The Camino de Santiago is known worldwide as one of the most mystical and attractive routes that exist. For hundreds of years, it has been a display of faith, devotion, spirituality and personal growth for all pilgrims. This is summarized in hundreds of religious buildings in all its routes.
How could it be otherwise, the Camino Frances is full of this type of points of interest. So many that it is impossible to tell you about all of them in just a few lines. However, we have taken care of making for you a selection of the Cathedrals of the French Way that you should know yes or yes.
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The most impressive cathedrals of the French Camino de Santiago
The French Way is the one that greater patrimonial wealth accumulates, being the most popular Camino de Santiago from Sarria.
This French side of the Camino includes convents, monasteries, bridges, abbeys and, of course, cathedrals, specifically eight. In the following lines we will talk a little about them.
Cathedral of San Pedro in Jaca
Is the oldest Romanesque cathedral in Spain. It was built by order of King Sancho Ramírez in the Eleventh century. Later some reforms and additions were made, specifically in the XNUMXth century and later in the XNUMXth.
Its main façade, as well as the south portico, are particularly noteworthy. The crismones of the main atrium they are flanked by two lions and the checkered jacques. This is the symbol that identifies the diocese of the city.
Cathedral of Santa Maria in Pamplona
It is in the heart of the Old Town of Pamplona, right in the same place where the temple of pompaelo in Roman times. The Cathedral of Santa María has been reformed several times. Today, it shows a more Gothic style to the works made between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.
Here the kings of the Kingdom of Navarre were crowned. In addition, there are also mausoleums of Carlos III and his wife, Leonor de Castilla. Besides, it works Diocesan Museum, which includes an impressive collection of sacred art.
Co-Cathedral of Santa María de La Redonda in Logroño
In case you did not know, La Rioja has the name of being the place or territory with the highest concentration of cathedrals Worldwide. We tell you this information so that you get an idea of what you will find on your way through this area.
In this Autonomous Community there are three: Calahorra, Santo Domingo de la Calzada and Saint Mary of the Roundin Logrono. This last Built between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, it has the title of co-cathedral.
One of its main attractions, without a doubt it is the precious and impressive picture of The Calvary, Made by Miguel Ángel Buonarrotti himself. This is a piece that to date has no parallel in Spain.
Co-Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada
Now let’s talk about the Co-Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Although it was built in 1158, long before there were temples here where it is located, before there was a primitive church from the Romanesque era that was built under the invocation of the Savior and Santa María.
The works were directed by the master Garçion, one of the most important architects of the XNUMXth century. With the passage of time, different reforms and some rehabilitations have been made, although it is still possible to see many of its original details.
They can be seen inside its facilities, as well as its facade, different architectural styles, as a result of these renovations ranging from Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic. This co-cathedral also stands out for having a external bell tower separated from the building.
It was declared Historic-Artistic Monument in 1931, belonging to the National Artistic Treasure.
Burgos cathedral
Declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984 and it is the only cathedral in Spain with this title. In addition, it is one of the largest you will find on the Camino Frances, and is recognized as the first Gothic temple built in the Crown of Castile.
It is especially famous for its spiers that crown each of the towers. Its construction began in 1221 and it was finally consecrated in 1260. Before all this, right here there was another Romanesque-style cathedral that was built between 1080 and 1095.
Leon Cathedral
Its official name is Cathedral Santa María de Regla de León. It is a clear example of Gothic style. It has an extra share of beauty and uniqueness, where the French influence can be seen everywhere.
Headquarters of the diocese of León, it is considered as one of the most slender in Spain. This is due to the reduction, almost to a minimum, of its walls, giving way to wonderful stained glass windows. In addition to giving light, they also give it an extra share of originality and beauty.
Its origins go hand in hand with those of the city of León. Since the time of the Legio VII Gemina, there were religious temples on this land. Even during some reform work, some remains of some Roman baths dating from the XNUMXnd century were found here.
It was not until the 1844th century that the current construction formally began under the mandate of King Alfonso IX. In XNUMX, the Cathedral of León was declared a National Monument, being the first in Spain to receive this distinction.
Over time it has undergone different reforms, restorations and rehabilitations, many of which are still maintained today.
Astorga Cathedral
Beautiful and with a fairly long past. In fact, in the During the time of Fernando I, there was a Cathedral here. The current one is developed in a pure Gothic style and was built in 1471. Over time, different extensions and reforms have also been made, especially in the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, applying a style a little more towards Baroque and Renaissance.
Highlights your precious main facade, considered a true jewel of the Leonese baroque. This building has the particularity of being oriented to the northeast, something unusual than usual, which is to the east, in the direction of the Holy Land. The altarpiece of the main altar is undoubtedly one of its most striking elements, as precious as it is practically inexplicable.
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
The last, but possibly the most iconic. the start of its construction dates back to 1075. However, its consecration did not take place until 1128.
If we could describe it in two words, it would undoubtedly be impressive and beautiful. With a combination of styles between romanesque and baroque, is worthy of admiration with its Porch of Glory which was sculpted by the master Mateo.
It has been a point of arrival for millions of pilgrims for hundreds of years. Here without a doubt, apart from doing the arrival rituals, it is also worth visiting the museum, the rooftops and, of course, the tomb of the Apostle Santiago.
And up to here. if you have done more trips to the Camino de Santiago organized These masterpieces of the main cities of your trip will remain in your retina.