Santiago de Compostela

After making two 'Pilgrimages' on foot to Santiago de Compostela (see my other blogs) it needs to appear here as one of my favourite churches!
It must rate as one of the most impressive buildings architechturally in Europe. Externally it appears to be 18th century Baroque. Internally it is pure Romanesque. Sadly the 'Portico de Gloria', hidden behind to Baroque west Front, has been under restoration for the past 3 years or so. The Victoria and Albert has a cast of it - see here:- Victoria and Albert Museum - Portico de Gloria
and the Wiki web site is here:-Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

After a walk of 400 miles, to arrive in the old town of Santiago with its narrow streets, and then to walk out into the sunlight of the Obradoiro square is unforgettable.

The magnificent 'baroque' west front.

But inside the building it is still old 'romanesque'.

The gilt reredos of the High Altar. If you 'click'on it to enlarge it you will see a pilgrim behind the statue of St. James, giving him the traditional hug as thanks for a successful pilgrimage.

The largest thurible in the world! Swung on certain feast days and occasionally by the request of a pilgrim group who club together to pay the fee!!

"Roland's Horn" is kept in the Cathedral museum in Santiago. Last time I was there (2011) sadly it was not on display.