31st Stage: from Rúa to Santiago de Compostela

The final day has come. Pilgrims begin their last day of journey along the Route to Santiago. Along it, pilgrims have travelled by part of the Spanish territory, and have enjoyed many of the countless wonders the country treasures, as a result of centuries of history, where the Route of Santiago has played an important role. The itinerary leads to Burgo, followed by Arca, San Antón, Amenal and San Paio. Further on, the Route arrives at Lavacolla, where pilgrims used to wash and make themselves presentable before entering the town of Compostela.

Founded to house the remains of the Apostle Santiago as he deserved, the town retains its Medieval atmosphere, except for the ramparts. Unfortunately, they were destroyed at the end of the last century. Overjoyed pilgrims will walk along its ancient streets: Rúa do Franco, Rúa do Vilar, Rúa Nova and Rúa of San Pedro. They will admire the beautiful squares, including the famous Obradoiro, at the foot of the Cathedral, as well as the Quintana, Inmaculada, San Martín, Ánimas...

Pilgrims will soon arrive at the Cathedral, the destination they have been yearning to reach for a long time. This architectural masterpiece is the most important Romanesque monument. Access to the Doorway of Glory is via the Obradoiro façade. Once in its interior, pilgrims will be carried away by the emotions produced by the sight of so many extraordinary valuable works of art. Tradition invites pilgrims to perform some rites. The most important and meaningful one is the hug to the Saint. Later on, comes the pagan rite of the bumps. It consists in reaching for a branch on the mullion, below the figure of the Sitting Apostle and, later making three wishes. On the other side of the column, there is another statue believed to impart wisdom and talents to whoever bumps his head against it.

Outside the Cathedral, at the Obradoiro Square, visitors will be amazed at the magnificent sorrounding buildings that reflect the thousand years of history and architecture in the town: the School of San Jerónimo, founded in 1501; the Neoclassical Pazo Raxoi, built in 1766, and the Old Royal Hospital for pilgrims, favoured by the Catholic Monarchs and built at the beginning of the 16 C. These are some of the wonders pilgrims can enjoy in this historical town.