Santiago de Compostela Cathedral facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Metropolitan Archcathedral Basilica of Santiago de Compostela |
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The western façade of the Metropolitan Archcathedral Basilica as seen from the Praza do Obradoiro
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Catholic |
| District | Santiago de Compostela |
| Rite | Roman Rite |
| Leadership | Archbishop Francisco José Prieto Fernández |
| Location | |
| Location | Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Metropolitan Archcathedral-Basilica |
| Architectural style | Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque |
| Groundbreaking | 1075 |
| Completed | 1211 |
| Specifications | |
| Direction of façade | West |
| Capacity | 1,200 |
| Length | 100 m (330 ft) |
| Width | 70 m (230 ft) |
| Height (max) | 75 m (246 ft) |
| Spire(s) | 2 |
| Official name: Santiago de Compostela (Old Town) | |
| Criteria | i, ii, vi |
| Designated | 1985 |
| Reference no. | 320bis |
| Official name: Catedral Igrexa Catedral Metropolitana | |
| 22 August 1896 | |
| (R.I.) - 51 - 0000072 - 00000 | |
The Santiago de Compostela Archcathedral Basilica is a very important church in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain. It is part of a World Heritage Site. People believe it is the burial place of Saint James the Great. He was one of Jesus Christ's apostles. This cathedral is one of the few churches in the world built over an apostle's tomb. Others include St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
For a long time, the cathedral has been a major stop for pilgrims. They walk the Way of St James, a famous route. The building started as a Romanesque church. Later, Gothic and Baroque parts were added.
Contents
A Look at History
Legend says that Saint James the Great brought Christianity to Spain. However, the Bible says he was killed in Jerusalem.
The Discovery of Saint James's Tomb
According to a story, Saint James's tomb was found again in 814 AD. A hermit named Pelagius the Hermit saw strange lights. They glowed in the night sky over the Libredon forest. Bishop Theodomirus thought this was a miracle. He told King Alfonso II of Asturias and Galicia. The king ordered a small chapel to be built there. It is said that the king was the first pilgrim to visit this holy place.
Later, a church was built in 829 AD. Then, in 899 AD, King Alfonso III of León ordered a larger church. This made Santiago de Compostela a very important place for Christian pilgrims.
Attacks and Rebuilding
In 997, an army commander named Al-Mansur Ibn Abi Aamir burned the early church. But Saint James's tomb and relics were not harmed. The gates and bells from the church were taken to Córdoba. They were added to the Great Mosque. Later, in 1236, King Ferdinand III of Castile took Córdoba. The gates and bells were then moved to Toledo for its cathedral.
Building the current cathedral started in 1075. This was during the time of King Alfonso VI of Castile. Bishop Diego Peláez also supported the work. The cathedral was built with a similar design to the Saint Sernin church in Toulouse, France. It was mostly made of granite. Construction stopped a few times. The last main stone was placed in 1122. But the cathedral was not fully finished then. It was officially opened in 1211. King Alfonso IX of Leon was there.
Architects and Growth
The architects included "Bernard the elder" and Robertus Galperinus. Later, "Esteban" might have joined. "Bernard, the younger" finished the building. Galperinus helped manage the project. He also built a large fountain.
Santiago became a bishop's city in 1075. The church became its main cathedral. Because more and more pilgrims visited, it became an archbishop's city in 1120. A university was added in 1495. The cathedral was made bigger and more beautiful in the 1500s, 1600s, and 1700s.
Outside the Cathedral
Each side of the cathedral has a large square in front of it. The main front, called the Obradoiro façade, was finished in 1740. It is in the Baroque style. The Acibecharía façade is also Baroque. The Pratarías façade is older, built in 1103. The most famous part is the Pórtico da Gloria. It has amazing Romanesque sculptures. Master Mateo finished it in 1188.
The Main Entrance: Obradoiro Façade
The Obradoiro square is named after the stonemasons' workshop (obradoiro in Galician). They worked there when the cathedral was built. To protect the old Pórtico da Gloria, this front has been changed many times. In the 1700s, the current Baroque façade was built. It has large windows that let light into the older Romanesque front.
In the middle of the façade is a statue of Saint James. Below him are his two followers, Athanasius and Theodore. All are dressed as pilgrims. You can also see a symbol of the tomb and a star. The star represents the lights Pelagius saw. The right tower shows Mary Salome, Saint James's mother. The left tower shows his father, Zebedee.
