously (it suffers a pronounced tilt), the Romanesque Colexiata de Santa María do Sar. Part of the beautiful cloister can still be admired and there's a small museum, mainly of Romanesque sculpture.
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E
Puerta Santa
Following the cathedral walls you enter Praza da Quintana. Here is the cathedral's Puerta Santa, opened only in holy years when the Feast of Santiago (25 July) falls on a Sunday.
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