James the Apostle from 70. The legendary path of St. James. The beginning of the veneration of the holy apostle

"there was information on the so-called" Star Road". I wrote that when I got acquainted with this Star Road, my brain worked in the “stop and look closely” mode. In this part, I walked along the Star Road, collecting pebbles. There were a lot of pebbles, it is quite possible that some pebbles I I lost sight of, I noticed some pebbles, but did not collect them (The path passes through the territory of Southern France, Occitanie, Languedoc, this is one of the supports of Qatar. Most likely, the Templars at one time controlled this pilgrimage route.) I left these pebbles for those who, perhaps like me, want to follow this path. There will be a lot of photographic material in this topic, in my opinion, without photos there is no way here, because this is a kind of journey along the path of St. James, you need to see it at least somehow, at least through photographs. I also draw your attention to the fact that the article is written a little differently from how I usually write, usually I comment and analyze as I go. In this article, first I will exclusively present official information, and only after that, I analyze and comment. Thank GOD for giving me the opportunity to work on this part, which I initially did not even plan, and how well I did it is not for me to judge.

LEGEND.

Apostle James (the Elder) was born in Palestine. He was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and she was the sister of Mary (mother of Jesus). Jacob and his younger brother John were engaged in fishing, like their father. Subsequently, the brothers became close disciples of Jesus Christ and, together with the Apostle Peter, were awarded the special grace of the Teacher - to be chosen from the elect, and Jesus more than once revealed to them his divine essence.

According to legend, after the descent of the Holy Spirit, Christ's disciples dispersed to different countries to bring the Good News to the world. And the Apostle James went to the Roman province of Hispania on the Iberian Peninsula to preach the Gospel. At first it was difficult with the pagans, but by invoking the Virgin Mary, who appeared to them, the seeds of Christianity were sown in the noble Spanish soil.

Then Jacob returned to Jerusalem, where what Jesus promised came true - Jacob was destined to drink his cup of suffering in the name of faith - he became the first Apostle to suffer martyrdom for preaching the Resurrection. In 44 AD the grandson of Herod the Great, King Agrippa, who hated Christians, ordered Jacob to be seized and his head cut off.

After the execution, the Apostle's disciples secretly took his body and went by sea to the Iberian Peninsula, where James had previously preached. The boat miraculously washed up on the shores of Galicia, at the mouth of the Ulya River (where the city of Santiago de Compostela is now located). There, pious Christians transferred the relics to the city of Iria Flavia (modern El Padron). And here history loses its course due to constant raids by barbarians and enmity with the Moors, who dominated the south of the peninsula.

Several centuries have passed. And only in 813, following a bright star in the sky, the sarcophagus with the incorruptible relics of the Apostle was discovered by the hermit monk Pelayo. By order of the Asturian king Alfonso II the Modest and Bishop Teomidoro, at the beginning of the 9th century, the first small church was erected over the tomb of St. James, and this place was named Compostela (from the Latin Campus Stellae - field (place) of the star).

Since then, the Apostle James has been the holy protector and patron of Spain, as well as all pilgrims and travelers. And the city of Compostela (now Santiago de Compostela) became a special shrine of Spain, as well as the entire Catholic world.

JACOB IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.

James, along with his brother and apostle Peter, was the closest disciple of Jesus. Together with Peter and John, he witnessed the resurrection of Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:37; Luke 9:51). Only they Jesus made witnesses of his Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1; Mark 9:2 and Luke 9:28) and the Battle of Gethsemane (Mark 14:33).

Matthew 17:1-9

1 And when six days had passed, Jesus took Peter, James and John , his brother, and led them up a high mountain alone,

2 And he was transfigured before them: and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.

3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.

4 At this Peter said to Jesus: Lord! It’s good for us to be here; If you want, we will make three tabernacles here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.

5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and behold, a voice from the cloud said: This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; Listen to him.

6 And when the disciples heard, they fell on their faces and were very afraid.

7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Rise up and do not be afraid.”

8 Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus.

9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus rebuked them, saying, Tell no one about this vision until the Son of Man rises from the dead.

Mark 14:32-36

32 They came to a village called Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, Sit here while I pray.
33 And he took with him Peter, James and John ; and began to be horrified and sad.
34 And he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful unto death; stay here and watch.
35 And going a little further, he fell to the ground and prayed that, if possible, this hour would pass from Him;
36 and said: Abba Father! everything is possible for You; carry this cup past Me; but not what I want, but what You want.

THE WAY OF SAINT JACOB.

Way of Saint James, El Camino de Santiago (Spanish: El Camino de Santiago) is the famous pilgrimage road to the supposed tomb of the Apostle James in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela, the main part of which lies in Northern Spain. Due to its popularity and ramifications, this route had a great influence on the spread of cultural achievements in the Middle Ages. It is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city of Santiago de Compostela, where this path leads, is the third most important shrine of Catholicism, second only to Jerusalem and Rome. The reason for this veneration, which gave the city the nickname " Christian Mecca" - the greatest relic of Spain, the relics of the Apostle James, the country's heavenly patron.

Compostela attracted pilgrims from all over Europe. Believers from France, Portugal, England, Ireland, Poland and other countries followed the Way of St. James. The popularity of the Way of St. James in the Middle Ages was facilitated by the fact that it combined many local pilgrimages, that is, the path was laid out so that the pilgrim could visit the most revered shrines (the relics of St. Faith, Mary Magdalene, Hilary, Fronto, St. Leonard, St. Gilles , Saint Eutropius and others).

Pilgrims going to Compostela at night were guided by the Milky Way, which in Spain is also called the “road of St. James”. According to legend, the saint painted it in the sky to show Charlemagne the way to the Saracens.

The emblem of Saint James is the image shells. Shells were a distinctive sign of pilgrims who entered the Way of St. James, sewn, for example, on clothes. Images shells decorate buildings and roads along the entire route.

I'll look at some points along the route.

City Pontevedra, is located on the Portuguese section of the route.

Pontevedra (Galician Pontevedra [ˌpɔnteˈβɛ.ðɾa], Spanish Pontevedra) is a city and municipality in Spain, the administrative center of the province of the same name. The municipality is part of the district (comarca) of Pontevedra. Covers an area of 117 km². One of the symbols of the city is the Church of St. Peregrine. It is made in the shape of a shell. The construction of this church began in the 18th century, it is one of the main symbols of Pontevedra and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who, according to legend, accompanied pilgrims from Bayona to Santiago de Compostela. In the church you can find an image Our Lady of La Peregrina, patroness of the province of Pontevedra and the Portuguese Way. The building follows the shape of a seashell, which is a symbol of pilgrimage. The architectural style is designated as late baroque with elements of neoclassicism.

