Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia in the north-west of Spain. The city’s cathedral contains the tomb of the Apostle St. James and since the Middle Ages pilgrims have travelled from around the world to visit it. The cathedral is truly impressive and is well worth a visit regardless of your beliefs. In 1993 it was declared a World Heritage Site.
This year is a special year as it is the “Xacobeo 2010″ – a Jubilee year. This only occurs when the feast of St. James falls on a Sunday. On the eve of the Jubilee year a special ceremony is held to open the “Holy Gate” – which is in fact sealed by a wall and is knocked down by three strikes of a silver hammer- to mark the beginning of the Jubilee year.
If you want to learn more about the “Xacobeo” click on the Xacobeo Blog
#1 by Mrs. Yollis on January 11th, 2010
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Dear Conchi,
I used to teach English in Spain in the early 90s. The time I spent there was fantastic. One of the places I explored was Santiago de Compostela. It was a memorable visit.
Thanks,
Linda
P.S. Thanks for the nice comment you left for my class on our blog! We appreciate that!
#2 by conchi on January 9th, 2010
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Santiago de Compostela is a jewel in the crown of Galicia!