Catedral de Santiago de Compostela

The cathedral dates from the 11th to 13th centuries and was built on the site of Saint James’s tomb (and several earlier churches). An unusual feature of the building is the existence of plazas on all sides, which allow encompassing views of the cathedral from the plazas and vice versa. Be sure to take a stroll around the cathedral through the Plaza Inmaculada on the north, the Plaza de la Quintana on the east, and the beautiful Plaza de las Platerías (Silversmiths) on the south side. Probably the most impressive artistic element of the cathedral is the Pórtico de la Gloria (sculptured doorway). As millions of pilgrims have before you, touch the central pillar Santos dos Croques (Saint of Bumps), said to impart luck and wisdom. The high altar is magnificent, and there’s often a line of devout pilgrims waiting to go behind the altar to embrace the mantle of the 13th-century statue of Saint James.