Museo de Arte Sacro

Santiago de Compostela


The Sacred Art Museum, accessed through the church of the Mosteiro de San Paio de Antealtares, contains the Ara (Altar) de Antealtares, the original altar (a recycled Roman funerary plaque) raised over Santiago's relics. The church itself is of relatively simple design, except for its main altar, a frenzy of gilded baroque. You can stop by at 8pm (7.30pm Saturday and Sunday) to hear the nuns singing vespers.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Santiago de Compostela attractions

1. Mosteiro de San Paio de Antealtares

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The long, stark wall of the Mosteiro de San Paio de Antealtares faces the cathedral's east end across Praza da Quintana. Founded by Alfonso II in the 9th…

2. Praza da Quintana

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Broad Praza da Quintana opens up outside the cathedral's eastern end. The cathedral's Puerta Santa here is opened only in holy years: it's flanked by 24…

3. Puerta Santa

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The cathedral's Puerta Santa, giving access to the cathedral from Praza da Quintana, is opened only in holy years (2021, 2027). Constructed between 1611…

4. Museo de San Martiño Pinario

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The enormous church of the huge baroque Benedictine monastery of San Martiño Pinario is open to visitors as part of a museum that's well worth a visit…

5. Praza da Inmaculada

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On the cathedral's north side, this is where most pilgrims arriving in Santiago first set eyes on the cathedral. Opposite looms the huge, austerely…

6. Museo das Peregrinacións e de Santiago

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The brightly displayed Museum of Pilgrimages and Santiago gives fascinating insights into the phenomenon of Santiago (man, city and pilgrimage) down the…

7. Praza das Praterías

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'Silversmiths' Square' is centred on an elegant 1825 fountain, the Fuente de los Caballos, a popular photo op, with the cath­edral's Romanesque south…

8. Fuente de los Caballos

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The plaza on the cathedral's south side focuses on Fuente de los Caballos fountain (1825), a popular photo op, with four elegant horses surmounted by a…