Santiago de Compostella

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.

Rain again. Somewhere in the outskirts of Santiago I had to change onto the N550, and so walked on the left side of the main road for some kilometers. Then I saw the cathedral the first time. On the horizont - in the middle of a Ferris-wheel.

So - - finally - - I reached the Praza do Obradoiro just before noon, and saw the western, baroque facade of the Cathedral. I felt strange...

The capital of one of the pillars next to the "Puerta Santa", the center of the ambulatory, shows a row of mermaids and angels. A very prominent place for mermaids.

"Puerta de las Platerías" - A detail from the right side of th portal is this mermaid. Hit through the chest by an arrow. A second arrow missed her head and tail. I´m pretty sure, that the arrow comes from the centaur on the left side of the Puerta, seen on this photo: www.flickr.com/photos/martin-m-miles/4666362092/in/photos...

The contruction of the Cathedral began in 1075 and the "Puerta de las Platerías", what is the southern portal, contains the oldest remaining remaining romanesque parts, carved between 1112 and 1117. It is older than the "Pórtico de la Gloria". The two arched portal shows different scenes in quite different styles. It seems a bit like a collage. At the moment, this is the only entrance to the cathedral.

"Puerta de las Platerías", - the right side. The tympanum shows (center) the flagellation of Christ, left the crowning with the Crown of Thorns, and the healing of the blind on the right.

"Puerta de las Platerías", - the left side. The tympanum depicts the Temptation of Christ in the desert.

"Puerta de las Platerías" - A detail from the right side of th portal is this mermaid. Hit through the chest by an arrow. A second arrow missed her head and tail. I´m pretty sure, that the arrow comes from the centaur on the left side of the Puerta,