There is also a small interesting point in the title. Most sources mention the name Pilgrim Church (Iglesia de la Peregrina). Although the title iglesia de la Virgen Peregrina, for some reason it's missing Virgen. This word has different meanings, for example: untouched, undefiled, virgin, pristine, unspoiled, chaste, unprocessed. Virgin Mary (la Virgen).

There is also a . It was built in the 16th century. commissioned by the guild of merchants and sailors.

Built in the 16th century in Gothic style with elements of the Portuguese Manueline style, inspired by maritime themes and the Age of Discovery, the church was erected by the guild of common sailors of Pontevedra. The western façade of the church is decorated with busts of Christopher Columbus and the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. At the side entrance to the basilica there is a cross, in front of which sailors received a blessing before a long journey.

City Burgos. Burgos (Spanish: Burgos) is the former capital of Castile, now a city and municipality in Spain. It is part of the province of Burgos, part of the region (comarca) of Alfos de Burgos and the autonomous community of Castile and Leon.

Medieval Burgos had 12 gates. The Arch of Santa Maria, built in the 14th-15th centuries, has reached us. and then rebuilt in white limestone in 1536-53. In the niches of the arch you can see human figures. The centerpiece is Diego Rodriguez Porcelos. It is Diego Rodriguez who is considered the founder of the city. This happened in 884.

The Cathedral of Burgos is dedicated to the image of the Holy Virgin Mary, and today it is the third largest Catholic church in Spain. Construction of the cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady began on the site of a Romanesque church in 1221 by order of the Castilian king Ferdinand III - he himself laid the first stone on the site of a Romanesque church. The architects who built the temple were guided by French models; first of all, to the Parisian church of the Abbey of Saint-Denis, borrowing from there many constructive solutions.

The monastery was founded in 1189 by King Alfonso VIII of Castile, and is considered one of the largest in all of Spain. Today, the monastery is part of the national heritage and a pantheon, where the remains of the Castilian kings are buried. At the monastery there is a museum of medieval fabrics of Burgos (el Museo de Telas Medievales de Burgos). It also houses the famous Moorish banner of the Almohad Caliphate, captured as a trophy at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa - a pivotal battle for the liberation of Spain from the rule of the Caliphate.

Carrion de los Condes.

Carrion de los Condes (Spanish: Carrión de los Condes) is a city and municipality in Spain, part of the province of Palencia as part of the autonomous community of Castile and Leon. The municipality is part of the district (comarca) of Tierra de Campos. Church Our Lady of Bethlehem:

Processions in honor of Our Lady:

Here’s what they write about this city: “20 km from Fromista on the Santiago road is the city of Carrion de los Condes, which was once an important stage of the pilgrimage road: there were over a dozen hospitals and churches for pilgrims. The city still preserves many monuments of religious architecture. Of particular interest is the church of the late 11th century. Santa Maria del Camino with a Romanesque frieze depicting a scene of the adoration of the Magi and a painting dedicated to the miracle of the rescue of 100 Spanish virgins from the Moors. The Church of Santa Maria del Camino was the first in the city to welcome pilgrims who came to venerate the relics of St. James - the famous French Way ran past it. Once upon a time, another church, built in the Romanesque style, stood in its place, but the dilapidation of the structure required intervention. As a result, practically nothing remained of the old building except the foundation and small fragments of walls. Instead, the church that we see today appeared.

Saint Jean Pied de Port.

French Basque city, on the banks of the Nive. The history of the city is very deeply connected with the history of the Path. In the Middle Ages, many pilgrims from all over Europe met in Saint-Jean to face the dangers of the Pyrenees together.

Attractions:

Citadel (XVII century),
Prison of Bishops de L'EVEK (XIII century),
Notre-Dame du Bout du Pont (Nuestra Señora de la Puente del Cabeza, 13th century).
At the exit from the old town there is a Gothic Church of Eglise Notre Dame.
Further in the distance, to the left of the Path, on a steep rock formation, you can barely see small statue of Mary (Virge de Biakarri or d "Orrson).

Roncesvalles.

The city, like Cebreiro, is one of the oldest places on the pilgrimage route. Located in the Western Pyrenees, next to the Roncesvalles Gorge. Here, on August 15, 778, the Basques, who were allies of the Arabs, destroyed the rearguard of Charlemagne’s troops, who retreated after the unsuccessful siege of Zaragoza, and killed the Military Leader Roland (“The Song of Roland”).

Attractions:

Collegiate Church of Santa Maria(13/14 c). The main altar with a Gothic figure of the Virgin Mary, which the Spaniards call “Our Lady of Roncesvalles”.
Chapel de San Augustin (17th century), in which the ashes of King Sancho VII now rest.
The pilgrims' office is located on the first floor of the old library (15,000 items).
Monastery.
The Gothic church of Iglesia de Santiago (13th century) and the pilgrimage chapel - Capilla del Espiritu Santo (12th century), built by Charlemagne. Knights killed in battle are buried here, and since the Middle Ages it has served as a cemetery for pilgrims.

Navarrete.

Navarrete is a small town (population about 3 thousand people), located at the foot of the hill. The main attraction is the church of La Asuncion de Navarrete, the construction of which began in 1553 and was completed in 1645. This is a huge temple with a shining golden altar.

Logroño.

Capital of Rioja. Sights: Cathedral Santa Maria de la Redonda(15th/18th century) with a Baroque façade and two towers.
Iglesia Imperial de Santa Maria de Palacio built in the (11th/12th century). Its pointed pyramid-shaped tower is a symbol of the city; residents call it “igla” - Agija.

Najera where the monastery is located Santa Maria la Real with burials of members of the royal families of Navarre, Leon and Castile.

In the village Belorado is located built in the 16th century. church St. Mary's.

In the village San Juan de Ortega there is a monastery church of the same name, according to legend, built in the 12th century. St. himself Juan, who helped the pilgrims a lot, building temples, roads and bridges for them. Here you can see the carved Romanesque sarcophagus of St. Juan and a beautiful Gothic canopy given by Queen Isabella I in gratitude to the saint for fulfilling her prayers for conception. Since then, the church has been a place of pilgrimage for childless women. On the days of the equinox, a unique phenomenon can be observed in the temple - a “miracle of the world”: at a certain time of the day, a ray of sunlight falls on the capital with the scene of the Annunciation, illuminating the figure of the Virgin Mary.