A grand staircase leads to the façade. It was built in the 1600s. It has two ramps that go around the entrance to an old 12th-century crypt. This crypt is often called the "Old Cathedral." This façade is a symbol of Santiago de Compostela. It is even on the back of Spanish 1, 2, and 5 cent euro coins.
South Façade: Das Pratarías
The Silverware Façade (das Pratarías) is on the south side. It is the only original Romanesque façade left. It was built between 1103 and 1117. Over the years, parts from other areas of the cathedral were added.
It has two entrance doors with carvings. The carvings show prophets and apostles. In the middle, a large carved band shows Christ and other scenes. Some figures were moved here from another façade in the 1700s. One carving shows King David playing an instrument. This is a famous Romanesque artwork. Other carvings show the creation of Adam and Christ's blessing.
On the right door, you can see scenes from the Passion of Christ. There are also scenes of the Adoration of the Magi. An old carving on a door frame shows the date July 11, 1078.
North Façade: Da Acibecharía
The "da Acibecharía" façade is named after a black gemstone called jet. This is where pilgrims from the French, Primitive, Northern, and English Ways enter the city. The original Romanesque entrance was built in 1122. But it was destroyed by a fire in 1758. Some of its sculptures were saved and moved to the Pratarías façade.
The new façade was designed in the Baroque style. It was finished in a neoclassical style in 1769. At the top, there is a statue of Saint James. Two kings, Alfonso III of Asturias and Ordoño II of León, are praying at his feet. In the center is a statue of Faith.
East Façade: Da Quintana
The east side of the cathedral faces the Plaza de la Quintana. It has two gates: the Porta Real (Royal Gate) and the Porta Santa (Holy Gate). The Royal Gate was started in 1666 and finished in 1700. Kings of Spain used to enter the cathedral through this door. That is why it is called the Royal Gate. The royal coat of arms is above its entrance.
The Holy Door is also called the Door of Forgiveness. It is usually closed. It only opens during a Jacobean holy year. This happens when Saint James' Day (July 25) falls on a Sunday. Inside this door, there are images of Saint James and his followers. Twenty-four figures of prophets and apostles are also there. They came from an old stone choir.
Bell Towers
The main façade of the cathedral has two tall towers. They are called the Torre das Campás (Bell Tower) and the Torre da Carraca. Both are about 75 to 80 meters tall.
The first parts of these towers were built in the 1100s. In the 1400s, changes were made. King Louis XI of France even gave two large bells in 1483. The towers were leaning in the 1500s and 1600s. So, they had to be made stronger. The bell towers were finished in the Baroque style.
Clock Tower: Berenguela
The Clock Tower is also known as the Berenguela Tower. It is where the Pratarías and Quintana squares meet. It was started around 1316 as a defense tower. Later, between 1676 and 1680, Domingo de Andrade made it two floors taller. He added a pyramid-shaped top and a lantern. This lantern has four lights that are always on. The tower is 75 meters tall.
In 1833, clocks were added to each side. It has two bells. The larger one, called Berenguela, rings for the hour. A smaller one rings for the quarter hours. The original bells cracked. New ones were made in the Netherlands in 1989. They were put in the cathedral in 1990.
During a Jacobean holy year, pilgrims can enter through the Holy Door. This allows them to receive a special blessing. In these years, the lantern on the Berenguela Tower stays lit all year. It acts like a lighthouse, guiding pilgrims to the cathedral.
Inside the Cathedral
The cathedral is 97 meters long and 22 meters high. It still has its original Romanesque style inside. It has a main area called a nave, two side aisles, and a wide transept. It also has a choir with chapels around it. When you first enter, it might seem simple. But as you go further, you see the beautiful organ and the rich choir area. It is the largest Romanesque church in Spain. It is also one of the biggest in Europe.
Portico of Glory
The Portico of Glory (Pórtico da Gloria) is a famous Romanesque entrance. Master Mateo and his team created it. King Ferdinand II of León asked for it. It was finished in 1188. The final three-part set was done by 1211. That is when the church was officially opened.
The portico has three round arches. They match the three main parts of the church. Thick pillars with statues support them. The middle arch is twice as wide. It has a carved area called a tympanum. A central column holds a statue of Saint James. The sculptures tell stories from the Book of Revelation and the Old Testament.
