Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is the most important monument in the city. It was constructed in the seventh decade of the XI Century on the tomb of Santiago. The local bishop , Diego Pelaex, promoted its building and the original construction preserves the primitive sanctum where the apostol’s body is buried.

The first stage of the building was completed in 1168.  The temple such as we know it now minus the western front of the building.  The church project is an example of pilgramage church.  It is a mature project of its type with its articulation of girola, tribune, towers, etc.  all brought together in a harmonious way.

The work on the cathedral was finished with the hiring of the Maestro Mateo by King Fernando II.  The Maestro designed an amazing last strech of nave and a porch located between the catherdral’s two towers, the well known Portico da Gloria.  Later on, a western façade was added.

The building was completed with nine towers which underline its appearance of being a strong building.  In the XVIII Century the western façade was built, the famous Obradoiro, in a baroque style by architect Casas Novoa.  It substituted the primitive romanesque façade