Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Puerta de las Platerías

According to legend, the mortal remains of the apostle St James were taken to Galicia for burial, where they were lost. Eight hundred years later, a light led a shepherd, Pelagius the Hermit, who was guarding his flock at night, to the burial site. The shepherd reported his discovery to the bishop of Iria. The bishop declared that the remains were those of St James the Apostle and immediately informed King Alfonso II in Oviedo. In honour of Saint James, the cathedral was built on the spot where his remains were said to have been found. The legend, which includes numerous miraculous events, enabled the Catholic faithful to strengthen their stronghold in northern Spain during the Reconquista against the Moors, but also led to the growth and development of the city. This is the end if the Camino de Santiago. I arrived the first time in Santiago in 2010 and, like everyone who makes the journey on foot, was overwhelmed. Much has changed since then. Most of all, the deployment of a very unfriendly security force that leaves neither tourists nor pilgrims in peace - in a place where everyone should find peace. - For a very short time, the Botafumeiro just swings near to the ground, then suddenly the thuribel wins hight like a rocket.

According to legend, the mortal remains of the apostle St James were taken to Galicia for burial, where they were lost. Eight hundred years later, a light led a shepherd, Pelagius the Hermit, who was guarding his flock at night, to the burial site. The shepherd reported his discovery to the bishop of Iria. The bishop declared that the remains were those of St James the Apostle and immediately informed King Alfonso II in Oviedo. In honour of Saint James, the cathedral was built on the spot where his remains were said to have been found. The legend, which includes numerous miraculous events, enabled the Catholic faithful to strengthen their stronghold in northern Spain during the Reconquista against the Moors, but also led to the growth and development of the city. This is the end if the Camino de Santiago. I arrived the first time in Santiago in 2010 and, like everyone who makes the journey on foot, was overwhelmed. Much has changed since then. Most of all, the deployment of a very unfriendly security force that leaves neither tourists nor pilgrims in peace - in a place where everyone should find peace. - The Botafumeiro is lowered, the incense is put onto the coals by the bishop. A cloud comes up. There have been a couple of Botafumeiros over the centuries. This is only 40 years old. One of the Botafumeiros was stolen by Napoleon´s troops in 1809. The Botafumeiro is one of the largest censers in the world, weighing about 80kg (empty) and measuring about 1.60m in height. The coal and incense in the container alone weigh about 40kg. Notice the large nautical knot.

According to legend, the mortal remains of the apostle St James were taken to Galicia for burial, where they were lost. Eight hundred years later, a light led a shepherd, Pelagius the Hermit, who was guarding his flock at night, to the burial site. The shepherd reported his discovery to the bishop of Iria. The bishop declared that the remains were those of St James the Apostle and immediately informed King Alfonso II in Oviedo. In honour of Saint James, the cathedral was built on the spot where his remains were said to have been found. The legend, which includes numerous miraculous events, enabled the Catholic faithful to strengthen their stronghold in northern Spain during the Reconquista against the Moors, but also led to the growth and development of the city. This is the end if the Camino de Santiago. I arrived the first time in Santiago in 2010 and, like everyone who makes the journey on foot, was overwhelmed. Much has changed since then. Most of all, the deployment of a very unfriendly security force that leaves neither tourists nor pilgrims in peace - in a place where everyone should find peace. Looking south (to the "Puerta de las Platerías") through the barrel-vaulted transept (67m long over all). The rope on the right leads up to a metall-construction in the dome. It holds the Botufumeiro, hanging in the air in the middle of the crossing.

According to legend, the mortal remains of the apostle St James were taken to Galicia for burial, where they were lost. Eight hundred years later, a light led a shepherd, Pelagius the Hermit, who was guarding his flock at night, to the burial site. The shepherd reported his discovery to the bishop of Iria. The bishop declared that the remains were those of St James the Apostle and immediately informed King Alfonso II in Oviedo. In honour of Saint James, the cathedral was built on the spot where his remains were said to have been found. The legend, which includes numerous miraculous events, enabled the Catholic faithful to strengthen their stronghold in northern Spain during the Reconquista against the Moors, but also led to the growth and development of the city. This is the end if the Camino de Santiago. I arrived the first time in Santiago in 2010 and, like everyone who makes the journey on foot, was overwhelmed. Much has changed since then. Most of all, the deployment of a very unfriendly security force that leaves neither tourists nor pilgrims in peace - in a place where everyone should find peace. "Puerta de las Platerías" - A detail from the left side is this centaur (sagittarius). As he is placed exactly on the left arch, where the mermaid, hit by an arrow) is placed on the right, there might be a connection. Probably he has shot the arrow, that hit her.

"Puerta de las Platerías" - A detail from the right side of th portal is this mermaid. Hit through the chest by an arrow. A second arrow missed her head and tail. I´m pretty sure, that the arrow comes from the centaur on the left side of the Puerta,

"Puerta de las Platerías", - the left side. The tympanum depicts the Temptation of Christ in the desert.

"Puerta de las Platerías", - the right side. The tympanum shows (center) the flagellation of Christ, left the crowning with the Crown of Thorns, and the healing of the blind on the right.

The contruction of the Cathedral began in 1075 and the "Puerta de las Platerías", what is the southern portal, contains the oldest remaining remaining romanesque parts, carved between 1112 and 1117. It is older than the "Pórtico de la Gloria". The two arched portal shows different scenes in quite different styles. It seems a bit like a collage. At the moment, this is the only entrance to the cathedral.