Santiago de Compostela is the 3rd most visited place by catholics in the world. Over 250 thousand people from all over the world go to the city by foot following the many paths through Europe that lead there. They go there to ask for miracles, to perform their faith or even to find spirituality - some people also go only for tourism, because the city is really beautiful and intresting.
This attraction of people is motivated by Santiago's tumb, which is inside the city's Cathedral. It is said that in the 12th century the body of Tiago (or Saint James, in English), one of Christs apostle's was found there, brought by fisherman. Since then, people started peregrinating to the city and a great Cathedral was built there.
Inside the Cathedral you'll find many chapels devoted to other saints, but the most important part of it is in its main altar, where Santiago's tumb is. There's also a rock statue for the saint, covered in a precious cloak from the 13th century.
The tradition say if you embrace the statue and its cloak your wishes and prayers will come true. Under the altar, you can also visit the crypt that keeps Saint James' body.
Religious cerimonies also happen inside the Cathedral. The most important of them is on sunday morning, when the preist and bishop receive the peregrins with many prayers and incense. There is a major botafumeiro in the church that is used to bless those who accomplish the Santiago paths.
The Cathedral is a must see being a christian or not. It is really amazing to see people from all over the world getting united there for a common faith. And the city is a very cute place as well.
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