Boadilla del Camino. The landscapes along this section of the route are distinguished by an abundance of interesting dovecotes of various shapes and sizes. In the village itself, pilgrims visit a church built in the 16th century. church Santa Maria de la Asuncion with a beautiful stone font from the 14th century. Nearby is a medieval stone cross (Rollo de Justicia), richly decorated with images of a scallop and other pilgrimage symbols.

Fromista- a city famous for its churches in a strict Romanesque style. One of the best churches on the French Road has been preserved here - the Church of San Martin (11th century). It is the only completely preserved Romanesque temple built on the pilgrimage route. The second major architectural monument is the church Santa Maria del Castillo, which today hosts a multimedia exhibition dedicated to the legends of the Way of Santiago and the history of Fromista.

Santiago de Compostela.

The city is the end point of the Road of St. Jacob, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the city's buildings, the Santiago Cathedral is of particular interest - an outstanding example of Spanish Romanesque architecture. (around 1080-1211); aka “Portic of Glory”; V In the 17th and 18th centuries, the façade was rebuilt in Baroque style. Behind the cathedral are two 16th-century monasteries: San Martin Pinario and San Pelayo.

Cathedral of St. James.

Plan of the cathedral.

Cathedral of St. James has four different facades: central, northern, eastern and southern. The central façade of the cathedral bears the same name as the square it overlooks - El Obradoiro. Built in the Baroque style in the 18th century by the architect Fernando de Cassas i Novoa, it contains features from different eras. The northern facade of the Cathedral of St. James - Azabacheria - was built in the second half of the 18th century. Its architecture clearly reflected the transition from the Baroque era to neoclassicism. The eastern façade of the cathedral is called Quintana, also named after the square it overlooks. It was completed in the second half of the 17th century in the Baroque style, but, from an aesthetic point of view, suffered greatly from constant reconstruction from the 12th to the 17th centuries. The south facade of Platerias was built in 1075 in the Romanesque style and is the oldest of the facades of St. James's Cathedral. It features a covered entrance with finely crafted Romanesque arches.

The visiting card of the Cathedral of St. Jacob's is attached to the Romanesque temple 18th century baroque façade.

One of the main attractions of the cathedral is the world's largest censer, the “botafumeiro” (“emitting smoke”), the size of a man, suspended directly from the ceiling. It has been used in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela for 700 years! The censer weighs 80 kg and is driven by swinging by eight servants in red robes - its speed reaches 60 km/h. It takes 40 kg of coal and incense to fill this censer!

Outside the cathedral.

Inside the cathedral.

Relics of Saint James.

There is simply a wonderful story with the relics.

The relics of the saint rest in a silver shrine in the crypt, which survived from the temple of the times of Alfonso the Great. In 1589, they were hidden from the English “anti-Armada”, so carefully that they could not be found later. The relics were discovered only in January 1879; Five years later, their authenticity was confirmed by Pope Leo XIII himself. And in 1895, a manuscript found in the cathedral was published - the codex of Calixtus II, attributed to the pen of the pontiff of the same name and containing valuable information about the construction of the temple.

ANALYSIS OF THE LEGEND.

This is where my official information on this topic ends, I’ll move on to analysis. To begin with, I will look from the point of view of an outside observer who has not heard or knows anything about symbolism. I walk along the path, at almost every point, where the Virgin Mary is revered, churches and chapels are built, bridges are named in her honor, festive processions are held, and when I come to the end point of the route, I see the figure of St. James there. Even from the point of view of an outside observer, this is quite strange, I’m not even talking about miraculous legends in which only miracles happen. Miraculously, the boat with the relics washed up on the shores of Spain, miraculously a star pointed to the relics and they were found, miraculously the relics were found after their three-hundred-year absence!!! Well, since Pope Leo XIII himself confirmed it... is it possible to doubt the words of the Pope?

That’s what’s interesting, after all, there are people who are not stupid, they are interested, they are trying to get to the bottom of it, they have already found that the Virgin Mary is connected with the shell. Orthodoxy helped: THE CANON OF THANKS WITH THE AKATHIST TO THE HOLY MORTAR.

True, all this is connected with the flight of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus from King Herod. Allegedly, she fled to Spain, and that’s where it all came from, the shell, the veneration of the Virgin Mary in those places.

First, a couple of quotes for those who may be reading this article, but are unfamiliar or unfamiliar with the author’s work.

In the human world, not everything that appears black is black. And not everything that appears white is white. The perception of color comes from the inner.

The desire to know the truth is certainly commendable. But remember, as you increase knowledge, you also increase sorrow.

Who was Saint James son of Zebedee? According to the official interpretation, which I gave at the beginning, he, along with his brother John and Peter, was a kind of “special” disciple of Christ, a close one.

And John was the youngest son of the Galilean fisherman Zebedee, the favorite of his mother Salome - the daughter of the same Joseph for whom Mary, the mother of Jesus, once worked...

Joseph's daughter? - Nikolai Andreevich asked in surprise. - That is, it turns out that Salome was the sister of Jacob, Judah. So, John... is this all one family?

Yes. John was simply one of the close relatives of Joseph’s family, who at first mocked Mary in every possible way, using her as a slave, then they threw mud at Jesus, and then earned a lot of money from His glory.

Elder brother... younger brother... one family... here you have “close, special students.”

Let's move on to symbolism. Anastasia Novykh "AllatRa":

Anastasia: By the way, returning to the conversation about the peculiarities of the architecture of temples among the peoples of the world using basic symbols, including pearls... Just as in Christian churches there is an altar part of the building oriented to the East in the form of a semicircular niche, so in Muslim mosques there is a special semicircular niche - mihrab (Arabic word “michr'ab” - “direction of prayer”). It is focused on the location of the holy Muslim city of Mecca (located on the Arabian Peninsula in South-West Asia), where one of the main Muslim shrines, a cube-shaped structure - the Kaaba, is located. So, this niche is decorated with ornamental carvings, paintings, and inlays. And its inner dome is often shaped in the form of a shell - a symbol of the place where a precious spiritual pearl is stored.

