Santiago de Compostela - Cathedral

According to legend, the mortal remains of the apostle St James were taken to Galicia for burial, where they were lost. Eight hundred years later, a light led a shepherd, Pelagius the Hermit, who was guarding his flock at night, to the burial site. The shepherd reported his discovery to the bishop of Iria. The bishop declared that the remains were those of St James the Apostle and immediately informed King Alfonso II in Oviedo. In honour of Saint James, the cathedral was built on the spot where his remains were said to have been found. The legend, which includes numerous miraculous events, enabled the Catholic faithful to strengthen their stronghold in northern Spain during the Reconquista against the Moors, but also led to the growth and development of the city.

This is the end if the Camino de Santiago. I arrived the first time in Santiago in 2010 and, like everyone who makes the journey on foot, was overwhelmed. Much has changed since then. Most of all, the deployment of a very unfriendly security force that leaves neither tourists nor pilgrims in peace - in a place where everyone should find peace.

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The Botafumeiro is lowered, the incense is put onto the coals by the bishop. A cloud comes up. There have been a couple of Botafumeiros over the centuries. This is only 40 years old. One of the Botafumeiros was stolen by Napoleon´s troops in 1809. The Botafumeiro is one of the largest censers in the world, weighing about 80kg (empty) and measuring about 1.60m in height. The coal
and incense in the container alone weigh about 40kg. Notice the large nautical knot.