A day of culture in Santiago de Compostela

  http://www.spain.info/fr/reportajes/un_dia_cultural_en_santiago_de_compostela.html

  Thousands of people make their way to Santiago de Compostela with one single goal in mind: to see its Cathedral, the ultimate destination on the Way of Saint James. On our day of culture in the city, we will of course visit this monumental work of art, but we’ll also have time for much, much more. We’ll sample the lively atmosphere in its historic quarter (declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO), try some delicious typical dishes, stroll around peaceful gardens, and take a look at the modern art in its museums.

  MORNING

  Cathedral of Santiago Apóstol (approx. 1 hour – suggested timetable: 9-10am.)

  There is only one way to start off a day out in Santiago: in the Cathedral. We go in through the door leading from the Obradoiro square, where pilgrims will already have been arriving from far and wide since the early hours of the morning. The first thing to meet our eyes is the Gloria doorway. Behind the mullion people can be seen performing a curious ritual: knocking their heads three times (gently) on the statue of Master Mateo. The custom comes from the university students who used to do this to increase their intelligence and for good luck in their exams. Another version says that if you make three wishes, one of them will come true. Who knows?, but just in case...

  We follow the traditional route in our tour of the Cathedral and go down into to the crypt, which contains the remains of the apostle. We then go up to the Main Altar to embrace the statue of Santiago and to get a different and less common view of the Cathedral. As we go through the ambulatory, we will see the Holy Door, which is only opened in Holy Years (when the 25 July falls on a Sunday). Going through this doorway is a very special experience, although the large crowds of people who do so in Jacobean years make it necessary to wait.

  NB. In the summer months and in a Holy Year (when 25 July falls on a Sunday), it is a good idea to be patient, as the number of people who visit Santiago de Compostela is considerably higher.

  Cathedral roofs (45 min. approx. – suggested timetable: 10-10:45am.)

  We decide to take the guided tour of the Cathedral roofs, which allows us to climb to the very top of the building and look out over the historic centre from the heights. To do so we make for the Gelmírez Palace, located to the side of the Cathedral in the Plaza del Obradoiro square. This itinerary takes us through the interior of the Gelmírez Palace, past the Cathedral gallery (above the Gloria doorway) and up to the roofs of the cathedral. The sensation of the wind on your face, this elevated vantage point, the view… it will all leave you speechless.

  NB. Visits to the roofs are in groups, every hour on the hour. If you wish to take the tour in English, you need to say so in advance. To make sure you can visit the cathedral at your preferred time, the best idea is to reserve the tickets beforehand by phone (+34 981552985), fax (+34 981554403) or by e-mail (cubiertas@catedraldesantiago.es), then pick up the tickets at the entrance a little before the tour begins.

  Church and Monastery of San Martín Pinario (45 min. approx. – suggested timetable: 11-11:45am.)

  Behind the Cathedral, as we go out through the Azabachería door, we reach the Plaza de la Inmaculada square with the Church of San Martín Pinario. The features worth noting in the interior include the old restored walnut choir from the Cathedral.

  Pilgrims’ Mass (12pm)

  We return to the Cathedral to attend the Pilgrims’ Mass. This is celebrated daily at midday, and during the ceremony a welcome is extended to all the pilgrims who have completed the Way of Saint James, with a mention of their place of origin. What’s more, if it is a Holy Year, you will have the chance to see the famous botafumeiro, or ceremonial incense burner in action. This event is very moving and spectacular: it requires several people to swing the great thurible, and the aroma it gives off is particularly evocative. To be sure of a good view and so as not to miss anything, the best place to stand is in the transept.

  NB. When the botafumeiro is in operation the celebration becomes very crowded, so it’s a good idea to arrive early if you want a good view.

  The botafumeiro is swung every day in the Pilgrims’ Mass in the Jacobean years. The rest of the time it is on display in the Cathedral Museum, and the ritual is celebrated only on in certain solemn acts (25 July and religious festivities), or when expressly requested by a group.

  If, when visiting the Cathedral, you ever find it placed on the Main Altar, that is a sign that either that day or the next (depending on the time) in the Pilgrims’ Mass, the great thurible will fly through the air above the transept of the Cathedral.

  MIDDAY

  (suggested timetable: 12:45-3:30pm.)

