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

[Tincatinker]

I was in the plaza today and it didn’t look as if “popping in” was an option. There were 2 long lines, front and side doors (one was extremely long, winding out into the plaza). We went to the tourist office though to validate completing the walk, and that was a breeze.

Yup. And if you go to the 7:30 am Mass or the 7:30pm Mass you'll find that all those fervent pilgrims are either still in bed or in the long, long queue for O Bispo.

You can also enter without hindrance or crowds when Mass has ended and the congregation has dispersed. You'll find that that very huggable statue doesn't take tea-breaks and that those bones are there 24/7.

For crowd dodgers: The mass times in 2024 are as follows:
07:30 a.m. High altar.
09:30 a.m. High altar.
12:00 p.m. High altar.
7:30 p.m. High altar.

Those who got past primary mathematics can probably work out when might be an opportune time to go and pay their respects

 

[MickMac]

The only time I went inside I was shocked at the spectacle…during mass iphones held high, people filming, chatting, jostling each other for a better view. To me it was a big performance and didn’t feel sacred. Never went back. I now go to the mass at the pilgrim office if I feel like it. I sometimes visit the lovely sister upstairs in FcJ. I find spirituality walking the path, attending mass in small churches, and wxperiencing a glorious sunrise . The Cathedral is not a motive for me to walk a Camino. I walk other routes (non Caminos) and find the same spirituality. Some replies to the op have been judgmental imo. Someone tells him next time he should pray? Others say he misses whole point of the Camino. Really? What is happening to this community that we make such unkind comments. Is it no longer a safe place to share one’s thoughts?

Funny the most harsh and maybe verging on the offensive replies seem to come from veterans with a feeling of self-importance and sarcasm of their knowledge of the Camino.
Thankfully when I report they are withdrawn or changed moderators doing their job Màith thu.

 

[MickMac]

Interesting topic of discussion and not sure what to say that hasn't already been said only to suggest to our pilgrim friend @MickMac that maybe like many of Us you're still on your Camino and when are you planning your 13th, 14th...?
I had a similar experience not walking from Finisterre out to the lighthouse and after 2 weeks discovering the town I answered the 'Call'. It was life changing and in my personal experience the Teacher appears when the student is ready

My wife is unwell at moment finding it hard to get away walked to muxia last year through Finisterre did not go to light house I am a strange individual.

 

[MickMac]

Mentioning this topic to my wife who summed it up nicely "We'll that's just showing a lack of imagination".
I'm not sure whether she meant walking the same path over 12 times, (presumably that's 13), or no imagination and curiosity by missing the church.

Lack of imagination harsh and untrue.

 

[Kirkie]

Yup. And if you go to the 7:30 am Mass or the 7:30pm Mass you'll find that all those fervent pilgrims are either still in bed or in the long, long queue for O Bispo.

You can also enter without hindrance or crowds when Mass has ended and the congregation has dispersed. You'll find that that very huggable statue doesn't take tea-breaks and that those bones are there 24/7.

For crowd dodgers: The mass times in 2024 are as follows:
07:30 a.m. High altar.
09:30 a.m. High altar.
12:00 p.m. High altar.
7:30 p.m. High altar.

Those who got passed primary mathematics can probably work out when might be an opportune time to go and pay their respects

And here in little old Dublin it is an hour behind, depending which way you are looking. Last night, for example, the vigil mass for the great celebration of this date, (shh!) I tuned in at 18.30 for the 19.30 mass. The Botafumeiro was swinging away at the end of mass...

Mick, can you ignore your own thread? It could help you to not be bothered.
You do not need grief, specially if your wife is poorly. Try to keep clear of it for a wee while, and stay going, stay going.
Epic? Whenever! And I can tell you what happens to me when I hear the Irish version of announcements on the Luas! I know so little, and it can be quite hilarious trying to catch what is being announced!

 

[tpardini]

I think you mean Oficina de Peregrinos when you write tourist office? Did you collect your Compostela after your pilgrimage ? In that case you were at the Oficina de Peregrinos.

Yes, we collected our certificate. I didn’t know the name of the office.

 

[Derrybiketours]

My wife is unwell at moment finding it hard to get away walked to muxia last year through Finisterre did not go to light house I am a strange individual.

I hope she gets better soon and interesting question and perspective. Thanks for the stimulus to reply. My first response in four years and food for thought

 

[Camo]

front and side doors (one was extremely long, winding out into the plaza

by front do you mean East and side sounds like North?

 

[Debora]

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.

The architecture inside is something to see. Of course not necessary but impressive.

