SPAIN ~ Cathedral De Santiago de Compostela - UNESCO

...Beautiful view of the impressive Holy Door cathedral... a gem in the middle of Santiago and a place of great religoius and historical significance... the size and detail of the building are magnificent... it signifies the end of the Camino walk so holds a special place for many... the people make this place... there is a sense of community and a very special atmosphere... you will feel it whether you are religious or not... the buildings on the Route consist of cathedrals, churches, monasteries, hospitals, inns and public works in 166 towns and villages... it is the whole route in itself that is truly outstanding as every pilgrim's experience and interaction with nature or with other pilgrims is unique and enriching... this journey has a beneficial influence on the soul❤️...Thanks a lot Vane!❁◕ ‿ ◕❁

The Route of Santiago de Compostela is about 700 km long, comprises over 1800 historic buildings on the  pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The Route starts from the French-Spanish border, at either Roncesvalles or Canfranc.

The building is a Romanesque structure, with later Gothic and Baroque additions. According to legend, the Cathedral De Santiago De Compostela holds the remains of one of Christ’s apostles, St James. King Alfonso II of Asturias built a church over the tomb in the 9thC and this was expanded in later years. It's the most important place of Christian pilgrimage after Jerusalem and Rome. And also one of the only three known churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus, the other two being St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, Chennai in India.

 It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Stamp:

EUROPA Stamp - Bridges
(Issued 23-04-2018)