  Cathedral area

 After mass, we take a quiet walk around the squares around the Cathedral (Quintana, Platerías, Obradoiro) to observe the details of each façade, and capture them for posterity with our camera.

  Shopping and lunch in the historic quarter

  We walk towards the streets of Rúa do Franco and Rúa do Villar in the old part of town, the site of the tourist office and the pilgrims’ centre, as well as a host of businesses and shops selling crafts, souvenirs, clothing, food... even small book and antique markets. Silver and jet are typical local purchases, as well as everything to do with the Way of Saint James and the Apostle (botafumeiros, scallop shells, staffs…). Also ceramics, leather, classical Galician bagpipes, and witches or “meigas” (the name by which witches are known in Galicia).

  Parallel to these streets run another two commercial thoroughfares: the Rúa Nova and the Rúa Calderería, which are frequented by the inhabitants of Santiago for their everyday purchases. We make a brief stop in the Rúa do Franco to see the Renaissance cloister in the Fonseca College, which houses the library of the University of Santiago. There are also numerous bars and restaurants in this area.

  We can stop and have lunch whenever we like, and order some portions to share and the typical local dishes. Good suggestions include the pulpo a feira (octopus), gammon with turnip greens or potatoes, empanada (savoury filled pastry), marinated pork, squid, Padrón peppers (only in season, and look out! some are searingly hot), steamed mussels, fish stew, pote (traditional Galician bean stew), fish or shellfish. All accompanied by Galician wine (for example, Ribeiro or Albariño). For dessert, a classic combination: Santiago almond tart and orujo liqueur (traditional orujo is colourless, but other flavours include herbs, cream, coffee…).

  AFTERNOON

  Alameda Park(suggested timetable: 3:30-5pm.)

  After lunch, we continue along the streets of Franco and Villar towards the Alameda Park for about ten minutes. We can take a leisurely stroll around its stately tree-lined paths, and look at the fountains, sculptures and buildings (Santa Susana chapel, music pavilion, dovecote…). As we are fairly high up, we also have an outstanding view over the city. The park is connected to the gardens of the university campus by a flight of steps, so let’s go and take a look.

  A route around the city (suggested timetable: 5-6pm.)

  We return to the centre, but along an alternative route so as to pass in front of the Geography and History Faculty, the San Fiz de Solivi churchand the building which houses the Mercado de Abastos, or general produce market. We continue on along towards the Bonaval park in order to visit two of the city’s museums. On our way we pass the San Agustín Convent, the Santa María del Camino church and the El Camino gateway.

  NB. The Market opens in the mornings, and the busiest days are Thursday and Saturday. If you are planning to stay any longer in Santiago, it is well worth a visit. You will find all kinds of fresh foods, typical products, cured sausages and meats, flowers, fabrics… And notice the vendors who set up outside the market: they are usually women from nearby towns who come to sell what they have grown in their vegetable gardens.

  Museum of the Galician People and the Galician Contemporary Art Centre (suggested timetable: 6-7:45pm.)

  We enter the site formed by the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo de Bonaval, which also houses the Museum of the Galician People. The most curious feature is the triple spiral staircase which leads to the different floors of the building, and definitely makes a good subject for a photo. Then we change styles and go to the Galician Contemporary Art Centre next door. This building is modern both inside and out, and was designed by the eminent architect Álvaro Siza.

  NIGHT

  We leave the museums behind and return to the Cathedral. The idea is to see it illuminated by night, and will take no more than 20 minutes. We go through the Puerta del Camino gateway, the Plaza de Cervantes square and the Calle de la Azabachería until we come to San Martín Pinario. We spend some time in the Plaza del Obradoiro taking in the impressive sight of the illuminated buildings arranged all around the square: the Cathedral, the Reyes Católicos Parador, the Rajoy Palace and the College of San Jerónimo.

  We deserve a hearty dinner after our day out, so let’s find a restaurant where we can enjoy a delicious dish of shellfish, fish, or rice. After dinner, what about a little music while we have a drink? In the area around the historic centre there are several bars and pubs which offer an inviting atmosphere and décor.

                                             ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  retour à Santiago de Compostela

                                                            delhommeb at wanadoo.fr - 11/07/2013