End of a ritual....

[frescotours]

I arrived to Santiago last week with our group and we found that they have roped off the center column of the Puerta de la Gloria, which meant that pilgrims could no longer place their fingers in the Tree of Jesse or tap their head on Master Mateo.

Does anyone know if this a temporary or permenant decision?

Fortunately, we were lucky enough to see the Botafumiero!

Hope all is well - Buen Camino to everyone!

 

[Anonymous]

...roped off the center column of the Puerta de la Gloria, which meant that pilgrims could no longer place their fingers in the Tree of Jesse or tap their head on Master Mateo. Does anyone know if this a temporary or permenant decision? Fortunately, we were lucky enough to see the Botafumiero!

Welcome home frescotours :!: I've seen it roped off through the years, accesible at specific hours, maybe for crowd control. Best, xm 8)

PS:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHyv5vhC ... 20santiago

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSLK5FWC ... 20santiago

 

[sillydoll]

The Portico del Gloria

A few years ago there were reports that cracks were appearing in the marble pillar bearing the Tree of Jesse which was being weakened and becoming vulnerable. Authorities spoke of disallowing pilgrims to lean on the marble column and put their hands on the column until they could find a way of repairing it.
Perhaps this is the reason?

 

[ivar]

There was an article in El Correo about this, they put it up before easter due to " the masses of tourists that would be coming". I can't remember if this was temporary or not, but i would imagine...

... the cathedral has just begun a bigger renovation of the inside, starting with some wall paintings and so on, this may be related to that, not sure.

The sun is back in Santiago!
Ivar