Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
By Dylan C
Location
The cathedral is located in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Santiago de Compostela is in the Spanish province of A Coruna.
The front of the building
The inside of the building
What some of it looks like at night time
History
The tomb of St James was discovered in 819 A.D. The cathedral began construction in 1075 led by Alfonso VI of Castile. It was finished in 1128 A.D. but has been having rebuilding in the cathedral since due to age and tear.Throughout its time till now it has had things added to its exterior and its interior has been the same since built.
In 997 A.D. Soon after it was discovered it was destroyed by the soldiers of Al-Mansur's Moorish army. During this invasion, the people of Santiago hid the body of St. James and was lost to public until the 1800s.
What Group Worships this Place
Sacred Meaning to the People
Legend has that St James an apostle was buried in the spot of where the cathedral now is. St James was well known for he had brought Christianity to Glacia , he also was thought to be one of Jesus's close friends. His burial was found when a light guided a Shepherd to the spot of burial, and he then notified Alfonso 11. He then built the cathedral on St James burial, and the cathedral is now very sacred to the people of Santiago de Compostela. The cathedral also a pilgrimage.
Facts on the building
On the outside of the cathedral there are four facades. The west facade has two towers with the sculptures of Saint James's mother and father. This facade was built in 1738- 1750. The south facade was built in 1103. There are two entrance doors on this facade that have carvings of Jesus and other notable people and things. The north facade has a gate that suffered a burning in the 1700s but has been rebuilt. The east facade also has a gate. Through this gate there is the holy door which is hidden behind yet another gate. There are two bell towers in the front of the building. There is the north tower and the bell tower. The North Tower was designed by Fernando de Casas Novoa. The Bell Tower was finished in 1680 and raised the cathedral two floors.
Cited
Works Cited
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