Santiago de Compostela, Galicia

Santiago de Compostela (On-line image). Available <http://p.vtourist.com/1142400-The_Cathedral_at_night-Santiago_de_Compostela.jpg> February 13, 2007

Santiago de Compostela (On-line image). Available <http://www.hotelsancarlos.net/imagenes/secciones/enlaces/catedral2.jpg> February 13, 2007

Questions about Santiago de Compostela?

Name - Why is it called what it is called? Named after someone? Word origin?

It's called what it's called because the cathedral was built in the city of Santiago de Compostela. It was named after Saint James a famous christian who preached the message of Christ. One possible translation of it could mean St.James of the Stars, since it is a tomb of St.James and compostela means of the stars.

People- Famous people associated with this landmark? Who built it? Who lived there? Who died there? Who is buried there?

This cathedral is associtatd with St. James, who carried the message of Christ to the Celtics. This cathedral was built under the reign of Alfonso VI of Castile. The cathedral was made sacred in 1129 in the presence of Alfonzo XI of Leon. The cathedral was built by Bernard the elder,Rotbertus, Esteban, and was finished by Bernard the younger. It was built over the tomb of St. James.

Time period- When was it built?  How long did it take to complete?  Dates of important events?  Any relevant history attached to this monument?

Construction was started in 1075 and was finished in 1122. Therefore it took 47 years to complete and was built under the reign of two different kings. It is considered with great esteem to the people of Galicia because it is a great monument. Also it was built over an earlier church that was destroyed in the 990's by Muslim invaders who burned it to the ground.

History- Present/Past- What is it now?What was it then?  Why did it change?  has history changed its use and why?

Santiago de Compostela was first built as a shrine and tomb for St.James where a shepherd found his bones and spotted a star overhead. It has been the pilgrimage destination of thousands of Europeans for 1000 years. Over the years it has also been a church and in the past had a university added to it

Regional Importance - How does this landmark reflect or help define the culture of this region and/or Spain as a whole?

This landmark helps define the culture of Galicia of that of a glorious one with lots of history associated with it. It also is evidence of foreign visitors that destroyed the previous church that was built before it and how they overcame such difficulties and persevered to build a new church. It is also a symbol of Christianity that is the religion of Spain since it is a cathedral of a famous Christian saint.