Rigden: Right. This design is understandable, since Muslims have many legends about the pearl; they distinguish it as a special symbol. For example, according to the saying of the Prophet Muhammad, the world was created from the White Pearl. According to Muslim beliefs, the Almighty created the White Pearl, the thickness of which was seven heavens and seven earths combined. When God called the Pearl to Himself, it trembled all over from His call, so much so that it turned into flowing Water. Of all the creations that, at some time of the day or night, one way or another, interrupt their praise to the Almighty, only she, being already Water, never for a moment ceased to bring glory to the Creator, constantly agitating and foaming. Therefore, God gave her superiority over the others, making her the source and beginning of life for all living things. This is how all living things were made from Water. And in order to carry this precious Water, the Almighty created Wind (Air), endowing it with “countless multitudes” of wings.
Therefore, as a rule, this sacred niche is filled with many symbols. She was associated with the Blessed Virgin, the Immaculate Soul. Previously, a burning lamp was hung inside the mihrab, since the divine presence in the world or in a person was likened to the light from a lamp. A lamp in glass, and the glass is like a pearl star, is a symbol of “Light in the world.”

Anastasia: Regarding symbols, the composition of the prayer rug (namazlyk) among the Turkic-speaking peoples who profess Islam is also quite interesting. In his conventionally ornamental carpet design, he often imitates the mihrab of a particular region.

Figure 78. Symbolic images in Islam :

1). shell-shaped vault of the mihrab niche (Great columned mosque-cathedral of the Mezquita, considered one of the largest in the world; 785 - early 11th century; Cordoba, Spain);
2). prayer rug (Turkish namazlik); art of Turkic-speaking peoples professing Islam.

Rigden: By the way, there are also basically all the same symbols and signs that exist in the cultures and religions of many other peoples: octahedrons, hexagons, rhombuses, squares, oblique crosses and so on... In general, a shell with a pearl in ancient times was a symbol of the Soul , the creative divine feminine. She was an attribute of many female deities and their names, a symbol of the sacred water element. The latter, as I already mentioned, meant a habitat different from the earthly one, qualitatively different for human understanding. However, all living things happened, depended on her and needed her. The Bible contains a mention of the words of Jesus Christ, in which he explains what the Kingdom of Heaven is like (Gospel of Matthew chapter 13, verse 45-46): “The Kingdom of Heaven is also like a merchant looking for good pearls, who, having found one pearl of great price, went and sold everything he had, and he acquired it.”

For example, the name Margarita (pearl) comes from the epithets of the goddess Aphrodite, who, according to ancient Greek mythology, was born as a result of a virgin conception and emerged from sea foam in a shell like a shining pearl. And the name Marina (“sea”) comes from the epithets “shining”, “Mother of the pearl” of the ancient Roman goddess Venus (Latin word “veneris” - “love”), who was identified with Aphrodite. One of her symbols was a dove. Why in early Christian art, which originated in the Roman Empire, there were images of the Virgin Mary with a shell above her head, as a symbol of bringing the “Divine Pearls”. It should be noted that The name Mary in the Roman Empire was associated with the traditional concept of the goddess of Love for the peoples living there - “shining”, “Mother of the pearl” ! And not “sad,” “rejected,” and certainly not “bitterness,” as the Jewish priests later presented its name to the masses.

The temple was built on the site of an ancient Celtic sanctuary. The Celtic stones that lie near the temple are called the petrified remains of the Virgin Mary's boat.

Now I will try to analyze the point related to orientation along the path. According to legend, pilgrims navigated along the Milky Way. I will assume that the ancient pilgrims were guided not by the Milky Way, but by the star Sirius.

In the Northern Hemisphere, it is convenient to observe it around midnight in July, at 10 pm in August or at 8 pm in September, when the Northern Cross of the Cygnus constellation is near the zenith. As we follow the Milky Way's shimmering streak north or northeast, we pass the W-shaped constellation Cassiopeia and head toward the bright star Capella. Beyond the Chapel, you can see how the less wide and bright part of the Milky Way passes just east of Orion's Belt and leans towards the horizon not far from Sirius - the brightest star in the sky.

The pilgrims looked at the horizon line and saw one of the brightest stars there, the star Sirius, guided by it, they walked in that direction. (This is just my guess). But the star Sirius is connected with another woman who, like Mary who brought the “Divine Pearl”, once provided spiritual help to people. This is Isis.

I will repeat another interesting point: “According to historians, Even the pagans considered Finisterra the end of the earth and the world. According to tradition, the pilgrims who reached it, They burn their clothes and shoes on the shore.".

Those. ancient pilgrims, guided by the star, went to the place that was considered the end of the world and, having arrived there, burned their clothes and shoes. Of course, this is already a ritual, shamanic dances, but any ritual has meaning.

In complete silence, I once again re-read the introduction to the book. AllatRa. This, one might say, is a separate work, with one peculiarity, it cannot be analyzed, it is useless. It simply helps answer a question that is difficult for many, although the question itself is very simple: “WHO AM I?”

“But it’s so difficult!” - many shout. No, it's not difficult. I've worn clothes many times. He walked with a stick along an endless road, feeding his flesh only with what he found. And he was a king, and ruled for a long time over nations that could not be counted. And every time my clothes pressed me, constrained me and interfered with my life. She was shaking with fear and hurt, and, like everyone else, at first she wanted a lot, until she was tamed. That wild beast from which all the clothes were woven fears only its owner - the Soul. But many Souls fear more than the beast, the Soul that prevents them from living, just as clothes prevent me from living. I cannot understand such people. Exchange all Eternity for a moment? What's the point? To suffer in the arms of the beast's skin, to serve pants that wear out day after day. And this is life? Life is endless! There is no suffering in it, it does not break, because it is impossible to wear out the Soul. But clothes have no House, there is only a closet where they are temporarily stored. Only the Soul has a true home! And it is the Soul, striving to where Eternity is, that gives birth to this feeling of Home, which a person has been looking for all his life.” Rigden Djappo

From the point of view of symbolism, the Path of Saint James is the path of the Spirit, the spiritual path of man, on which every person can take and walk this path, some faster, some slower. At the end of the path, if a person has completed this path to the end, he ceases to live materially, matter no longer plays a dominant role in his life, he “burns his clothes,” He lives by the Spirit. And it helps every person on this path in our time, Star-Maria!

THANK YOU, MARIA!

Prepared by: Igor

When starting a conversation about the Apostle James Zebedee, one of the 12 closest disciples and followers of Jesus Christ, you should pay attention to the fact that he is often confused with two other New Testament saints who bore this name. One of them was also a member of the Savior’s inner circle. In addition, Jacob was the name of the brother of Jesus Christ ─ the son of Joseph, born before his betrothal to the Virgin Mary. The error is especially noticeable when reading the troparion to the Apostle James Zebedee, as well as the prayer and akathist dedicated to him.

