Restorations in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, Galicia.
Special mention / Diploma in the category Conservation / Conservation and adaptive reuse in the year 1999.

Dating of the building: 1075.

Applicant: Galicia Regional Government.

Reason for the award :

Europa Nostra awarded the works in the Cathedral as an example of preventive restoration.

  • © Víctor Gibello Bravo
  • © Víctor Gibello Bravo
  • © Víctor Gibello Bravo
  • © Víctor Gibello Bravo
  • © Víctor Gibello Bravo

The declaration of Santiago as the European Capital of Culture in 2000 was the conclusive accolade for the undertaking of preventive restoration works in one of the most important cathedrals in Europe.

The first stone of the Cathedral of Santiago was placed in 1085 in the original tomb of the apostle, marking the final stop of the most confluent pilgrimage route of the entire Middle Ages. The Cathedral is an excellent example of French-style Romanesque architecture, where the Pórtico de la Gloria stands out, a masterpiece of European proto-Gothic sculpture. The proclamation of Santiago as European Capital of Culture in 2000 served to spur on the necessary reforms on one of the monuments that best symbolizes the richness and diversity of European culture.

The main works focused on the interior of the temple, where altarpieces, frescoes, grilles, walls, and the floors of all the chapels, as well as the main altar, the canopy, and the dressing room, have been restored. However, the façade of the Obradoiro Square was also the object of conservation work, with the removal of vegetation, extraction of rusted iron pieces, replacement of degraded stonework, cleaning of the railings, and restoration of sculptural details. Likewise, the cloister was equipped with a new system for waterproofing and collecting rainwater. Finally, new fire protection and security systems were installed.

Others awards in Galicia: