The Most Impressive Cathedrals and Churches on the Camino de Santiago

Route through the cathedrals of the Camino de Santiago, highlighting the main temples that mark the Jacobean route for their historical, architectural, and spiritual value, with information on what to see in each one and their importance within the pilgrim's experience.

Any art expert would agree with us that medieval architecture would not have been the same without the Camino de Santiago. For example, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is, in itself, an innovation in medieval art: the pilgrimage church. In addition to it, on the Jacobean routes, we will find many other examples of temples that have much to tell. Thus, we are going to visit the most impressive cathedrals and churches of the Camino de Santiago.

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is, for obvious reasons, the most important, as it houses the remains of Saint James the Apostle and is the origin of it all. Therefore, it is not only cathedral, as it is the seat of the bishopric, but it is also basilica, as it contains relics. Located in the historic center of Santiago de Compostela, presiding over the Obradoiro square, it is the goal and kilometer 0 of all Jacobean routes.

The remains of the Apostle were discovered around the year 813 in a small Roman-era mausoleum on what is known as Mount Libredón. Following this event, King Alfonso II "the Chaste" ordered the construction of a first chapel of stone and clay next to the mausoleum. In the year 834, the chapel became the episcopal seat. Around it, the first settlers and Benedictine monks established themselves.

In the 9th century, King Alfonso III built a larger temple, which was destroyed in 997 by the Muslim leader Almanzor. In 1003, Bishop San Pedro de Mezonzo ordered its reconstruction in pre-Romanesque style.

Finally, in 1075 they began to build the current Romanesque cathedral thanks to the wealth and importance of pilgrimages. King Alfonso VI and Archbishop Diego Gelmírez promoted this construction. The Master Mateo, a famous sculptor, completed the last sections of the naves, the west towers, and the Portico of Glory. Thus, the Romanesque construction of the cathedral is considered finished around the early years of the 13th century.

Over time, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements were added, although the structure of the naves remained almost intact. Notable features include the Clock Tower, the Renaissance cloister, the Baroque wrapping of the entire complex, and, of course, its impressive main façade from 1750.

Model of a Pilgrimage Temple

The layout of the cathedral is a Latin cross with three naves, a transept, a dome over the crossing, and a main altar with a ambulatory and a walkway. This overall design and the latter element, around the altar, the tomb, and the chamber of the Apostle, where his statue is embraced, are an innovation. Indeed, this Romanesque cathedral was designed to be a great place of pilgrimage, that is, to accommodate crowds of pilgrims. This ambulatory allows for the passage of pilgrims to visit the tomb, just as it does today. Furthermore, its large dimensions and its gallery over the side naves provide shelter for the pilgrims, who used to sleep inside it.

The cathedral is surrounded by four squares oriented like a compass, with the Obradoiro square located to the west. The northern square, Azabachería, features a façade rebuilt in the 18th century, while the Platerías square to the south is the only Romanesque façade that we have preserved. Finally, to the north, the Quintana square houses the Holy Door, which only opens in Holy Year, and the Berenguela tower.

Cathedrals to visit on the French Way

The French Way, as the main pilgrimage route to Santiago, is an open book of art history. We will explore the cathedrals that we can visit along the French route.

Burgos Cathedral

The Cathedral of Santa María de Burgos, located in the historic center of the city, is the first representative of Gothic architecture in Spain. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it has incorporated various artistic movements throughout history, mainly Renaissance and Baroque.

With a Latin cross layout, the construction of the cathedral began in 1221 with French Gothic patterns. It presents two clear phases: the classical Gothic of the 13th and 14th centuries, and the flamboyant Gothic led by the Colonia family. Its construction, spanning four centuries, reflects the creative genius of architects, sculptors, and craftsmen.

Among the highlighted elements, we can mention several. The spires of the main façade, the lantern, the Chapel of the Constables of Castile, the Golden Staircase, and the doors of Sarmental and Coronería are some of them. However, it is worth noting that it houses the tomb of El Cid and his wife Doña Jimena, thus integrating into the history of the Reconquista of Spain.

But the star is perhaps the "Papamoscas" clock, an automaton from the 18th century that replaces one from the 16th century, although it is documented in medieval times. Every hour on the hour, it opens its mouth and moves its arm to ring a bell. Located 15 meters high, in the window above the triforium of the main nave, it is a half-length figure dressed in courtly attire.

Declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1984, it is the only Spanish cathedral that holds this distinction independently from the historic center as a whole.

Cathedral of León

In the historic center of León, we find this cathedral, the first monument to be declared a Cultural Asset of Interest in Spain, specifically in 1844. It is known as Pulchra Leonina, the "Beautiful Leonese", perhaps due to the ethereal and light character that its stained glass windows contribute to the whole.

