Since the main Catedral was being spruced up and closed, came here after completing the Camino…read moreFrances to reflect. I'm normally not a big crier, but I guess spending 30+ days on the trail brought out my inner chillona. This beautiful church sure did bring out the waterworks. Built between 1754-1765, this impressive church with the marvelous dome was a sight to behold. It was quiet,fairly empty, and just the perfect place to contemplate. Additionally, the chiaroscuro effects were just brilliant. I could go on and on. Overall, just a great church to spend some time alone, let everything you went through sink in, and just plain be. Buen Camino, Peregrinos!

A beautiful place to take family and friends. Lots of steps though, so be prepared to walk to enjoy…read morethe attractions and sides. At the very top, there is a small gift shop with lots of souvenirs you can purchase. I've been on the pricey side, but the free admission makes up for it. There's about 8 to 10 stairs to climb down or up depending on where you start. In the middle of each stair, there's something to look at her to get a picture of. At the top, you can also see the little carriage that was used back then to transport people between the levels. The bathroom nearby is not free, unfortunately.

The church is beautiful from what I hear but nothing special. My tour guide didn't feel it…read morenecessary for me to go inside. So, I chose not to. Based on the other reviews here and my long day, I don't regret that decision one bit! The incline, known as a funicular, is here, Porto, and Lisbon. Lisbon and Porto are not must do/see funiculars but okay to do sort of thing. This funicular is worth the effort because it is run by water. There are two workers who coordinate with each other to determine how much water needs to be put from the top so that the water will naturally balance the number of people to go up or down the incline simultaneously. Most people, if they take this funicular, they take it up, both ways, or not at all. I didn't take it at all as time was short but long enough to appreciate this gem of a place. Portugal is very hilly in many places and you can get a decent workout if you are capable to walk around. This place reminds me of the Pittsburgh incline a bit because there are two inclines you can take. However, they are run by electric like in Porto or Lisbon and do not run on water. Braga will always run on water because Portugal wants to preserve its unique history in the 3rd biggest city in the country. The funicular is out of the way enough that it doesn't affect the fast pace that has affected Porto and Lisbon to understandably switch from water to electric.

Amazing place! To…read morepreface, we were just your average tourists, unlike those who "pilgrim" their way here (hats off to those hardcore hikers). Nevertheless, breathtaking! Maybe not as grand as the Vatican, but after being to both, I love this cathedral much more... Great views, great vibe, great mass (if you're into such a Catholic thing), and a great cobblestone surrounding city to get your walk on... It's amazing! If you've never, you should! Prost!

Clearly this is a must-see site if you visit Santiago de Compostela. I believe the cathedral is one…read moreof the largest in Europe and probably the largest in Spain (don't quote me on that last bit). Since it is a must see site, you might face long lines. However, during our trip in early September, it only took us about 15 minutes to enter around 4 pm. So, it might be worth it to visit later in the day. In addition to viewing the wonderful Romanesque interior, you can also visit the tomb of St. James. Be aware that there is another line to view the tomb. Also, it's set up where you are not really allowed to linger around the tomb because it's pretty much a walk in, walk out situation. Admission is free for both the cathedral and tomb. Also, are not allowed to bring large rucksack; however, you can bring smaller bags.

This is an intimate little church with a courtyard that has something to see - all around are over…read more300 stone slabs from medieval gremios or guilds, from XIV to XVI centuries. One can spend some time studying the symbols for tailors, leather-workers, and more. The church itself dates from 1327 when it was consecrated by Archbishop Berenguel and is set on the Quintana dos Mortos (square of the dead), with earth supposedly brought from Palestine (there are many such legends in Galicia - this might be true). The style is Romanesque. Noia itself has the legendary origin of having found named for a granddaughter of Noah's son Jafet. Pliny describes the fortress of Noela, which may have been the source of this legend. There were Celtic settlements in the area of Noia. Youtube has this video in Spanish, which explains the guilds as represented on the granite slabs. Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYKLE3YXxFM