National Geographic History - 11.2019 - 12.2019

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SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
A notable example of a pilgrimage church, this
cathedral is famed for its size (it is 330 feet
long) and its 1 monumental facade, as well
as its crypt, 2 ambulatory, and galleries above
the side aisles. The chevet (eastern end) was
begun in the 1070s under the patronage of
Alfonso VI, though its construction took place
in various phases. In the early 12th century, the
central volume was erected as was the transept
(the arm of the cross) with its sculpted doors:
the portal of 3 the Silverware Facade and 4
the Portal of Paradise.

Basilica of Alfonso III (899),

destroyed by Muslim forces in 997

Romanesque cathedral

Silverware

Facade

Cloister

(under construction)

Lantern tower, over

the crossing (the point

where the nave and the

transept intersect)

JOSEP R. CASALS