Built in Gothic style on a site with a rich history between 1205 and 1301, the building has a cruciform basilica plan. It is said to be "the most French cathedral in Spain," as it has a strong influence from French radiant Gothic.

Many legends revolve around it, such as the legend of the mole. It is said that a small evil mole was destroying everything built during the day each night. The people of León, very angry, waited for it at night and hunted it down. They say that the skin of that mole hangs inside the building.

Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada

This cathedral, dedicated to the Savior, is located in the historic center of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Built in the 12th century, in the 13th century it acquires the status of a cathedral, and underwent renovations and later additions. Started in Romanesque style, Gothic is also present in a large part of the complex.

Of Latin cross layout, it stands out for its ambulatory which, as is the case in Compostela, is a characteristic of pilgrimage temples. In its corresponding transept, to the right, rises the tomb of Santo Domingo, from the 16th century. As is the case with many medieval constructions, it is possible to see more than 30 stonemason marks scattered across the walls of the building.

Cathedrals and churches you cannot miss on the Portuguese Way

The Portuguese Way also has a lot of history and tradition, and it is not lacking in noteworthy temples that we highlight below.

Cathedral of Tui

Located in the historic center of the border city of Tui, this cathedral rises high on a promontory. Being in a border city, the building features crenellated elements that speak of its defensive past.

Built in the 12th century in Romanesque style, its Gothic façade, from the 13th century, stands out as an unusual style in Galicia. With a Latin cross layout, it is inspired by the cathedral of Santiago. Among its Romanesque elements, the craftsmanship of the imagery on the capitals of the columns is noteworthy.

Basilica of Santa María la Mayor de Pontevedra

This basilica, located in the old town of Pontevedra, was built in the 16th century in Elizabethan Gothic style, with Plateresque elements. It should be noted that its construction was promoted by the Guild of Mariners of the city, the oldest guild in Spain dedicated to the sea. With a basilica layout, it is noteworthy that its façade features the busts of Christopher Columbus and Hernán Cortés, located on either side of the rose window.

What cathedrals can you see on the Primitive Way

The Primitive Way, whose history places it as the first of the Jacobean routes, also offers exquisite examples of religious architecture.

Cathedral of Oviedo

Located in the old town of the Asturian capital, it is known as Sancta Ovetensis due to the quantity and quality of relics it houses. Built from the 13th century in Gothic style, it has a Latin cross plan and later additions.

Notable is the Holy Chamber, a palatine chapel that is part of the complex and houses very important relics. The Holy Ark, the Holy Shroud, the Cross of Victory, the Cross of Angels, and the Ark of Agates are some examples.

In addition to being the starting point of the Primitive Way, it is also a destination for pilgrims of the Camino del Salvador, which begins in León.

Cathedral of Lugo

This building, located in the historic center of the city of Lugo, and within its Roman wall, has a Romanesque foundation. Its construction began in the 12th century, although it has later additions and elements from other styles, as seen in its Neoclassical façade.

With a Latin cross plan, the temple holds the papal privilege of permanently displaying the Most Holy Sacrament. The image of the Virgin of the Big Eyes, patroness of the city, is also noteworthy.

Other gems you cannot miss

On the Silver Way, on the Sanabrés Way, or on the Northern Way, we also find examples of impressive religious constructions.

Cathedral of Seville

Built in the heart of the historic center of Seville, it existed as a great mosque in the 12th century, as at that time the Muslims dominated Al-Andalus. It is in the 15th century when the Chapter decides to construct a Christian temple in Gothic style. It is the largest cathedral of this style in the world, and the third largest in all of Christendom. As a distinguishing element, it is worth highlighting, among many other elements, its mythical tower and bell tower in the skyline of the city, the Giralda of Seville.

Cathedral of Ourense

Located in the historic center of Ourense, it was constructed between the 12th and 13th centuries in Romanesque and Gothic style, with later reforms and additions. A must-see is its Portico of Paradise, clearly influenced by the Portico of Glory in Santiago although built a century later. Here we also find a sitting statue of Santiago presiding over the central pillar.

Cathedral of Bilbao

Located in the historic center of the city, its construction dates from the 14th to 15th centuries, with later reforms and additions. In Gothic style, it has a basilica plan and draws attention for its small size for a cathedral. It is worth mentioning its Angel Door, traditionally known as the Pilgrims' Door, and indeed a scallop shell crowns this entrance.

Disconnect and experience a different vacation with Viajes Camino de Santiago

A journey to the Camino invites you to explore the most impressive cathedrals and churches of the Camino de Santiago, witnesses of centuries of history and art. Embark on this cultural and spiritual adventure, traverse its routes, and let yourself be amazed by the architectural richness of each destination. Start your pilgrimage and experience an unforgettable journey on the Camino de Santiago!