Camino de Santiago (11th day)

The one where we made it to Santiago

It was a rainy final 10 miles of the pilgrimage to Santiago this morning but I felt it was a lesson of not giving up when uncomfortable and I’m stronger than I think. We left before the sun came up today so we would arrive in time for the noon pilgrims mass at Santiago Cathedral. I’m so glad we did. There are lots of cathedral photos today so enjoy and notice all the beautiful architectural details. It was stunning. But first some of today’s journey and arrival photos. Look closely at the street sign I’m walking past. A Lavacolla is traditionally where pilgrims would wash themselves in the river in order to clean themselves before entrance into the cathedral. The statue is El Templario Pelegrino (pilgrim). We took a selfie as we entered Santiago. We were so happy!

Streets of Santiago welcoming us

Look at that fresh fruit! The bagpiper made our entrance feel even more grand!

Arrival at the Cathedral plaza

Cathedral de Santiago It was built in various stages and completed in 1188. We stood in a long line to enter the cathedral for the noon pilgrim’s Mass and then stood another hour waiting for the service to begin. It was standing room only by the time we entered but we got first row of standing. We are in a transept (side view of altar)

The botafumeria

The botafumeira (incense holder) swinging high up over our heads during the service. You could see the flames inside. This was a highlight for me.

Beauty of the Cathedral

It was awe inspiring the intricacies of this Cathedral. The organ pipes were amazing!!

Behind the altar

We stood in line to go under the altar to view the sepulcher. We processed through a passageway behind it and were permitted to place a hand on the shoulder of the statue of St James. No photos were allowed of that. We saw St James relics crypt under the altar. This is a close up of the jewel studded life size statue of St James behind the altar.

Outside the cathedral

Alameda park

We walked up to the Alameda Park for some great evening views. I had to stand in front of the Eucalyptus tree for scale! It was humongous

We ended the night with a great dinner and ice cream.

We think we earned it! Pictures of my credential passport stamps from the journey including the final stamp in Santiago at the pilgrims office where we received our certificate. Notice my name is written in Latin. On to the coast tomorrow! Stay tuned for one more day of this journey.