 

[DonnaS18]

Didn't mention their religion

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.

There is obviously a need unfulfilled to keep returning. There’s no need to be afraid even if it is the end.
Try to be open it’s all part of the journey. I hope you didn’t miss the beautiful church in Los Arcos.
I have a friend (Australian - very long flights) who’s never been to a toilet on board an aircraft- he wears this as a badge of honour. I ask myself why??? Guess it’s his talking point or his fear.

 

[kelleymac]

Dick, is the cathedral in Santiago Romanesque. I thought it was Gothic.

It's romanesque, and then it was redone in baroque. For Gothic, check out the cathedral in Leon.

 

[MickMac]

There is obviously a need unfulfilled to keep returning. There’s no need to be afraid even if it is the end.
Try to be open it’s all part of the journey. I hope you didn’t miss the beautiful church in Los Arcos.
I have a friend (Australian - very long flights) who’s never been to a toilet on board an aircraft- he wears this as a badge of honour. I ask myself why??? Guess it’s his talking point or his fear.

Sheer utter.

 

[Tincatinker]

Sheer utter.

Now there’s a name for a band

I can see the poster…

 

[David with new Kit!]

@MickMac well done for posting, I think you have created a very good thought provoking thread.

I have been in, but in September this year I didn’t go in, as for me it’s not my destination, just part of my journey.

 

[David Tallan]

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 .

I guess it depends on what one sees as the destination. Traditionally, the destination was the relics of St. James in the cathedral. The city of Santiago de Compostela was just the city where the relics happened to reside. If you stopped in the Plaza de Obradoiro you would not have reached your destination but rather stopped just short of it.

I understand for many pilgrims, this is no longer the case. Many doubt the relics, or don't care about them. For many "it is the journey not the destination".

For you, what is the destination? What is it that makes it meaningful?

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

I guess it depends on what one sees as the destination. Traditionally, the destination was the relics of St. James in the cathedral. The city of Santiago de Compostela was just the city where the relics happened to reside. If you stopped in the Plaza de Obradoiro you would not have reached your destination but rather stopped just short of it.

I understand for many pilgrims, this is no longer the case. Many doubt the relics, or don't care about them. For many "it is the journey not the destination".

For you, what is the destination? What is it that makes it meaningful?

Those ones for whom it is no longer the case… I don’t understand why they trudge on a camino and say they are pilgrims if there’s no interest in the reason that camino routes exist. I understand it if they aren’t aware of what they are seeking (the whole wide berth the Cathedral gives on the compostela for those walking in a spirit of spiritual inquiry)…. But if it’s just, fundamentally, to take a leak on the very idea of James the Greater, and of the idea of *holiness*…
I can understand those who are angry with God, or disappointed in the promises of the Church… and who may even be disappointed on arrival if the miracle they’ve needed hasn’t been delivered (and there’s a whole theological thing about the things we pray for versus the things that the Divine thinks we need… so I’ll skirt that and just note that I am aware…)
But for those who really see no point in Santiago… why bother walking there? Why not fly to Santiago and just go backward? Or just go take the GR 65 in France without a reason other than for the scenery and the exercise?
Why arrive on the board and fundamentally make a face at the whole thing?
Something sticks in my craw and I am not able to put my finger on precisely what it is, but maybe it’s just that I am baffled by the *disdain* for the very purpose of the routes that lead to Santiago.
At the very least, if the system that leaves one cold has nonetheless made the “journey” possible, maybe just quietly exit out the side door, and don’t let it bang too loudly when you leave…

 

[David Tallan]

Those ones for whom it is no longer the case… I don’t understand why they trudge on a camino and say they are pilgrims if there’s no interest in the reason that camino routes exist. I understand it if they aren’t aware of what they are seeking (the whole wide berth the Cathedral gives on the compostela for those walking in a spirit of spiritual inquiry)…. But if it’s just, fundamentally, to take a leak on the very idea of James the Greater, and of the idea of *holiness*…
I can understand those who are angry with God, or disappointed in the promises of the Church… and who may even be disappointed on arrival if the miracle they’ve needed hasn’t been delivered (and there’s a whole theological thing about the things we pray for versus the things that the Divine thinks we need… so I’ll skirt that and just note that I am aware…)
But for those who really see no point in Santiago… why bother walking there? Why not fly to Santiago and just go backward? Or just go take the GR 65 in France without a reason other than for the scenery and the exercise?
Why arrive on the board and fundamentally make a face at the whole thing?
Something sticks in my craw and I am not able to put my finger on precisely what it is, but maybe it’s just that I am baffled by the *disdain* for the very purpose of the routes that lead to Santiago.
At the very least, if the system that leaves one cold has nonetheless made the “journey” possible, maybe just quietly exit out the side door, and don’t let it bang too loudly when you leave…

Personally, I try to be respectful of the reason that the Camino exists even if I don't share the faith that created it.

