What a beautiful place to visit and the atmosphere around the cathedral was amazing. There was singing, dancing, music, love, happiness and tired faces. The cathedral was absolutely stunning as were the buildings around it. With some magnificent views of the old town.

It's an impressive cathedral with golden hues and which has a very distinct cross structure with south, north and western sides each of similar length. There is also an impressive altar which boasts the infamous incense burner originally swung to purify the air from the stench of the medieval pilgrims. Nowadays it is the primary attraction for the congregation who crowd in during the pilgrims mass, camera phones at the ready, in the acute expectation of seeing it in full flow spewing its contents into the air around them as the mass comes to a close.

The whole cathedral area is a buzzing place, full of laughter and joy, with people having successfully completed their chosen walking routes and glad and proud to have made it to their destinations. Were lots of people, but not so many that there wasn't space between. A brilliant atmosphere with lots of restaurants and bars to enjoy and take in the beautiful and ancient surroundings. The cathedral was closed when we arrived, so we didn't go inside, but it is as impressive as you would expect. We were only passing and took the opportunity to visit, so were not disappointed at not being able to go inside. The museum is next door and 6€ to visit,so we didn't. But only because we were mid-journey. The city centre was equally buzzing and there music in the streets during our stopover in August. We were tempted to stay overnight. Maybe we'll make another trip there one day 😁

Amazing wealth amazing architecture bedazzling history, and that is just within the Cathedral! The journey of those on the Camino is one of strength faith and searching within one guy Mike from Liverpool was on an 830 km walk for a charity he was one of many thousands that don't across any given year. The town built around this industry of tourism and education is alive and thriving

I found my visit quite emotional, the beauty of the cathedral is breathtaking and the pilgrims arriving after their walk on the camino makes this a very special place. The small ancient streets surrounding the cathedral are stunning and there are lots of great places to eat. Although it was busy it never felt touristy as had an honesty about it. I loved every minute of my day there.

It's too big a place to describe in a few sentences. One has to go there to experience its atmosphere and maybe also its spiritual magic. There is beautiful architecture and lots of religious art to admire in the chapels and on the altars. It's quite breathtaking!

May 2023 A very interesting place to visit and experience. This is the last point of the La Camino walk for the pilgrims. Something you won't experience anywhere else in the world.

September 9, 2023, was the day I finally completed the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that I had dreamed of doing for years. After weeks of walking, blisters, and countless challenges, I had finally reached my destination: the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. As I approached the cathedral, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I had never seen anything so beautiful in my life. The cathedral's soaring towers and intricate stonework were a testament to the faith and devotion of the people who had built it over centuries I entered the cathedral and was immediately struck by its sense of peace and tranquility. The sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows cast a rainbow of colors on the stone floor. I could feel the weight of my journey lifting from my shoulders. As I stood up, I felt a sense of peace and contentment that I had never felt before. I had finally reached my destination, but more importantly, I had found something deeper within myself. The Camino de Santiago had been a soulful journey, and it had changed me forever.

Walked from Porto Portugal up the coast to here. To be part of something bigger than me. The experience was amazing. The people I met were incredible. To arrive in the plaza after such a long pilgrimage was so rewarding seeing the Cathedral there, Went inside and I was in awe of all the gold in the Cathedral. Even though the gold was stolen from people I tried to look past it.The alter where St James is was impressive. You can even do a walk through behind the alter and touch the Saint. Overall was interesting. Figured since I walked all this way I might as well go peak inside.

To visit the cathedral is free but you need to buy tickets for both the Portico and the tower. Buy them together for a better deal. The tower includes an explanation of the history of the building and a walk on the roof. The portico is self-guided. You get to visit the museum as well with any of the tickets Visit the tourism office for a cathedral brochure

Beautiful and breathtaking architecture! You must visit the cathedral if you pass by Santiago de Compostela, it’s a must! It’s beautiful on the outside and on the inside.

Just beautiful. I can't stop being amazed by architectual diamonds that were raised in 11th century. I could post 1000 photos, but to truly admire and appreciate this sacral wonder, one has to visit the place. For sure I'll try to return for the bonafumeiro.

The visit to the cathedral was free on donation basis. The architecture is precious! The history is fascinating! One could easily spend hours in the area! Absolute gem!!!

What a way to enjoy the end of a Caminó. It took me 4 times to be able to attend a mass but it was definitely worth it. I would recommend getting here early to be able to find a place to sit.

Took a tour from the port. We saw crowds from people doing their pilgrimage from all over Europe. It was a sight to see. Beautiful city and surrounding neighborhood with a rich history. Three different queues on site; museum, tomb and cathedral. Local restauraunts werent expensive. Plan accordingly.

