Today we will bring you relevant information about the restoration works inside the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
If the last year, we could appreciate the results of the remodelling works in the façade, now it is the moment for the inner.
During these works, the masses will be given at other different churches. Get all the information about the new places and timetable for these ceremonies.
Restoration works inside the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is on renovation works since past February. The length of the restoration works inside the Basilica will take around a year. Although, the covers of the temple and the transept of the main nave may take up to 6 more months.
After a long time, the last year we were finally able to see how the restoration of the façade was completed. But now, it is time for the inside. Due to some water leaking through the roof, there is a problem of humidity that must be treated in order to avoid more serious problems.
Moreover, thanks to the installation of some scaffoldings, the workers will check the state of conservation of the capitals and operate on them if necessary.
In addition, they will renovate the slabs that are in poor condition, reorganize the wiring of the Cathedral and restore those sculptures, stained glasses, gratings and other elements that may demand some work.
Furthermore, they will change the ancient bronze carpentries for other wooden ones. That is because the wooden carpentries will allow a better air circulation system inside the Cathedral.
Visits inside the Cathedral
The workers will work on an intensive schedule from the Pórtico de la Gloria to the north transept, so they estimate that it will take as little time as possible. Thus, after the restoration, the visitors, believers and pilgrims will have the chance of contemplating it in better conditions.
However, the area of the ambulatory will be accessible in order to allow the passage of visitors who want to do the ritual of the Embrace in the Camarin of the Apostle and descend to the Apostolic Crypt. Unfortunately, we must wait to the next year in order to see the traditional “Botafumeiro”.
Furthermore, in order to access inside the Cathedral, we must enter through the door of Plaza de Platerías, while the door of the Pórtico Real is only available as an exit. Therefore, the traditional entrance by the Plaza de Azabachería is not working at the moment, as it is just opened for workers.
Regarding the opening hours of the Cathedral, it will be from 9 am to 7 pm, with the exception of October, when it will open until 8 pm.
Change of dates and places for the Masses and timetables
Although the Masses will not be preached in the Cathedral along the present year, other churches will give them in the city of Santiago. Specifically, the Church of San Francisco, the Church of Santa María de Salomé and the Church Parroquia de la Corticela.
All the pilgrims will be able to go to 12 pm’s Pilgrim Mass in the Church of San Francisco, that it is only 300 meters away from the Cathedral.
Moreover, daily masses will be made in the Church of Santa María de Salomé and Parroquia de Corticela. You will see the timetable below:
- Church Santa María de Salomé:
| In the morning:
Monday to Sunday: 7:30, 9:00 y 10:00 |
| In the afternoon:
Monday to Sunday: 7 pm. |
- Parroquia de Corticela: Monday to Sunday at 11 am.
This year will be the first time in history that the Ofrenda del Apóstol on 25th July will not be celebrated in the Cathedral. But devotes will be able to go to the Church of San Martin Pinario in order to attend the Ceremony. This Church, placed in front of the façade Azabachería, is a magnificent work from the Galician Renaissance.
In addition, the building shelters one of the best religious-art museums in the community of Galicia.
Architecture
The restoration works inside the Cathedral are expected to be completed on 2020. Then, we will be able to see the total restoration of this important work. It will allow us to enjoy one of the best example of religious architecture that we can find in Galicia.
There is no doubt that the details, structure, carpentry and all the elements that comprise the building represent one of the greatest works of universal art.
The Museum of the Cathedral dedicates a permanent space to Maestro Mateo, sculptor of unknown origins who articulated this great work. This space, composed with original pieces and interpretive resources, shows us a complete vision of a fundamental period in the history of the Cathedral.
This Museum remains open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from April to October, and from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from November to March. Although the visits to the roof, tribune and archaeological excavations are inactive due to the works, we can choose to visit the rest of the spaces.
Thus, we will have a perfect opportunity to know the origins of the Cathedral, the artistic evolution from the thirteenth century to the eighteenth century and other collections that will complete our stay in the monumental city of Compostela.