"Sons of Thunder"

The Gospels from Matthew (4:21) and Mark (1:19) describe the scene of the calling of the future apostles James Zebedee and his younger brother John the Theologian to serve by Jesus Christ. Both of them were the sons of the fisherman Zebedee and, like their father, they earned their living by throwing nets into the waters of the Sea of Galilee (modern name ─ For their impetuous and unbridled disposition, Jesus named the brothers Boanerges, which translated from Aramaic means “Sons of Thunder” .

The character traits that gave rise to such an unusual name are manifested in the episode described by the Evangelist Luke (9:54), when the brothers invite Jesus to bring down heavenly fire on the inhabitants of the Samoran village, who refused Him hospitality.

The same can be seen in the scene from the Gospel of Mark (10:35 ─ 37), where the holy Apostle James Zebedee and his brother ask the Teacher to give them places of honor in the Kingdom of Heaven. In both cases, the Lord treats the spiritual impulses of his disciples condescendingly, using their rashness and naivety as a reason for wise instruction.

Along with John the Theologian, Jacob Zebedee was one of the closest disciples and followers of Jesus Christ. It was them who He made witnesses of the three most important Gospel events ─ the resurrection of Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:37), the miraculous Transfiguration on the top (Matthew 17:1, Mark 9:2 and Luke 9:28) and the full dramatic scene in Gethsemane garden.

Preachers of Christ's teachings

We learn about the activities to which the Apostle James Zebedee devoted himself after the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ from the pages of another book included in the New Testament. It tells how, filled with the Holy Spirit, which descended on the apostles on the fiftieth day after the Ascension of Jesus (the Feast of Pentecost), he and the other disciples of Christ worked on the establishment of the first Christian communities.

To preach the word of God, each of them was destined for their own path. The Apostle James Zebedee, whose life was written shortly after his death, was engaged in missionary activity among the inhabitants of Spain, who at that time were drowning in the darkness of paganism. Returning then to Judea, the disciple of Jesus Christ continued to boldly declare Him as the Savior of the world, confirming his words with excerpts from the Holy Scriptures.

Preaching in the synagogues and squares of Jerusalem, he invariably attracted crowds of listeners. Many of them, heeding his simple and wise words that reached to the depths of their hearts, turned to a new faith and secretly received baptism from everyone. It was from them that the first communities subsequently emerged, thanks to which Christianity turned from a catacomb church into a leading world religion.

Conversion of the philosopher-magician to Christianity

The sermons preached by the Apostle James Zebedee often provoked an angry reaction from Orthodox Jews, whom he openly accused of hard-heartedness, pharisaism and unbelief, disguised as ostentatious piety. Not having sufficient theological knowledge to enter into public polemics with their enemy, the Jews hired a certain philosopher-magician named Hermogenes for a monetary reward.

He was instructed, in front of a large crowd of people, to convincingly refute the Gospel teaching about the coming of Christ the Savior into the world and about the Kingdom of Heaven awaiting all followers of the Church He created. Before the start of the theological debate, the Apostle James Zebedee had a conversation with the sorcerer’s disciple Philip, and he, having heard the full wise speeches of their future opponent, himself believed in Christ.

Hermogenes did not persist in his errors either. Having delved into the deep essence of the teaching preached by the apostle, he decisively renounced his previous beliefs, burned his ungodly books and, having received holy baptism, became one of the most ardent adherents of the Christian faith. This example is very significant, for it demonstrates the power of persuasion with which the Savior endowed His closest disciples.

Execution of a disciple of Christ

Sacred Tradition tells of the martyrdom, which in 44 A.D. became the crown of the earthly life of Jacob Zebedee. The enemies of the holy apostle, who remained deaf to his divinely inspired sermons, convinced King Herod Agrippa I, who ruled in those days, to arrest James, whom he hated, and put him on trial for trampling the foundations of the Jewish faith.

The trial was quick and unfair. The apostle, sentenced to death, even in the last minutes of his life, continued to testify to his executioners about the great mission of Jesus Christ. The angry king, drawing his sword, cut off his head with his own hands. This tragic episode is mentioned in the book “The Acts of the Apostles” (2:1-4). By the way, James Zebedee is the only apostle whose death is described in the New Testament.

The Last Journey of the Apostle James

Further, Holy Tradition says that after the execution, the remains of the holy martyr were, by order of King Herod Agrippa, placed in a boat, which was launched on the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. But the Lord did not allow the relics of His disciple to disappear without a trace.

After some time, driven by an unknown force, the boat safely reached the shores of Spain in the place where the fiery sermons of the Apostle James once sounded, and was thrown ashore by the waves. There she lay, hidden from human eyes, for several centuries.

The beginning of the veneration of the holy apostle

In 813, according to Tradition, a lonely hermit monk named Pelayo settled in that area. One day he had a certain vision in the form of a guiding star, showing the way to the ark with the incorruptible relics of the apostle. From that time on, their universal veneration began, and in 898, the Spanish king Alfonso III ordered the Temple of the Apostle James Zebedee to be erected on the site of the miraculous find.

According to historical documents of those years, it was only a small church standing on the seashore and open to all winds, but nevertheless a beginning was made, and in subsequent centuries this tradition continued in many Christian countries.

As an example, we can cite the Moscow Church of the Apostle James Zebedee in the Kazennaya Sloboda, the first chronicle mention of which dates back to 1620, that is, the period of the reign of the founder of the Romanov dynasty - Emperor Mikhail Fedorovich. Rebuilt many times, in accordance with the changing architectural features of different eras, it has come to us as a unique monument of church architecture. And today it regularly contains prayers and an akathist to the Apostle James Zebedee, whose memorial day the Orthodox Church celebrates on May 13 and July 13.

Under the protection of the heavenly patron

But let's return to Spain. Its inhabitants, in memory of the miraculous discovery of the relics and the vision that once visited the hermit Pelayo, began to call that section of the coast Compostella, which is translated from Latin as “The place indicated by the star.” Over time, it began to be populated, finally turning into a large and noisy city.

Saint James the Apostle is revered as one of the heavenly patrons of Spain. His petition to the Throne of the Heavenly Father especially helped the Spaniards during the period of the so-called Reconquista - the struggle for the liberation of the Iberian Peninsula from the Arabs, which lasted from the 8th to the 15th centuries. For almost 700 years they went into battle, strengthening their spirit with prayer to the Apostle James Zebedee.

Jacob's Way

Unlike the Orthodox world, Catholics celebrate the feast day of this saint on July 25, and if the celebration falls on a Sunday, then in Spain the “year of the Apostle James” is officially declared, during which all festivities dedicated to him are held with particular pomp. The veneration of the Apostle James Zebedee among the Spaniards has become so widespread that the place where his relics were found is called Santiago de Compostela. Since the 11th century, it has become the second most important site of pilgrimage, second only to Jerusalem.