I stated the camino from Sarria. It was amazing! The cathedral is amazing. Please, don't miss to do the walk around the inside the church it olny cost $4. For the Portal of Glory, check online some days they have free tickets.

The cathedral was the final stop of our Portuguese camino. It is a beautiful building both externally and internally. It was quite moving to finish the camino, immediately followed by a pilgrims mass at noon on the Sunday that we arrived. The visit was not as pleasant as we had hoped because of the, at times, aggressive security team and the amount of people in the building.

You can't get better than this architectural beauty set in the heart of Santiago. The only problem is trying to get in when it's busy but they have their rules and Covid rules. Hugging Saint James wasn't an option this time which was disappointing but I'll do it again another time I'm here. My only real grumble is the pillar people placed their hands on is now out of bounds. You can merely look at it. Please replace it with a new one to update yet continue the tradition.

This cathedral is surreal. I was simply memorized by the architecture inside and out. Knowing it was finished built in 1211!! It's amazing to see the hard work that has been put into it. The history that surrounds it, you feel very peaceful and calm seeing it and once you enter you have this energy of calmness that takes over you. I highly recommend visiting this cathedral and the city of Santiago.

Truly magnificent architecture and the flagship attraction of the town! The cathedral has crypts and different small chapels inside of it boasting various styles. The entrance is free and there is a museum close by for those who wish to learn more about the history of Sandiago.

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is one of Spain’s most visited tourist places, and the beauty of its architecture is amazing. The cathedral is the reputed burial place of Saint James the Great, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is also the final point for many pilgrims walking or cycling the Camino de Santiago. I had an amazing experience arriving in Santiago as a Pilgrim. What a place! The entrance to the main nave of the temple is free. For the complete visit to the Cathedral of Santiago, that includes the museums, the tribune and the ascent to the roofs there is a fee to pay.

You can visit the portico de la gloria for free. Just visit the cathedral's website to get your free invitation.

Beautiful monument. Take your time to look at all the hisroty of this place. If you get the change, take part to a Mass, indipendently if you are religous or not. It a bit different. If you are able to see the large anphora with the incense swinging, well then you have the full experience. The Botafumeiro is probably the most famous thurible - and apparently the largest in the world - in the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. The Botafumeiro is suspended from a pulley mechanism in the dome on the roof of the church, apparently installed in 1604. Its really spectacular. it is carried and swung by eight men in red robes, the Tiraboleiros.

Unforgettable experience. Beautiful city and church.if you go do not forget to stop at the souvenirs shop on the side of the church the Grandfather at the shop is very friendly ND nice.ill never forget grandpa.goodbless

After hiking 117,3km I limped my way into Santiago on Mother's Day. With swollen ankles and knees and in so much pain, I still mustered the strength to climb to the rooftop of the cathedral that day. And it did not disappoint! Those views! It was also very windy but so worth the climb!

The cathedral is such gorgeous architecture and is always impressive to see. I live in Santiago and I always love walking by the cathedral on walks through town. The museum inside is definitely worth a visit along with the alter. The cathedral definitely makes Santiago one of the top most beautiful cities in Spain.

We attended the misa on Sunday from 9:30, it is around 45 minutes. Very impressive. The cathedral is incredibly magnificent.

Beautiful inside ,museum was great to see too.Lots of tours available but book quickly as hard to book last minute

One of the historical jewels of Spain. Recently renovated which allows one to see the original colour of granite: light red and not the traditional white. A huge effort to illuminate it inside has allowed it to become even more beautiful and all the details formerly covered by smoke residue can now be apreciated. You will be able to go near the appostle statue, to visit the tumb for free. Extra ticket required to see porta da gloria anymore, but highly recomend it. Amazing visit.

Famous Cathedral, endpoint of the 'El Camino de Santiago de Compostela' with tombe of apostel Saint James. In center of old city with old university and with beautiful modern architectural Culture Center on top of the hill.

Impressive building and surroundings. Access to the Cathedral is for free, the Instructions for what to find where in the museum where a bit confusing. Booking a tour might have been better.

This cathedral was magnificent. I felt like my faith in Jesus Christ, and in the Apostolic Church He founded was strengthened. Even of your not a a believer, you can't deny the sacrality of this shrine and the historical aspect of St. James.

After walking for 500 miles, the arrival at the cathedral of Santiago is always emotional. The cathedral is a beautiful place to visit even if you did not walk 500 miles.

Very beautiful and impressive cathedral, I attended the 7.30pm mass. Ypu need to be some minutes before they close the gates. You can also hug the image of the apostol Santiago in normal visiting times.

That’s the culmination place of Camino Santiago, so, it is a special place, full of pilgrims and it is, of course, a must to visit. It can be fairly crowded in the evening. So, I would recommend to visit the church in the morning. Don’t forget to get down into the crypt to see the box with the remains of St. James.

