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Botafumeiro

Santiago de Compostela

Copyright: 135pixels/Shutterstock.com
DESTINATIONS spain santiagodecompostela Do & See Botafumeiro

Botafumeiro

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela has one of the world’s biggest incense burners, used at the pilgrim’s mass held most days at noon. Priests tie the "botafumeiro" censer to ropes at the end of the mass and lift it all the way up to the ceiling with burning incense.

Useful Information

  • Address: Praza do Obradoiro, Santiago de Compostela
  • More Info: 7ac0f7177f5d979a18c4b5eb719b7083df4227f6

Do & See

This old city in the north east of Spain has a lot to offer. The 40,000 students that live here make the city what it is today, a lively and modern metropolis set among an Old Town teeming with history. Santiago is a unique blend of old and new, with innovative art and culture and a fascinating history of pilgrimage, visible on every corner.

Catedral de Santiago de Compostela Copyright: Gerard Koudenburg/Shutterstock.com
Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
The final destination for pilgrims travelling the Camino de Santiago is the Cathedral, with the tomb said to contain the remains of the apostle James. This beautiful Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in the region, and for good …
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Botafumeiro Copyright: 135pixels/Shutterstock.com
Botafumeiro
The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela has one of the world’s biggest incense burners, used at the pilgrim’s mass held most days at noon. Priests tie the "botafumeiro" censer to ropes at the end of the mass and lift it all the way up to the ceiling with burning …
Read more
Audio Walks Copyright: Dmitrijs Dmitrijevs/Shutterstock.com
Audio Walks
Get lost in the maze of stone that is Santiago's old town with a guided tour of the historical centre. Audio Walks are the best way to discover the city at your own pace. You can rent an MP3 player at the tourism …
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Museum of Pilgrimage Copyright: P.Lameiro/Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Pilgrimage
The Pilgrimage Museum (Museu das Pergrinacións) offers great insights into the city’s fascinating history. The initial building was known as the "Gothic House", but it was modernised in the 20th century. The meticulous exhibits detail how the city has evolved over the centuries as a consequence of the …
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The Alameda Park Copyright: Sergiy1975/Shutterstock.com
The Alameda Park
Parque de la Alameda is one of the city’s oldest and most beloved parks. Relax in the green spaces and enjoy beautiful monuments as well as some of the best views of the historic town …
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Monastery of San Martiño Pinario Copyright: Jose Ignacio Soto/Shutterstock.com
Monastery of San Martiño Pinario
Just opposite the Cathedral you can find the "Hospederia", a 16th century monastery founded by the Benedictines. It is possible to stay at the monastery, or simply enjoy the beautiful architecture, and if you happen to be visiting between Tuesday and Thursday, be sure to join one of the guided …
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Plaza de Cervantes Copyright: holbox/Shutterstock.com
Plaza de Cervantes
The small Plaza de Cervantes is one of the most iconic sights in Santiago, dating as far back as the 12th century. It remains a popular meeting point and important centre for city life, surrounded by shops and …
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Galicia Contemporary Art Centre Copyright: compostelavirtual.com/Flickr
Galicia Contemporary Art Centre
The Galicia Contemporary Art Centre showcases some of the best modern art exhibits in the region, hosting works by both Galician and international artists, including Moncho Amigo and Knut Asdam, as well as always evolving temporary …
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City of Culture of Galicia Copyright: ondasderuido/Flickr
City of Culture of Galicia
The City of Culture of Galicia is a hub of culture located to the southeast of Santiago de Compostela where you can find numerous stages, exhibits and museums with ever-changing shows, performances and displays of the best of contemporary art and culture in …
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Monte do Gozo Copyright: Carlos Delgado/Wikimedia Commons
Monte do Gozo
Just outside the city lies Monte do Gozo, the place where pilgrims could first catch a glimpse of their final destination, the spires of the Cathedral. Needless to stay, the views of the city from up here are remarkable, and the significance of the hill makes it an important visit in …
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Museo do Pobo Galego Copyright: Jose Ignacio Soto/Shutterstock.com
Museo do Pobo Galego
Museo do Pobo Galego documents the past and present of the Galician people in numerous fine exhibits dedicated to the sea, the land, music, art, architecture and everyday Galician …
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Mercado de Abastos de Santiago Copyright: Piqsels
Mercado de Abastos de Santiago
Get a taste of Galicia at this traditional indoor and outdoor market. Vendors sell all manner of local produce including meats, cheeses, fruit, vegetables, and wines, as well as …
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Monte Pedroso Copyright: Amaianos/Wiki Commons
Monte Pedroso
A granite summit easily reached from Santiago, Monte Pedroso is a popular hiking spot which offers stunning views of the palatial city of Santiago. Keep an eye out for spiral-like engravings close to the Summit, which date back to the Stone and Bronze …
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Museo Centro Gaiás Copyright: Xosema/Wiki Commons
Museo Centro Gaiás
This massive exhibition space is a pleasant 3km walk from the city centre. Its surface area of more than 16,000 square metres facilitates large scale, high-quality exhibitions in a bright and airy space. The Museum is free to enter and there is a cafeteria-restaurant on …
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