Entering the Cathedral of Santiago alongside the pilgrim masses after walking the Camino is truly magical. But being able to cross through the Holy Door is an even more unique experience that you will always remember.
If you are lucky enough to arrive to Santiago de Compostela while this Door is open, your pilgrimage will end on a high note. But before you get there, let’s dig into everything this Door means for pilgrims.
What Is The Holy Door?
The Holy Door (“Porta Santa” in Galician) is simply an alternative access point to the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela on Praza do Obradoiro. But there are several important reasons this doorway is special.
It is a symbol of the Camino de Santiago, just like the scallop shell or the yellow arrow!
Clergy from the Cathedral de Santiago close the door from the inside, and it remains closed most of the time. The Holy Door only opens during a Holy Year, which occurs on 25 July, when the Feast of the Apostle falls on a Sunday. On 31 December, the Door closes again until the next Xacobeo year.
Why Is The Holy Door So Important For Pilgrims?
According to Jacobean tradition, pilgrims who walk to Santiago de Compostela during a Holy Year and pass through this special Door into the Santiago Cathedral are forgiven all their sins.
Pope Calixto II started this tradition, now called a plenary indulgence.
By walking through this Door, the pilgrim arrives almost directly at the main altar where the tomb of Santiago is. Here, they can perform the popular pilgrim ritual of embracing the Apostle.
Are There More Holy Doors?
There are many Holy Doors around the world. Some have been Holy Doors for hundreds of years, others are granted this status for special reasons.
The one in Santiago de Compostela is one of the three Holy Doors in Spain – and also the most important and well-known due to the association with Saint James!
Where Can I Find It?
The Holy Door of the Catedral Santiago de Compostela is at the back of the building and is accessed from the Plaza de la Quintana.
Architects painstakingly crafted religious scenes around the historic doorway. An Image of Santiago (St James) with his disciples stands over the top of the door, and many smaller carved figures are on either side of the door.
When Will It Open Again?
Once the Holy Door closes by the end of 2022, it will remain closed until the next Xacobeo year – in 2027.
If you don’t want to miss your chance to walk through this door – contact us and book your Camino before the end of the Holy Year!