But one can value something without caring too much about it's origins. Many live "in the moment" without caring too much about the history. This can still lead to a valuable experience. These pilgrims are likely to fall into the "journey rather than the destination" category.

I think it is pretty clear that the Camino experience offers people something that they are not finding on other walks or on flights to Santiago. That you can't imagine what that is doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

But I agree that it isn't good to disdain the foundation of the Camino here. It just goes against common courtesy to your fellow pilgrims for whom it may be meaningful.

 

[Camo]

If you stopped in the Plaza de Obradoiro you would not have reached your destination but rather stopped just short of it.

Agreed but 'cept for the social "intermingling" why would the present pilgrim bother to even GO to the Western plaza? (and suffer those horrible bagpipes) As Kath has pointed out they recently opened the "floodgates" off the Eastern plaza to allow the "expanded pilgrim population" to enter via the East gate/door and then hang a left or right to see the relics or have a hug (or both).

They may then "enter" the Cathedral in reverse and even pay to see the entrance off the Western plaza. It's just necessary crowd control.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

Personally, I try to be respectful of the reason that the Camino exists even if I don't share the faith that created it.

But one can value something without caring too much about it's origins. Many live "in the moment" without caring too much about the history. This can still lead to a valuable experience. These pilgrims are likely to fall into the "journey rather than the destination" category.

I think it is pretty clear that the Camino experience offers people something that they are not finding on other walks or on flights to Santiago. That you can't imagine what that is doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

But I agree that it isn't good to disdain the foundation of the Camino here. It just goes against common courtesy to your fellow pilgrims for whom it may be meaningful.

Interesting… especially the line about living in the moment… I read Ron Purser’s book “McMindfulness” (he’s a practicing Buddhist and an organizational psychologist)… on the dangers of living in the now, without attention to past or future. The experience might be “personally valuable” but is not unconnected at the large pattern level to the lack of care we see for the past or the future — of land, of culture(s) on the pilgrimage routes.
The Venn diagram of privileging personal experience, toilet tissue dropped, graffiti about “Santiago is Disney for Catholics”… demands for Spain to cater to pilgrims demands for 6pm dinner… is symptomatic of being connected to one’s own interests over all else.

 

[Bob Howard]

Camo said: "Agreed but 'cept for the social "intermingling" why would the present pilgrim bother to even GO to the Western plaza? (and suffer those horrible bagpipes) . . ."

What?!!

"Horrible bagpipes"?!!

There's no such thing as horrible bagpipes.

 

[falcon269]

"Horrible bagpipes"?!!

There's no such thing as horrible bagpipes.

I agree, but I also think there are really only two bagpipe songs (not including Amazing Grace).

 

[TravellingMan22]

Camo said: "Agreed but 'cept for the social "intermingling" why would the present pilgrim bother to even GO to the Western plaza? (and suffer those horrible bagpipes) . . ."

What?!!

"Horrible bagpipes"?!!

There's no such thing as horrible bagpipes.

I like the tradition of the bagpipes when you hear them when entering the square or at Scottish sporting events (esp. against England) but beyond that I will definitely pass!

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

I like the tradition of the bagpipes when you hear it when entering the square or at Scottish sporting events (esp. against England) but beyond that I will definitely pass!

I have heard some sorry piping on entry to the square, but I hae also heard some magnificent piping… and there was a piper in the fog at O’ Cebreiro this year when I climbed into town…
Maybe I’m a sap but the pipes, well played or not, raise a sob from my chest every time…

 

[MickMac]

I have heard some sorry piping on entry to the square, but I hae also heard some magnificent piping… and there was a piper in the fog at O’ Cebreiro this year when I climbed into town…
Maybe I’m a sap but the pipes, well played or not, raise a sob from my chest every time…

Nothing as good as the Irish pipes not the wailing Scots ones which give me a headache

https://twitter.com/x/status/1845812029036048776

 

[TravellingMan22]

I have heard some sorry piping on entry to the square, but I hae also heard some magnificent piping… and there was a piper in the fog at O’ Cebreiro this year when I climbed into town…
Maybe I’m a sap but the pipes, well played or not, raise a sob from my chest every time…

Sure! I saw one when I exited Lagar Jesus Albergue last month just north of Padron. It was nice to see and hear initially but I would make it a very short listen!

