Walked the Camino over 12 times to Santiago never once went into Cathedral.

[MickMac]

Walked the Camino to Santiago over 12 times now, never once did I go into the Cathedral.

I was impressed by it's understated magnificent facade never felt a need to go in. I am not unreligious just never felt the need.

 

[SioCamino]

If still in Santiago I would recommend popping in to have a wander around. I think that the recent renovation was just wonderful, restoring the flow of the cathedral back to its origins and bringing in very sympathetic modern features (specifically the lighting which is I think is very beautiful and while clearly modern is used in an unobtrusive way and in fact highlights features).

 

[JabbaPapa]

Prior to its most recent cleanup/renovation, this church did have its flaws -- but if you intend to return once more, it has become straightforwardly gorgeous both out and in.

Otherwise, as I am a silly pedant -- if you have been to the Pilgrim Office, it is technically a part of the Cathedral.

Honestly, next time just go in.

It is a very beautiful church.

 

[Caomhin O Fearghaill]

I wonder why you felt the need to say why you never felt the need?

 

[SabsP]

In 2011 you were still allowed to enter with your backpack.
A very moving moment.

A month ago I was able to participate twice in the Pilgrim's Mass at 7.30 pm. Both times the Botafumeiro was in action. I appreciated how they announced this ritual as an integral part of the service and not some kind of " event ". There were more people not filming than filming.
Could be that the evening service attracts more contemplative people?

 

[Dani7]

I wonder why you felt the need to say why you never felt the need?

…and I wonder why I felt the need to click open this thread . The title said it all and I am questioning my own motive.

 

[OTH86]

FWIW, @MicMac, James A. Michener's book Iberia (1968) has incredible descriptions of the Cathedral, inside and out - architecturally, historically and artistically. I'm taking those 99 pages with me in a couple of weeks, for a more thorough appreciation when I arrive again...

 

[MickMac]

I wonder why you felt the need to say why you never felt the need?

It baffles me, Maybe? for me reaching your destination is a completion and fulfilment of my Camino. Maybe? I did not want this "ending",

Maybe? it's the tourism all around it for some, "not begrudging it" it's a day out on the tour bus,

I wanted a more spiritual experience that did not exist.

Also had the same feeling at the cruz de ferro wanted it to mean more than queuing with my rock and feelings.
Maybe? I am just weird or sad .

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

I have been to the cathedral and prayed at the remains of the saint, but I go to mass at the Pilgrim office (so that I can avoid the gawkers in the cathedral who won't respect the private nature of mass and insist of filming, snapping photos etc).

 

[Turga]

just never felt the need.

Good for you (I guess). What other things didn’t you feel a need to do and want to share?

 

[Kirkie]

It baffles me, Maybe? for me reaching your destination is a completion and fulfilment of my Camino. Maybe? I did not want this "ending",

Maybe? it's the tourism all around it for some, "not begrudging it" it's a day out on the tour bus,

I wanted a more spiritual experience that did not exist.

Also had the same feeling at the cruz de ferro wanted it to mean more than queuing with my rock and feelings.
Maybe? I am just weird or sad .

Did you know about room 6 upstairs at the Pilgrim office?

Camino Companions - Faithful Companions of Jesus

Camino Companions is an FCJ project in Santiago de Compostela to offer pilgrims a space to articulate and find meaning at the end of their Camino.

www.fcjsisters.org

 

[MickMac]

Did you know about room 6 upstairs at the Pilgrim office?

Camino Companions - Faithful Companions of Jesus

Camino Companions is an FCJ project in Santiago de Compostela to offer pilgrims a space to articulate and find meaning at the end of their Camino.

www.fcjsisters.org

Is it a hitchcock film.

 

[SabsP]

It baffles me, Maybe? for me reaching your destination is a completion and fulfilment of my Camino. Maybe? I did not want this "ending",

Maybe? it's the tourism all around it for some, "not begrudging it" it's a day out on the tour bus,

I wanted a more spiritual experience that did not exist.

Also had the same feeling at the cruz de ferro wanted it to mean more than queuing with my rock and feelings.
Maybe? I am just weird or sad .

How can you be sure that the people on the tourbus are not devout Catholics with an abundance of spirituality and deep Faith?

 

[Kirkie]

Is it a hitchcock film.

Meet me at EPIC and I'll tell you. Or St James' St Church, any volunteer will entertain you gladly! Time is running out, so go before the end of October, any Thursday, Friday or Saturday 10.30 till 3.30.

 

[dbier]

If you never went inside, particularly if you never went in with an open Camino spirit, what is your basis for deciding it wasn't a "more spiritual experience?" To me, it's rather like traveling to attend a party or visit someone and never going inside.

If you're looking for validation for your personal choice, some people have and will validate it.

*I* wonder what you were afraid you'd find, or Who you were afraid might find you.

Buen Camino, whenever you continue it.

 

[Tincatinker]

I did attend Mass in 2012. In a sense of search?

I do visit that beautiful building every time I’m in Santiago but that’s to pay my respects to himself. I’ve wondered now and again what that humble(ish) Galilean might make of his modern glories but that’s an aside rather than a topic for conversation when we’re here.

@MickMac perhaps a quiet bar and a couple of beers would give us room to wander around the puzzles. I’ve always “gone in”, not because of the architecture or the splendour or the great swinging thingy but because he’s there and I just walked all that bloody way to see him

 

[MickMac]

How can you be sure that the people on the tourbus are not devout Catholics with an abundance of spirituality and deep Faith?

Didn't mention their religion

If you never went inside, particularly if you never went in with an open Camino spirit, what is your basis for deciding it wasn't a "more spiritual experience?" To me, it's rather like traveling to attend a party or visit someone and never going inside.

If you're looking for validation for your personal choice, some people have and will validate it.

*I* wonder what you were afraid you'd find, or Who you were afraid might find you.

Buen Camino, whenever you continue it.

Not looking for validation do not need it, your analogy is incorrect.
I feel as spiritual in the mountains decending into Triacastela it was an observation not feeling the need for justification.
I felt the journey was the important part the destination was like the beginning we all start and end somewhere.