• ⚠️ Emergency contact in Spain - Dial 112 and AlertCops app. More on this here.
  • Remove ads on the forum by becoming a donating member. More here.
This is a mobile optimized page that loads fast, if you want to load the real page, click this text.

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

MickMac

Veteran Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances 2013
Frances 2016
Frances 2017
Frances 2018
Frances 2018
Ponferrada-Santiago
July 2019
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.
 
Altus BALI Sleeping bag liner
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
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).
 
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.
 
2025 Early Bird Sale: Camino
Private rooms, daily bag transfers, 24/7 support, & more. Save now during our sale!
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?
 
Camino Preparation Guide
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
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...
 
Caomhin O Fearghaill said:
I wonder why you felt the need to say why you never felt the need?
Click to expand...
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 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).
 
Camino Cleanup Program & Retreat
Help keep the Camino clean. Join us in 2025 for the Camino Cleanup Program & Retreat
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
 
Promote your Camino Project on the forum
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.


How can you be sure that the people on the tourbus are not devout Catholics with an abundance of spirituality and deep Faith?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Camino Photo

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Most read last week in this forum

  • Thread 'After the storm...'

    Me coming into the office this morning..
    • ivar
    • Replies: 3

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

    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.
    • MickMac
    • Replies: 13
  • M

    Thread 'Volunteering at Pilgrim’s Office'

    This is for anyone who has volunteered at the Pilgrim’s office. I have asked a few questions about doing this before but now it’s crunch time as I am flying to Santiago on October 20 to begin my two week stint as a volunteer. I reached out to Montse yesterday about when I should be report to the Pilgrim’s office and to whom and have not yet heard back from her. I’m hoping that I will in the week and a half I have left before I leave. It would give me great comfort of if any of you who have...
    • Momwiz
    • Replies: 3
  • J

    Thread 'Vicarie Pro - more than one person?'

    Hi, I'm arriving in Santiago soon and was walking the Camino in memory of my parents who recently passed. Does anyone know if the office will allow more than one person to be added as "vicarie pro?"
    • jpico
    • Replies: 9

Similar threads

Reluctant pilgrim returns
Replies
20
Views
2K
KariannNor
S
  • Tags cathedral
    • Scheduling Cathedral tours - Mass vs nighttime vs rooftop vs Portico
    Replies
    24
    Views
    1K
    Westmalle
    W
    R
    One day walk into Santiago
    Replies
    11
    Views
    3K
    Annw
    S
    12 days to walk the Primitivo: What's different?
    Replies
    18
    Views
    2K
    ivar
    Which route do I take?
    Replies
    17
    Views
    1K
    trac1
    T
    Menu
    Log in
    Register