Besides visiting the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela itself, it is well worth taking the time to go to the museum that is in the same building, on the lower level. By paying 5 euros, you can wander about parts of the granite edifice that you would not otherwise be able to see. There are a number of works - paintings and sculptures, but also some tapestries - that add to the understanding of the long and varied history of this major European cathedral as a pilgrimage site. There are also coins from a number of areas of the world for the numismatic fans, showing the travel of many pilgrims, devout and otherwise, to Santiago.
The museum includes and education portion regarding the discovery and reconstruction of the original chorus, has the library on display (luckily the numerous volumes are protected by sealed glass), and the ticket includes entrance to the crypt of the Pórtico da Gloria. while the crypt is rather unpopulated by objects, this is perfect for admiring the sculpture of the columns and the rosettes in the granite nerves arching overhead.
The cathedral is said to have been built on at least one or two other layers of religious history, and walking through the bottom layer gives a sense of where the first level begins and how the temple grew - even sprouted - from the first stones. At the upper level is the cloister, which is also fairly simple yet complex in the details of some columns and the arrangement of both granite remnants and bells (retired from use in the cathedral) around the walk where there are many slabs engraved with the names and dates of the interred. The botafumeiro or giant censer also makes its way here at times before or after use, if one is to judge from the ashes left on one of the low walls.
While as one would expect, the focus is on religion and the development of the personality of Santiago and his worship over the centuries, there is a simplicity of display and a good arrangement of spaces so that the visitor does not feel overwhelmed.
When finished with this tour, it is not a bad idea to walk a few steps to the side of the cathedral to see the Palace of Diego Gelmírez. read more