A beautiful world wonder, with plenty of deep significance for all Spanish people. Do your best to visit the roof of the cathedral, the carraca tower and the pórtico de la Gloria (check in their website or with the friendly museum staff for guided visits)

The Cathedral is amazing, Spanish baroque, very decorated, but very welcoming too, Holy Mess in Spanish, French, English, Italian, Pilgrim Mess. Samtiago's reliques are hosted here, in a silver statue.

Even if you are not a religious person it is a great place to visit, jus because the history. When you are there you can feel how people in the middle ages lived. And of course the soroundings are nice to get lost. I think that perfectly you can spend one day just visiting the cathedral and other day wandering, or better combine both.

Beautiful place,friendly people, nice pastry shops :D and good vibe.

Santiago de Compostela is a MUST VISIT city. It is extremely beautiful. So many restaurants, bars, shops and cool streets. The cathedral is majestic!

Beautifil cathedral and Old Town. Very important to the Catholic world. It's really a must see. A Unesco World Heritage site.

Maybe one day I'll do a pilgrimage. Many untold stories walking the streets of Santiago as they have for hundreds of years. Amazing place

incredible the effect it had on my wife and me: struck by awe we were silent, just sat there. So good to see the pilgrims who had taken off their shoes. So beautiful, inside and outside, not overdone but stylish, authentic. And no signs for the tourists saying what to do and what not to. Unforgettable.

Impressive cathedral and design. A truly wonderful place to visit especially when you do the Camino. It deserves a little of your time to visit it but not after 10 am. A lot of people gather and you have an incredible line. Also you can visit the tomb of Apostol Santiago that is burried there, but only opens it doors in holy years, like the one we are going through (2021). The next one is in 2027 so if you have the opportunity I recommend to get through the Holy Door and visit Santiagos tomb.

Stunning place, built with granite and centuries old. Immense cathedral with innumerable baroque features and a huge 19th century organ. 70% of the old city buildings are ecclesiastical, wrapped in mythology and verifiable history.

What a beautiful church to see. If you happen to be in Vigo for a cruise ship stop it's worth the 75 minute drive to see it.

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is the most outstanding work of Spanish Romanesque art. In addition, it is the ultimate goal of all Caminos de Santiago

The perfect place to 'finish' your camino. May the pilgrimspirit live within you forever and ever. Ultreia! 🙏

A most spectacular cathedral, and a very fitting end to my Camino pilgrimage. I also got to experience an evening mass, I am not Catholic, but it was moving and special to witness the ceremony and the grandeur of the interior of the cathedral. It is very beautiful.

One of the most beautiful experiece in my life ❤❤❤. To feel the action, to feel the emotions, this is something incredible and I just can't put in in words, you just have to be there.

The square around the Cathedral is amazing. It is such a buzz to arrive there ans see everyone congregating together. Mostly having completed some part of the Camino, like ourselves. I didn't make the Peregrino mass unfortunately but it was surreal to see the Cathedral up close none the less. Inside, whilst it is impressive, it felt very much the tourist trap so be prepared for that.

A must-see sight if you visit Santiago de Compostela. The plaza in front of the cathedral is filled with hundreds of pilgrims elated by their recent achievements photographing its magnificent facade. Inside its ornate alter & chancel are stunning. Many side chapels & niches but not a place for quiet reflection. Try & visit one of the five masses held daily, the immense thurible (incense swinger) is amazing.

Top 5 places to have visited in my lifetime so far. Highly recommended

The cathedral is such gorgeous architecture and is always impressive to see. I live 30 minutes from Santiago and visit often and I always like to walk by the cathedral just to see it again. The museum inside is definitely worth a visit along with the alter. The cathedral definitely makes Santiago one of the top most beautiful cities in Spain.

Catholic cathedral that is an icon within the landmark to visit once in your life. Full of tourists and pellegrino so very noisy and busy. Free access to visit but please remember to wear your own mask otherwise you can't go in. Around the cathedral there are mainly small gift shops so it's very difficult to find a place for a bite and a cold drink!!!

It's a very unique experience to be in this place. We were welcomed with beautiful opera singing and church bells. Couldn't get any better. Take your time to stroll through the church, lid a candle and enjoy the silence and beautiful light inside. The outside is worth mentioning as well : it's a big square that invites you for a rest. The surrounding restaurants provide good food and drinks and extend your stay in this marvellous place for a bit longer.

Amazing museum & cathedral. Easy experience if you don't mind stairs (there is an elevator, tho). Mostly Spanish informational plaques.

So much history in this place. One could feel the great exitment of all the modern pilgrims arriving to the square of the cathedral. Cheap ticket to enter the cathedral museum, seeing some of the art and sculptures and as well you get some nice views of the square. The cathedral itself is free to visit.