In the 20th century, the tradition of visiting it acquired a rather unique form among Catholics. In order to be considered a real pilgrim, you must receive a special certificate upon arrival in the city. It is issued only to those who, heading to Santiago de Compostela, pass the so-called path of Jacob. To do this, you need to cover 100 kilometers on foot or 200 by bike.

The image of the Apostle James Zebedee in fine art

Since, according to Holy Tradition, during the days of his earthly ministry the apostle often undertook long journeys, one of which was his visit to Spain, among Catholics he is considered the patron saint of travelers. In this regard, artists of different eras depicted him in the image of a pilgrim holding in his hand a staff or a scallop shell, which is the generally accepted emblem of the pilgrimage to Compostela, where his relics have been buried for many centuries. His images in the form of a knight sitting on a horse are also known. This interpretation of the image is associated with its role in the expulsion of the Arabs from the Iberian Peninsula.

The miraculous image, painted in honor of the holy Apostle James, a follower of Jesus Christ, has indestructible power. There is not a single similar shrine in the world that can enlighten and guide a person on the true path the way the icon of Jacob does.

Jacob is often called the Brother of the Lord, and this is no coincidence. The Apostle lived a bright and righteous life, which is an example for all believers. He was able to let Christ into his heart and help Him save sinners at the cost of his own life. The icon of James is the famous face of the holy apostle, also known as Alpheus. Christians sacredly revere the image of the great martyr, offering to him their prayers of gratitude and requests for a happy life in faith and righteousness.

The history of the famous icon

The Holy Scripture says that the Apostle James was the ninth of the twelve disciples of Christ. Nowhere is it said exactly how the saint met Jesus, but it is known that before their meeting the martyr worked as a tax collector from the inhabitants of the Galilean city of Capernaum. The work was profitable, but the common people hated the collectors, believing that they were robbing their people by taking away the last thing. When Jacob met the Savior on his life's path, he comprehended the truth and refused work unworthy of a righteous person, and let the Lord into his heart. After his ascension into the Kingdom of the Lord, Jesus gave Jacob the power of the Holy Spirit so that he would continue to perform miraculous acts, helping people.

From that time on, the follower of Christ preached his sermon throughout Jerusalem, and then went to wander throughout the world. The Apostle enlightened the inhabitants of the cities, introducing them to the true faith, helping to open their hearts to the Lord. Jacob's earthly life ended in Egypt, where the saint arrived to introduce the local residents to the true faith, preaching the word of God. The pagans refused to accept the teachings of the holy Apostle. Angry, they sentenced Jacob to death and nailed him to the cross. The follower of Jesus did not deny Him in moments of torment. He accepted death with dignity for his faith. Christians sincerely honor the prophet, indulging in prayers in front of His miraculous image, asking for support and help in difficult moments of life.

Where are the relics and image of the Apostle James

In our country, the image of the holy martyr James is kept in the Moscow Church of the Deposition of the Robe on Donskoy. The icon also contains a particle of the relics of the Apostle Alpheus, namely His frontal bone. Most of the martyr's relics are located in the Roman Church of the Twelve Apostles. Also, part of the incorruptible remains of Jacob is kept in Italy, in the Temple of St. Nicholas, and His head is in Venice, in the Cathedral of San Marco.

Description of the icon of Jacob

The face of the holy Apostle James Alpheus is written on the shrine. The martyr is depicted from the waist up, in the robe of a priest, his shoulders covered with a modest omophorion. In his right hand, the follower of Christ holds the Bible. The other hand gestures to the Holy Scriptures, calling Christians to see the only Scripture where the Word of God is set forth.

How does a miraculous image help?

To guide people who have lost the path to righteousness on the true path is the first thing that Orthodox people pray for in front of the icon of the Apostle Alpheus. Jacob also protects Christians from the evil deeds of atheists, heals those suffering from serious illnesses and helps drive out demons from human souls. The Brother of the Lord is famous for his many miraculous deeds and is able to help in any difficulties if the prayer to Him is sincere.

Days of celebration

Every year October 9 The Orthodox Church pays tribute to the great martyr Jacob. A service is held in churches in memory of the Apostle. On this day He was crucified on the cross and went to the Kingdom of the Lord.

Prayer to the Apostle in front of his icon

“O most venerable Apostle James. We offer our prayers to you. You are a devoted servant of God, who has walked your earthly path in fidelity to Christ. We ask You, great righteous one. Guide people on the righteous path who have strayed from the path leading to Jesus. Help fill our hearts with love for the Lord, support us and do not leave us in difficult moments! Stay close and don’t let the demon get into our souls! Heal from diseases of soul and body. Only You are able to help us, O most holy martyr. Do not leave us, for we will glorify Your name. Let us praise You, Apostle James. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Forever and ever. Amen".

Pray with all your heart, trusting in the holy powers. The path of a righteous person is difficult, but it is the only and true path. Having let God into your heart, do not renounce him, be faithful to your faith to the end. All difficulties were sent down to us from above for our sins, but they can be overcome by answering for your actions and purifying your soul before the Almighty. We wish you peace in your soul, take care of yourself and don't forget to press the buttons and

“You do not know what you ask” (Matthew 20:22), the Lord answered the Zebedee brothers when they asked to seat them at His right and left hand in His future kingdom. As if the brothers were refused, nevertheless their request was fulfilled, and both of them marked the time of apostolic service with their lives. James became the first of the twelve to be executed for the gospel of Christ, and John, having lived for more than a hundred years, was the only one among them to die a natural death.

Vocation

Jacob was the son of the Galilean fisherman Zebedee and Salome, the daughter of Joseph the Betrothed. Together with his younger brother, the future evangelist John the Theologian, Jacob helped his father in his fishing on Lake Gennesaret.

One day, when Jesus Christ was passing by the shore of a lake, “He saw James Zebedee and John his brother also in a boat mending nets, and immediately called them. And they, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the workers, followed Him” (Mark 1:19-20).

From that time on, they were no longer separated from the Lord, and both were chosen to be among the 12. Because of their impetuous and decisive character, Jesus called the brothers “Boanerges,” which translated from Aramaic meant “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17). In church literature, James Zebedee is often called James the Elder to distinguish him from the Apostle James Alphaeus and James the Brother of the Lord, or James the Younger.

