Santiago de Compostela - The History Of The Lighthouse of Spirituality

Millions of people from across the globe have walked the legendary path that is the Camino de Santiago, and ended their journey at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Let's take a look at how the city of Santiago de Compostela, the lighthouse of spirituality, was founded.

The Burial Site Of St James

The origin of Santiago de Compestela is strongly linked to the discovery of the remains of St James, who was allegedly buried at the site where the Cathedral of Santiago now stands.

Prior to the discovery of St James's remains, the area was once known as Mount Libredon, home to a small Roman settlement which remained until the seventh century.  A mausoleum was present next to the settlement, which was believed to house the remains of St James.

The Discovery

It was not until the ninth century when a hermit, Palo, reported seeing "lights" or "stars" around the ruins of the settlement. Upon hearing the hermit's story, the Bishop from neighbouring Iris Favia (modern-day Padron) examined the ruins, and declared them to be the final resting place of St James. He reported his findings to the Alfonso II, the monarch of the kingdom of Asturias and Galicia.

Upon learning of the discovery, the King became the first-ever Pilgrim, by walking the Camino de Santiago (the route which would later become known as the Camino Primitivo, the most ancient Camino de Santiago).

The Founding Of Santiago De Compostela

Upon his arrival, King Alfonso founded the first church and monastery, to house the monks who would be responsible for guarding the remains of St James. This monastery was named after San Palo and is still standing today, close to the Cathedral, although it is currently inhabited by nuns.

As news of the miracle spread and Pilgrims flocked to the area, King Alfonso returned to Santiago and ordered that a second, larger temple be built. The foundations of the Cathedral de Santiago were laid.

Yet the founding of Cathedral, which would become known as the spiritual lighthouse of Europe and bring great riches to the city, suffered a severe setback in the guise of Almanzor, the Muslim leader of Andalusia. Knowing the prize that Santiago would become, he and his army razored the city to the ground in 997, although he did respect the tomb of St James.

The Construction Of Santiago De Compostela Cathedral

Following this event, the centre of Santiago was reconstructed, and work on the Romanesque Cathedral began again in 1075.

Many historians believe that the City and legend of St James made a great leap forward in the 12th century. As the construction of the Cathedral continued unabated, with the publication of the Codex Calixtinus, the first Pilgrim guidebook, thousands of Pilgrims flocked to the city after walking what is now known as The French Way.

The Cathedral was finally consecrated in 1211, in what is now known as the golden age of the pilgrimage to Compostela. Several orders and convents sprung up, such as Santa Clara and Belvis. The inhabitants of the City made their living providing services to the Pilgrims.

The Founding Of The University & Centre Of Learning

In the 14th and 15th centuries, due to the poor economic period of the times, the city created a school for the poor which laid the foundations for the University and Academic centre, one of the oldest in the world.  The University is still one of the great pillars of life in Santiago de Compostela.

The Fall And Rise Of A Pilgrimage

By the 17th century, Santiago was still a vibrant lighthouse of spirituality, due to the number of religious houses that had been founded around the city. Urban development continued, and additional works were completed on the Cathedral—The altar was transformed, the Holy Door was opened, and the temple was finally completed, with its great Baroque facade leading into Obradoiro Square.

As the years passed, the popularity of the Pilgrimage began to wane, and Santiago lost the power and the influence it had once enjoyed.

However, in 1879, they rediscovered the relics of St James, which had been lost after being hidden for their safekeeping.  A further search was carried out, and the alleged bones of St James were found in the Chapel of Magdalena.  Their authenticity was confirmed by Pope Leon XIII.

It was not until the 20th century that Santiago de Compostela's fortunes began to rise again. Santiago was confirmed to be an important spiritual, political, and academic centre with the city being elected host of the Xunta de Galicia (Galician Government).  The city was designated as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1985.  The number of Pilgrims began to rise and Santiago, once again, became a lighthouse for spirituality.

To this day, Santiago de Compostela continues to be a lighthouse for all of the Pilgrims that walk the sacred path of the Camino de Santiago ending at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.