 

[ShoshTrvls]

I like the one who wears a kilt* and looks the part - both because of what he wears and his playing. I appreciate the effort he puts into it.

*There may be more than one who wears a kilt, but the last few times I walked through the players (including a woman and another man) did not.

 

[Bob Howard]

I agree, but I also think there are really only two bagpipe songs (not including Amazing Grace).

So, other than Scotland the Brave, what is the other one?

 

[Kirkie]

Ah! People! The Scottish Bagpipes! Nothing quite so stirring.
Here is a sample. However, what is it all about? Not allowed on this forum....

 

[JabbaPapa]

I guess it depends on what one sees as the destination. Traditionally, the destination was the relics of St. James in the cathedral. The city of Santiago de Compostela was just the city where the relics happened to reside. If you stopped in the Plaza de Obradoiro you would not have reached your destination but rather stopped just short of it.

I understand for many pilgrims, this is no longer the case. Many doubt the relics, or don't care about them. For many "it is the journey not the destination".

For you, what is the destination? What is it that makes it meaningful?

Traditionally, and I think psychologically, the final destination will be home, having been along the Way and to Santiago.

And I think that to oppose journey to destination is not only to set aside pilgrimage as such, but also to misunderstand the Camino as a Way, and the Way of Saint James.

 

[David Tallan]

I like the one who wears a kilt* and looks the part - both because of what he wears and his playing. I appreciate the effort he puts into it.

*There may be more than one who wears a kilt, but the last few times I walked through the players (including a woman and another man) did not.

Galicia has its own tradition of bagpipes. If a Galician is playing Galician pipes in Galicia, why make an effort to look like a Scot?

 

[alexwalker]

Judgements, judgements.

The Plaza de Obradeiro is my Camino destination. Live and let live. Judge and be judged. The Way is the destinaton.

 

[dick bird]

I like the one who wears a kilt* and looks the part - both because of what he wears and his playing. I appreciate the effort he puts into it.

*There may be more than one who wears a kilt, but the last few times I walked through the players (including a woman and another man) did not.

Why would a Galician wear a kilt?

 

[alexwalker]

For you, what is the destination? What is it that makes it meaningful?

As said, for me, the the meaning destination is the Way. All those days of reflection is the meaning.

The Way is the goal. For me.

 

[ShoshTrvls]

Why would a Galician wear a kilt?

You’re right! Went back to my pictures and I don’t know why I thought he was wearing a kilt - memory is a funny thing. He was wearing traditional Galician clothing. Anyway, I meant this guy.

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

Now I am wishing that I could be headed this Tuesday for the pub where the Galician and the Irish musicians hang out together and gig around. I do believe that Dear Spouse might be in a position to enjoy the evening, so I shall hope for some lovely video clips from the night…
… and also hope that the weekly gathering continues.

 

[SabsP]

Now I am wishing that I could be headed this Tuesday for the pub where the Galician and the Irish musicians hang out together and gig around. I do believe that Dear Spouse might be in a position to enjoy the evening, so I shall hope for some lovely video clips from the night…
… and also hope that the weekly gathering continues.

Casa das Crechas?

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

Casa das Crechas?

Mmmm. I am going to have to see if I can find the name on my photos with the geo-tag… during the day, it’s just an unmarked door into the side of a building and it does not look like much… I will see if I can figure it out… and come back to edit if I locate the name. It’s on Plaza de Feixoo
Edit: Modus Vivendi.
And on Tuesdays they have Gaelic music get-togethers…

 

[SabsP]

Mmmm. I am going to have to see if I can find the name on my photos with the geo-tag… during the day, it’s just an unmarked door into the side of a building and it does not look like much… I will see if I can figure it out… and come back to edit if I locate the name. It’s on Plaza de Feixoo
Edit: Modus Vivendi.
And on Tuesdays they have Gaelic music get-togethers…

At least very close to each other.

 

[GibsoniteJoe]

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.

Did the OP apply for a Compostela ?
I have been told that the latin text of the Compostela says that the person to be named ( the name in latin as far as possible) visited the thumb of Apostle Santiago aka Saint James.
If… send the Compostela back.

 

[MickMac]

Did the OP apply for a Compostela ?
I have been told that the latin text of the Compostela says that the person to be named ( the name in latin as far as possible) visited the thumb of Apostle Santiago aka Saint James.
If… send the Compostela back.

Will do thanks for your advice.