Together with the Apostle Peter, the brothers were the closest disciples of the Lord. They witnessed the resurrection of Jairus' daughter. Only they Jesus made witnesses of His Transfiguration, when on Mount Tabor appeared before them in white robes. They accompanied the Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane on the anxious night before He was taken into custody.

Martyrdom

On the day of Pentecost, Jacob, along with other disciples, was filled with the Holy Spirit and participated in the establishment of the first Christian communities. Almost all the apostles remained for some time in Jerusalem, gaining strength and wisdom. But Jacob, by his nature, could not wait. He went to Spain “to the ends of the earth” to preach the Gospel, and then returned to Jerusalem. He boldly and openly preached among the Jews that Jesus Christ is the true Messiah, the Savior of the world. He defeated experienced scribes and Pharisees in disputes; no one could resist the pressure and eloquence of the disciple of Christ.

Seeing the power of miracles and the teachings of the Apostle James and the complete failure of their plans, the Jews were able to convince King Herod Agrippa I, who then owned all of Judea, to begin a persecution of the Christian Church. The Acts of the Apostles says: “At that time King Herod lifted up his hands against some of the church to do them harm, and killed James the brother of John with the sword” (Acts 12:1-2). This happened in Jerusalem in 44. James Zebedee is the only apostle whose death is described on the pages of the New Testament.

Finding the relics and beginning of veneration

According to legend, after the martyrdom of the Apostle James, the faithful placed his remains in a small boat and set them sailing on the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. The boat sailed for a long time or a short time, but finally it sailed to Spain, where Jacob had preached earlier, at the mouth of the Ulya River.

In 813, the hermit monk Pelayo, who lived in this area, following the guiding star that appeared, discovered an ark containing the relics of the apostle.

At the end of the century, in 896–899, a small church was built on the site of the find. The settlement that arose near it was called Compostela (in Latin - Campus Stellae, “place marked with a star”).

From this time on, pan-European veneration of the Apostle James began and strengthened. Saint James, who miraculously helped Spanish soldiers during the battles with the Moors, became the recognized patron saint of Spain. As an apostle who, during his ministry, undertook a long journey from the Holy Land to Spain, he also began to be considered the patron saint of pilgrims.

Road of Saint James

Seekers of truth and adventure went to the western outskirts of Spain in ancient pre-Christian times. The earth was considered flat, and here, at the “end of the earth,” the sun disappeared every evening. Where? Why? How?

With the discovery of the relics of the Apostle James, the construction of the cathedral and the emergence of the city of Santiago de Compostela, the pilgrimage to the north-west of Spain acquired a new spiritual meaning and became second in importance, after the pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

In the Middle Ages, the number of pilgrims traveling along the roads to Compostela was enormous. But over time, the black plague epidemic, which sharply reduced the population of Europe, and then the Reformation and political instability in the 16th century. led to a noticeable decline in the popularity of the pilgrimage route.

In the early 1980s, the number of pilgrims could be counted on one hand, but since then interest in the difficult trek has increased noticeably. Thus, in 1978 there were only 13 pilgrims, and in 2009 there were more than 145 thousand.

Compostela attracted pilgrims from all over Europe. Believers from France, Germany, Portugal, England, Ireland, Poland and other countries followed the Way of St. James. Since 1999, pilgrims from Russia and Ukraine have been seen here.

The pilgrimage to Santiago was made at different times by the English king Edward I, the famous Catholic saint Francis of Assisi, the Flemish painter Jan van Eyck, Pope John Paul II, the Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho and many others.

To receive a certificate of completion of the Way of St. James, a pilgrim must walk 100 km or ride a bicycle 200 km. Upon arrival in the city, the pilgrim presents in the cathedral a special document with marks made at points along the way, after which he receives a “Certificate of Compostela” written in Latin. When the day of remembrance of the Apostle James, July 25, falls on a Sunday, the Year of St. James is declared in Spain, and accordingly, church festivities in this year are especially solemn. The next such event will happen in 2021. The Way of St. James is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Influence of the Way of Saint James

The monasteries along the pilgrimage route flourished. But large crowds demanded the reconstruction of both the existing architectural types of church buildings and everyday life, for example, living quarters, food warehouses and storage facilities for various kinds of items. On the Way of St. James, the so-called type of “pilgrimage church” begins to take shape. Its main difference from the previously existing one: the space became spacious, uncluttered, the size of the rooms increased, and their layout and sequence made it possible to successfully cope with the human flow. A huge number of cathedrals, hotels, cafes, eateries, and medical centers have grown along the pilgrimage road.

Symbolism
The distinctive sign of the pilgrims who entered the Way of St. James was the scallop shell. It was hung around the neck as an amulet or sewn onto clothes.

Images of seashells adorn buildings along the entire route. In addition, pilgrims to St. James usually wear a brown robe with a hood and a felt hat. A long staff with a gourd vessel for water also became their indispensable accessory.

It is customary to make the pilgrimage on foot, or at least by bicycle. Getting into the city at Obradorio Square, where the Cathedral of St. James stands, many kneel and crawl on their knees to the cathedral to touch the tomb.

Reverence
During the exploration of the New World, Spanish sailors carried the glory of the holy apostle across the ocean. Cities in Cuba (Santiago de Cuba), in the neighboring island Dominican Republic, in the center of Panama, in the north of Argentina (Santiago del Estro) are named after “Santiago”. The capital of Chile, Santiago de Chile, is named after the Apostle James.

Of course, the main place of veneration of the Apostle James Zebedee was the cathedral named after him in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. The cathedral is the main building of the city. It is visible from any quarter; all the old streets are oriented towards it. Construction began in 1075, but it acquired its modern recognizable appearance only in the 18th century, when a luxurious Baroque façade with two towers and a statue of St. James installed in the center was created.

Inside, the cathedral is simple and ascetic - nothing should distract the worshiper from the main thing - the tomb of the Apostle James, which is located in the dungeon under the altar. A silver shrine with relics stands in a barred niche. The backlight highlights the eight-pointed guiding star. When there are no services in the temple, you can freely go down here and venerate the relics of the apostle, or climb a few steps, go behind the altar and touch the silver mantle of the statue of St. James (13th century).

In front of the altar hangs a huge - the largest in the world - spherical censer, which is swung by several people during the service. During services, the main entrance to the temple is closed.

At the site of the martyrdom of the Apostle James in Jerusalem, at the site of his execution, the Church of St. James (Saint James) was built, located in the Armenian Quarter of the Old City. The church was erected in the 12th century. on the ruins of a Byzantine temple of the 6th century. In its western part there is a door to a small room - the Holy of Holies - where the head of the Apostle James is buried. A circle on the floor of the chapel marks the place where the apostle's head fell.