Tympanum Carvings
The carvings on the tympanum show Christ. He is shown as the Pantocrator, or "Ruler of All." He shows the wounds from his crucifixion. Around him are symbols of the four Evangelists: Saint John (eagle), Saint Luke (ox), Saint Matthew (angel), and Saint Mark (lion).
On both sides of the evangelists, there are angels. They hold items related to Christ's suffering. Above the angels are groups of blessed souls. In the arch around the tympanum, there are elders from the Bible. They are holding musical instruments.
Central Column (Mullion)
On the central column, Saint James sits with a pilgrim's staff. He is the patron saint of the church. He holds a scroll that says "The Lord sent me." Above his head, a carved top shows Christ's temptations. At the saint's feet, there is a carving of the Holy Trinity. Below that is the tree of Jesse. This shows the family tree of Jesus. This is the first time this image was used in Spain.
At the very bottom of the central column, looking towards the main altar, is a kneeling figure. It is Master Mateo himself, the architect. He holds a sign that says "Architect." People used to tap their heads against this statue for wisdom. This tradition is now being stopped to protect the artwork.
Side Pillars (Jambs)
The columns on the main and side doors have statues of apostles, prophets, and other figures. They each hold books or scrolls with their names. The bases of the pillars have carvings of animals and human heads. Some historians think these represent evil being crushed by good. Others see them as symbols of war, hunger, and death. They suggest that only human wisdom can overcome these challenges.
Side Door Carvings
The arch of the right door shows the Last Judgment. It is divided by two heads. Some think these are Archangel Michael and Christ. To the right, Hell is shown with demons torturing souls. To the left, Heaven is shown with angels and saved souls.
The arch of the left door shows scenes from the Old Testament. It shows good people waiting for the Savior. In the center, God the Creator blesses pilgrims. He holds the Book of Eternal Truth. To his right are Adam, Abraham, and Jacob. To his left are Eve, Moses, Aaron, King David, and Solomon.
The Main Altar and Chapels
The main area of the church has high arched ceilings. Galleries run above the side aisles. The choir area is very grand. A huge canopy with a beautiful 13th-century statue of Saint James stands over the main altar. Pilgrims can go behind the altar to touch the saint's cloak.
The chapels around the choir are like a museum. They hold paintings, altars, and sculptures collected over centuries. In the Chapel of the Reliquary, there is a gold cross from 874. It is said to contain a piece of the True Cross.
Crypt
Below the main altar is the crypt. It shows the foundations of the 9th-century church. This was the final stop for pilgrims. The crypt holds the relics of Saint James and two of his followers. A silver container holds these relics. It was placed there in the late 1800s.
Over time, the saint's burial place was almost forgotten. In 1589, the relics were moved to a safer place because of attacks. They were found again in January 1879.
Botafumeiro
A large dome above the center of the church holds a special pulley system. This system is used to swing the "Botafumeiro." It is a very famous thurible, which is a container for burning incense. It was made in 1851. The Botafumeiro is the largest censer in the world. It weighs 80 kg (176 lbs) and is 1.60 meters (5.25 ft) tall.
Normally, it is displayed in the cathedral's library. But on important religious holidays, it is filled with 40 kg (88 lbs) of charcoal and incense. Then, eight people in red robes pull ropes. They swing it almost to the roof of the church. It can reach speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph). It sends out thick clouds of incense. During Jubilee Years, when Saint James's Day is on a Sunday, the Botafumeiro is used in all Pilgrim Masses.
Other Burials
- Alfonso Daniel Rodríguez Castelao
- Fructuosus of Braga
- Rosalía de Castro
- Fernando Pérez de Traba
- Ferdinand II of León
- Alfonso IX of León
- Pedro Fernández de Castro
- Gaspar de Ávalos de la Cueva
Images for kids
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Pórtico da Gloria in 1849 by Jenaro Pérez Villaamil
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Pórtico da Gloria, Collotype 1889
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Westside main façade of the Cathedral towards Plaza del Obradoiro, Collotype 1889
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See also
In Spanish: Catedral de Santiago de Compostela para niños
- Asturian architecture
- Catholic Church in Spain
- Santiago de Compostela
- 12 Treasures of Spain
- List of Christian pilgrimage sites
