Turismo de Galicia

Built by Mestre Mateo, completed in 1188. The crowning glory of Romanesque sculpture, designed as a porchway with three arches. The central section represents the ‘Glory’, the final destiny of the just, presided over by a large sculpture of the resuscitated Christ. The left hand section represents the Jewish people waiting in the Limbo of the Patriarchs for the arrival of Christ, and to the right the Final Judgement that will be the destiny of all mankind.

The different pillars of the structure include the prophets and apostles in the mullion or dividing section, together with the tree of Jesus and a seated statue of the Apostle St. James.

The Corticela, oratory founded on the s. IX, later belonging to the Benedictines of S. Martiño Pinario, is from ancient times parish for strangers and pilgrims. It was absorbed by the successive construction enlargements of the Cathedral.

It is accessed from the north arm of the transept, by crossing a walkway built in the s. XVIII. Built in granite masonry and covered with wood and tile, it has longitudinal shape divided into three naves. Romanesque facade with plain shaft columns and capitals with plant decoration, like the triple archivolt, in the tympanum relief of the Adoration of the Magi. Inside, on the north wall, the ensemble of Jesus in the Garden of Olives made up of polychrome granite (s. XV).

Aymerico Picaut, in the Codex Calixtinus, says that the melancholy man who goes up, comes back down happy

Introduction

The roof of the Basilica of Compostela was - since the origins of the building - made of terraced granite. It was accessed through the towers of the medieval façade of Maestro Mateo. (Only in the late 18th - early 19th century was it covered with tiles. Its original stone character was restored in the mid-20th century). It is part of the beautiful, exemplary Romanesque temple, which the centuries have dressed up in exceptional Gothic, Renaissance and especially Baroque layers.

Going up to the roof of St James´ Sanctuary is to access a privileged place from which the Basilica can be viewed and, at the same time, to contemplate Compostela: its origins, evolution and growth, as well as a broad panorama of the region that surrounds it, such as the historic mountains, full of the traditions of St James and the pilgrimage.. A superb mirador, which bombards the senses with beauty, also allows the visitor to reflect on the historical and artistic facts from the Tomb of the Apostle St James the Elder.

Project

During recent years, with a wealth of accumulated experience, it has become possible to offer an organised tour. The project to open the roof to the public that the Council has devised has led to the restoration and preservation of the towers and roofs. At the same time it provides access and safety to the general public, with the aim of appropriately regulating demand for it but offering an unforgettable visit.

Characteristics of the tour

The tours are guided in groups of no more than 25 people. A service is provided to very large groups, such as congresses, conventions, etc. and any other exceptional cases that require special attention.

Itinerary

Access is through the Palace of Xelmírez (Obradoiro), continuing up through the Tower of La Carraca, crossing the Portico de la Gloria and going up the last flights through the Bell Tower. From there the tour goes out on the Roof, following a perimeter route, descending finally through the Tower of La Carraca and exiting through Gelmírez..

Contents

The tour is adapted to the different types of visitors and their requirements, based on their age and level of education. It is possible for children to go up under the responsibility of their parents or guardians.

Schedule and ticket sales

Tuesday to Sunday, visits each hour between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Reservations may be made by telephone and there are direct sales and customer service available (in the Palace of Gelmírez).

For more information: Cathedral Museum Management (Rúa del Villar, nº 1, 1º izq.). Tel.: 981 56 05 27; Fax: 981 56 33 66; E-mail: edumuseocatedral@archicompostela.org.

Price

General Admission:  10€. Discount (students and pensioners): 8€. Special sessions will be organised during non-peak times for educational centres and citizens´ groups.

Office

Palace of Gelmírez (Plaza del Obradoiro).