In Russia, the only temple consecrated in the name of the Apostle James Zebedee was the Church of Jacob Zebedee in the Kazennaya Sloboda of Moscow, in Yakovoapostolsky Lane. The wooden temple on this site has been known since 1625. The current building was built in 1676. The temple contains a particle of the relics of the Apostle James, transferred from Spain. There is a revered icon of the apostle.

Anatoly Matsukevich

– one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. In every narrow street paved with paving stones, in every ancient square, the spirit of history invisibly hovers. Pictures from the past, filled with the most incredible events, appear before your eyes. The history of Santiago de Compostela dates back to the 9th century, when the burial of Saint James (St. James, or Santiago) was discovered.

Saint James the Elder is the first great martyr apostle, whose life and death gave rise to many legends. The one who according to Christian tradition is called by this name was the son of Zebedeo and Salome. His brother John was also an apostle and evangelist. Despite the fact that in the New Testament we will not find a description of the personality of Saint James, it is believed that he, like his brother, was a quick-tempered, purposeful and fearless person. It is no coincidence that Jesus called both brothers “sons of thunder.”

Saint James is considered the first apostle-martyr: t The exact date of his death is not known, but we know that he was beheaded in Palestine by order of the King of the Jews, Herod, at the age of 41–44. Herod intensified the torture and execution of representatives of the first Christian communities, seeking the favor of Rome.

Legends and traditions about the tomb of St. James

As you know, the apostles walked around the world, bringing with them a new religion. According to one legend, Santiago the Elder went to Spain, preaching without much success in Asturias, Galicia, Castile and Aragon. And one day, on the Ebro River, the Holy Virgin appeared to him, standing on a column, and ordered him to build a temple on this place.

Another legend, which does not exclude the first, tells how, after his martyrdom, the body of Saint James, with God’s help, was transported by boat from Palestine to the village of Iria Flavia, 15 kilometers south of Santiago, province of La Coruña. At this point, the legend turns into a fairy tale and tells how, after overcoming many difficulties on their way, crossing Spain from east to west, the disciples of St. James finally received permission to bury his body. And as soon as they laid the Teacher’s body on a huge stone, the latter suddenly began to melt until it turned into a sarcophagus.

The burial of the apostle remained forgotten for almost 800 years. In 813, in the forest of Libredon, some mysterious lights attracted the attention of the hermit Pelayo. This man called the bishop from the village of Iria Flavius, who, having discovered the burial of Saint James, reported this to King Alfonso II of Asturias. The monarch personally went to the place where the remains were discovered and ordered the construction of a chapel there, and a monastery on the adjacent lands. And so the city of Santiago de Compostela was born. The name Compostela comes from the Latin Campus Stellae (field of stars), given to the city in honor of the mysterious lights that pointed the hermit Pelayo to the burial place of Saint James.

About the city of Santiago de Compostela

The historic center of Santiago was surrounded by a protective wall in past centuries. The predominant material from which buildings in the city are constructed is granite, which is found in abundance in Galicia. The city is incredibly beautiful and mysterious; despite its external similarity, each street has its own unique character. A walk around the city will allow you to plunge into the past and feel like a part of eternity. Musicians from all over the world, looking for inspiration in the streets of Santiago, will give you moments of enjoyment of magical music. Wandering mime artists will entertain with bright and colorful performances. In the cozy restaurants that abound in the streets of the old town, you can taste delicious Galician cuisine, enjoy fine wines and desserts.

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the Galician Autonomy. The population of the city is small for the capital, only 95 thousand people, but during the academic year it increases to 120 thousand thanks to students. The University of Santiago de Compostela is one of the oldest in Spain (second only to the University of Salamanca). It was founded in 1495 and is one of the most prestigious Spanish universities.

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

The main attraction of the city is the Cathedral of St. James, where pilgrims flock from all over the world. This majestic temple was completed at different times and therefore has four facades of different architecture.

The central facade of the cathedral is called El Obradoiro , the same as the area it faces.Built in Baroque style in the 18th century by the architect Fernando de Cassas y Novoa, it incorporates features from different eras.
The northern facade of the Cathedral of St. James, Azabacheria, was built in the second half of the 18th century. Its architecture clearly reflected the transition from the Baroque era to neoclassicism.
The eastern façade is called Quintana, also named after the square it overlooks. It was finally completed in the second half of the 17th century in the Baroque style, but from an aesthetic point of view it suffered greatly from constant modifications from the 12th to the 17th centuries.
The south facade of Platerias was built in 1075 in the Romanesque style and is the oldest of the facades of St. James's Cathedral.

Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela and the Way of Saint James (Camino de Santiago)

The pilgrimage to Santiago received further impetus when, in 1119, it was granted the jubileo, the sacred year privilege of complete remission of sins, Forgiveness. The bull (“Bula Regis”) of Pope Alexander III, issued in the 12th century, speaks of the remission of all sins, regardless of their severity, through “jubileo”. This is a special grace granted by God to pilgrims who come to the Cathedral of St. James in the holy year, which happens every 6, 5, 6 and 11 years, when July 25, the day of the Great Martyr St. James, falls on a Sunday.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not at all necessary to cover the difficult and long journey of a pilgrim on foot to receive Forgiveness. It can be received by any visitor to the Cathedral of St. James who has arrived here by train or car, both for himself and for a deceased relative. However, many true believers choose to walk the pilgrim's path. During holy years, people with huge backpacks and staves wander along the roads of Northern Spain under the scorching sun and heavy rains, and sometimes even in the snow, heading to Santiago de Compostela for Forgiveness.

To receive forgiveness of all your sins, you must:

1) visit the Cathedral of St. James in Santiago de Compostela during the Holy Year;

2) confess and receive communion. The sacraments of confession and communion can be performed in advance in any other church, but no more than 15 days before visiting the Cathedral of St. James;

take part in the church's Pilgrim Service;
enter the cathedral through the door of Forgiveness, which opens only during the holy year;
visit the tomb of St. James.

Tourism in Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is not only living history and a religious shrine. It is also a thriving modern city, home to Galicia's parliament and government, and from where the autonomy's television broadcasts. New comfortable hotels are constantly being built, ready to accommodate a huge number of tourists. The city hosts various cultural events, such stars as Sting, the groups Placebo and the Rolling Stones, Placido Domingo, Joaquin Cortez come to give concerts. The city has an excellently developed communication infrastructure: a bus station, a railway station and an international airport.