Catedral de Santiago de Compostela

Work on the cathedral began in 1075 under Alfonso VI of Castile, and it was consecrated in 1211. It is regarded as the burial place of the Apostle James, whose tomb, according to UNESCO, was discovered in the early 9th century, and it is the traditional destination of the Camino de Santiago. Inside, the Pórtico de la Gloria is considered a masterpiece of Romanesque art; Master Mateo completed it in 1188. The Baroque west façade on the Praza do Obradoiro was built between 1738 and 1750 to designs by Fernando de Casas Novoa.

The church is just under 100 m long. On major feast days the Botafumeiro, an incense burner weighing 80 kg, is swung through the transept. In Holy Years, when St James's Day falls on a Sunday, the Holy Door is opened. The old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and is best explored on foot; allow half a day to a full day for the cathedral and the old town. On the Praza do Obradoiro you can often watch pilgrims reach their destination.