 

[Dani7]

What MickMac does or doesn't do regarding any of the "rules" or traditions about the Camino is their business. Traditions are important, so is history, but not so for everyone. I choose to respect that.

The vast majority of members in this forum also respect that and that's what I so love about this community. Can you imagine a group of people, from all over the world, who so love Spain and it's caminos, that we come together on this forum and share our thoughts and feelings, no matter how diverse our experiences are. No other social media platform I know of is this caring, respectful or tolerant of our diversity. I hope this forum lasts another 20 years +.

 

[Walkalong]

Strong reactions to a benign statement.

'tis a well grounded man that never felt the need. Perhaps a sign of a good Camino?

 

[MickMac]

What MickMac does or doesn't do regarding any of the "rules" or traditions about the Camino is their business. Traditions are important, so is history, but not so for everyone. I choose to respect that.

The vast majority of members in this forum also respect that and that's what I so love about this community. Can you imagine a group of people, from all over the world, who so love Spain and it's caminos, that we come together on this forum and share our thoughts and feelings, no matter how diverse our experiences are. No other social media platform I know of is this caring, respectful or tolerant of our diversity. I hope this forum lasts another 20 years +.

Too late have sent back my Compestela's registered post, that Gibson post included, it "cut me the quitk" very sad day after all my Caminos but orders are orders and he who must be obeyed "oh holyier than thou" Gibson I firmly apologise.
Oscar wilde once said "Sarcasm is the highest form wit"

 

[MickMac]

Strong reactions to a benign statement.

'tis a well grounded man that never felt the need. Perhaps a sign of a good Camino?

Don't know if I am a well rounded person but round man yes

 

[Bedspring]

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.

When people ask me about my Camino, I say it was the best thing I ever did, and something I can only ever do once, though I may walk to Santiago again. I also tell them, the hardest part is the first step, its just a walk, but so much more, it is so very simple, walk, eat, sleep, walk. Any pair of shoes, backpack, poncho, hat, umbrella will do, as long as you can make that first step, because after that, you are never too tired to take just one more step, so will reach Santiago, if you really want to.

But possibly, for you, having walked to Santiago 12 times, perhaps you have never walked a Camino, and maybe, for you, the Final Step, into the Cathedral, is the hardest

 

[Kathar1na]

Too late have sent back my Compestela's registered post, that Gibson post included, it "cut me the quitk" very sad day after all my Caminos but orders are orders and he who must be obeyed "oh holyier than thou" Gibson I firmly apologise. Oscar wilde once said "Sarcasm is the highest form wit"

@MickMac, you are joking, right? I refrained from reacting to that post: a brand-new member who shares his thinking with us in his very first post on this forum ... and who cannot himself read and interpret ecclestiastical Latin that has been creatively fashioned after a medieval text or two or three or even more ...

 

[VNwalking]

Oscar wilde once said "Sarcasm is the highest form wit"

Tongue firmly in cheek when writing that rejoinder you're referring to, no doubt. I could almost hear the intonation of that original post about your Compostela, @MickMac. Good one.

 

[MickMac]

@MickMac, you are joking, right? I refrained from reacting to that post: a brand-new member who shares his thinking with us in his very first post on this forum ... and who cannot himself read and interpret ecclestiastical Latin that has been creatively fashioned after a medieval text or two or three or even more ...

Funny thing is I studied Latin for a while at university so thought it was humorous to reference the Latin on the Compostela, but on this thread which I thought might be interesting ? I received the slings and arrows of my peers and some unadulterated insults one person called me "Sectarian" but changed it to "Contrarian" moment's after I complained. People can be judgemental but I take it all with a grain of salt.
Glad to see over 140 contributions and the passion they hold for "our" Camino thanks to the moderator's for letting the thread run it's course.

Slan.
Màith sibh.

exitus àcta probat

 

[Kathar1na]

@MickMac: You are an enigma, man.

For some reason, I had you down as somebody who walks sections every year or whenever possible. I am asking myself: So he walked Camino over 12 times to Santiago but how many times did he finish on the Obradoiro square?

 

[MickMac]

@MickMac: You are an enigma, man.

For some reason, I had you down as somebody who walks sections every year or whenever possible. I am asking myself: So he walked Camino over 12 times to Santiago but how many times did he finish on the Obradoiro square?

Correct Always ended in Santiago your right some years walked for two to three weeks depending on work. Your Nancy Drew investigations are commendable Màith thu.

 

[Kathar1na]

Your Nancy Drew investigations are commendable Màith thu

In this case: just a good memory. It’s both a blessing and a curse.