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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.
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