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Tourist in the Cathedral
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Santiago de Compostela is not just a tourist town in Spain; it is the ultimate aim of the "Camino", the pilgrims St. James' Way.
In the early morning pilgrims are waiting on the Praza (Galician term for plaza) do Obradoiro for the opening of the iron gates leading to the cathedral.
Obradorio is the name of the Cathedral’s façade, build in Late Spanish Baroque (18th c.), dominating the square. This western façade is flanked by two medieval towers; the right tower (Torre de las Campanas) has bells, the left tower (Torre de la Carraca) has rattles used only during the Holy week.
The northern façade leads into the Praza da Immaculada. The eastern façade at the Praza da Quintana offers a completely different view. It has two main portals: the Holy Door and the Royal Door. The southern façade is situated at the Praza das Praterias where, in past times, silver jewels were sold. This Puerta de las Platerias is one of the best preserved portals; next to it is the Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj).
Walking around the cathedral is quite interesting because of the variety of levels, perspectives and architectural styles.
When the cathedral opens at 07.30 am. the pilgrims walk up the stairs and just after the doors can admire the most stunning example of Romanesque art the Portico de la Gloria completed under the supervision of Maestro Mateo at the end of the 12th century.
The pilgrims place their hand in the imprint on the central column of the Portico of the Glory under the statue of St James. This gesture, reproduced by millions through centuries, dug profoundly into the marble of the central column. This gesture marks the membership of a thousand year old cultural community.
Behind the mullion of the "Portico de la Gloria" is a small statue called "the saint with the hump" (Santos do Croques). According to tradition, this statue would have the virtue to impart intelligence and memory to those who press their heads against the head of the statue.
The rite of the visit continues at the crypt, in the centre of the cathedral, where the remains of St. James are kept in the crypt beneath the high altar. By a small stair the pilgrims go behind the altar and touch the golden statue of the saint, a gesture of worship repeated through the centuries.
The interior of the cathedral is a veritable display of the wisdom of the old medieval masters: a characteristically Romanesque distribution of a Latin-cross plan with three naves and an ambulatory with radiating Romanesque, Baroque or Neoclassical chapels.
This photo was made in the chiostro. |
sacavem, marjan has marked this note useful
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Hi ANDREA,Impressive Cathedral!
I like this POV.The architecture on this facade is glorious.
Excellent postcard of Santiago de Compostela.
Great composition and good work to capture this image, very nice colours,and sharpness.
Well done,Best wishes,
filipe
- marjan
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1148 W: 75 N: 880]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(5500) - [2007-03-15 15:42]
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hi Andrea, wonderful motive and excelent shot. Good POV and intro.
Marjan
Great shot, but how do you get this incredible crispness? Janos
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 77 W: 0 N: 150]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-n-g.gif){kind=small}
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Silver Note Writer [C: 178 W: 20 N: 26]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-s.gif)
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