Guided tours2.5 hoursFree cancellation up to 24h before

Santiago: Portico of Glory, cathedral and old town guided tour

Guided visit to the Portico of Glory (entry included), Santiago Cathedral and the old town, in a small group. 4.8/5 with 206 reviews.

4.8206 reviews

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Photo credits

P.Lameiro, CC BY-SA 4.0, vía Wikimedia Commons · source
slideshow bob, CC BY-SA 2.0, vía Wikimedia Commons · source
pedronchi, CC BY 2.0, vía Wikimedia Commons · source
Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga), CC BY-SA 3.0, vía Wikimedia Commons · source
Fernando Pascullo, CC BY-SA 4.0, vía Wikimedia Commons · source
Lgjunior, CC BY-SA 4.0, vía Wikimedia Commons · source
Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga), CC BY-SA 3.0, vía Wikimedia Commons · source
Bene Riobó, CC BY-SA 4.0, vía Wikimedia Commons · source

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Practical details

Duration: 2.5 hours
Guide languages: Spanish · English
Mobile ticket: No need to print
Instant confirmation: Right after booking
Wheelchair accessible: No
Minimum age: No restriction
Pets: Not allowed
Cancellation: Free up to 24h before

Highlights

Entry to the Portico of Glory, which can only be visited with limited allocation
The masterpiece of Romanesque art, restored to its original colours
Cathedral, tomb of the Apostle and the old town squares
Small group with official guide

Our take

The best way into the Portico of Glory, which is hard to get on your own. The guide turns a stone facade into a story you can follow, and the rest of the visit makes sense of the old town. Rated 4.8 for a reason.

What's included

Entry to the Portico of Glory
Official guide
Visit of the cathedral and old town

Not included

Rooftop climb
Cathedral museum

Good to know

What to bring

Comfortable clothes and an umbrella: this is Santiago

Things to keep in mind

No photography inside the Portico
The Botafumeiro does not swing every day; the guide will tell you when
The visit includes the Apostle's tomb and the embrace of the statue if the queue is not excessive

Meeting point

Plaza del Obradoiro, Santiago de Compostela (exact point on your voucher)

Meet in Plaza del Obradoiro, in front of the cathedral facade. The guide carries ID. Arrive 10 minutes early: the Portico has a fixed entry time.

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The experience

The tour

Two and a half hours with an official guide in a small group through the essentials of Santiago: the Portico of Glory (entry included), the interior of the cathedral and the squares of the old town.

The Portico of Glory (30 minutes)

Master Mateo's masterpiece (1188): three arches and over 200 figures depicting the Apocalypse, with the 24 elders tuning their instruments. Since the 2018 restoration it shows its original colour, hidden for centuries. Visited with a limited allocation, no photos, and a guide explaining each figure.

The cathedral

Romanesque nave, the Baroque high altar with the statue of the Apostle (you can climb up to embrace it), the crypt with St James's tomb and, if it coincides, the Botafumeiro in flight.

The old town

Plaza del Obradoiro with the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, Platerías, the Quintana with the Holy Door and the arcaded stone streets. The guide tells the story of the Camino from the 9th century to today.

Who it's for

Anyone arriving in Santiago (on foot or otherwise) who wants to understand what they see.
Anyone who could not get a single ticket to the Portico.

Accessibility

The cathedral is accessible; the Portico access has steps.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before with full refund.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the Portico of Glory need a ticket?

Since its restoration (2018) it is visited with a limited allocation, in small groups and without photos, to preserve the recovered polychromy. Single tickets sell out; with this tour it is included.

What makes it special?

It is the summit of European Romanesque: 200 figures carved by Master Mateo in 1188, with the 24 elders of the Apocalypse playing instruments. The restoration brought back the original colour hidden for centuries.

How long is it and what else do you see?

Two and a half hours: the Portico (30 min), the cathedral interior with the Apostle's tomb, and the old town squares (Obradoiro, Platerías, Quintana) with the history of the Camino.