Museo da Catedral de Santiago
Stately museum & Romanesque cathedral with historic artworks, offering breathtaking rooftop views and the iconic Botafumeiro.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Witness this iconic spectacle
Museo da Catedral de Santiago
Best Time
Witness this iconic spectacle

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stately museum & Romanesque cathedral with historic artworks, offering breathtaking rooftop views and the iconic Botafumeiro.
"The rooftop tour is an experience of a lifetime, offering unimaginable views from the cathedral's slanting roof."
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Get a combined ticket for the museum & rooftop tour. Great value for money!
🗣️ Language Barrier
Most tours are in Spanish. Be prepared or check for English options.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rooftop Cathedral Tour
Cathedral Rooftop
Walk on the cathedral's roof for unparalleled city views and a unique architectural perspective. Truly unforgettable!

Botafumeiro Ceremony
Cathedral Nave
Witness the awe-inspiring swing of the giant Botafumeiro incense burner during special ceremonies. A powerful display of faith.

Goya Tapestry Collection
Museum Treasury
Marvel at the intricate and well-preserved Goya tapestries, often enjoyed in quiet solitude. A hidden gem within the museum.
Obradoiro Square Balcony
Museum Third Floor
Enjoy a unique vantage point overlooking the bustling Praza do Obradoiro from the museum's balcony.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine Your Tickets Wisely
Embrace the Rooftop Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Get a combined ticket for the museum & rooftop tour. Great value for money!
🗣️ Language Barrier
Most tours are in Spanish. Be prepared or check for English options.
📸 Rooftop Photo Ops
The rooftop tour offers incredible photo opportunities of the city.
🤫 Quiet Exhibit Viewing
You might have the Goya tapestries all to yourself!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Get a combined ticket for the museum & rooftop tour. Great value for money!
🗣️ Language Barrier
Most tours are in Spanish. Be prepared or check for English options.
📸 Rooftop Photo Ops
The rooftop tour offers incredible photo opportunities of the city.
🤫 Quiet Exhibit Viewing
You might have the Goya tapestries all to yourself!
🚶♀️ Camino Pilgrim Perk
If you've walked the Camino, this is a perfect culmination.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Museo da Catedral for its historical significance and the breathtaking rooftop tour, offering unique city views. However, some note a lack of English explanations for exhibits and occasional unhelpful staff, making it less accessible for non-Spanish speakers.
"My combination ticket to the Cathedral included entrance into this Cathedral Museum.
There are many well preserved pieces of interesting religious art from as early as the 12th century. Some descriptions in English but most in Galician and Spanish. Loved seeing the Goya tapestries, myself being the sole person in the room with them. Barren cloister and balcony overlooking Praza do Obradoiro.
The museum was not at all crowded, only when a few large tour groups passed by. The toilets are accessed through the cloister."
Linda Bailey
"The Museo da Catedral is a beautiful space with some impressive pieces, especially if you’re into religious art and architecture. The building itself is worth seeing, with great views over the square from the upper levels. That said, there’s very little explanation about what you’re looking at—no signs or context for most of the exhibits—so it can feel a bit underwhelming if you’re not already familiar with the history. It’s included in the combined ticket with San Martín Pinario, which makes it worth a quick visit, but I wouldn’t go out of my way for it."
Summer A.
"Tour to the Torre da Carraca and catedral rooftop is absolutely breathtaking and exhilarating, experience of a lifetime. It is unimaginable that I am actually standing on the slanting roof of the catedral, which is actually very safe. I had climbed so many church towers in Spain and Portual but nothing is like this to be on the open roof. Besides the price at €10 (including the museo) is very economical (I don’t want to use the word cheap). It’s a guided tour in Spanish, but I managed to grasp some explanations with my poor Spanish."
Connie Wan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Museo da Catedral de Santiago is located within the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral complex itself, in the heart of the old town. It's easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city. If arriving by bus or train, it's a pleasant walk through the historic streets to reach the cathedral square, Praza do Obradoiro.
Parking directly at the cathedral is very limited and often restricted. It's best to use public parking garages located a short walk away from the historic center, such as the multi-story car park at Praza Roxa or the one near the Alameda Park.
Yes, while the museum is within the cathedral, you can reach the cathedral area via local buses that stop near the city center. From there, it's a short walk.
Many visitors arrive via the Camino de Santiago, walking into the city. For those arriving by other means, walking through the charming old town streets is highly recommended to soak in the atmosphere before reaching the grand Praza do Obradoiro.
The historic center of Santiago de Compostela has cobblestone streets, which can be uneven. While the museum itself has accessible areas, getting to the cathedral might require navigating some slopes and older pavements.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the museum is often included in a combined ticket that also grants access to other parts of the cathedral complex, including the rooftop tour. This combined ticket is generally considered very economical, around €10.
Tickets can typically be purchased at the cathedral's ticket office or online in advance. It's advisable to book the rooftop tour in advance, especially during peak season, as it's a guided tour with limited spots.
Yes, there are often combination tickets that include the museum, the cathedral interior, and the highly recommended rooftop tour. Some tickets might also include access to other nearby religious sites like San Martín Pinario.
Opening hours can vary, but the museum is generally open daily. It's best to check the official cathedral website for the most up-to-date information on hours and any special closures.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book the rooftop guided tour in advance, as it has limited capacity and is a very popular experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Botafumeiro is a giant, swinging incense burner used in the cathedral during specific ceremonies. It's a spectacular sight, often performed on feast days and Sundays. Check the cathedral's schedule for exact times, as it's not a daily occurrence.
The museum houses a collection of religious art, including Goya tapestries, vestments, and artifacts in the Treasury. You can also access the cloister, parts of the Archbishop's palace, and a balcony with views over Praza do Obradoiro.
Absolutely! The rooftop tour offers breathtaking panoramic views of Santiago de Compostela and a unique perspective on the cathedral's architecture. Many consider it an unforgettable experience.
While many tours, especially the rooftop tour, are conducted in Spanish, it's worth inquiring at the ticket office or checking the official website for any available English-language tours or audio guides.
The scallop shell is the symbol of the Camino de Santiago and its pilgrims. It's seen throughout the city and the cathedral, representing the journey and the destination.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary, but generally, non-flash photography is permitted in most areas of the museum. However, always be respectful of any posted signs or instructions from staff.
Praza do Obradoiro offers the iconic front view. For different angles, try Praza da Quintana or Parque da Alameda for stunning perspectives, especially at sunrise or sunset. The rooftop tour provides unparalleled aerial shots.
Yes, photography is usually allowed during the Botafumeiro ceremony, but be mindful of others and avoid using flash, as it can be disruptive. Capturing the sheer scale and movement is incredible.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in and around historic religious sites like the cathedral to preserve the atmosphere and for safety reasons. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the cathedral's interior and exterior. For the rooftop tour, a zoom lens can be useful for details. A sturdy tripod might be helpful for low-light shots, but check if they are allowed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Pilgrims Completing the Camino
🏛️ Architecture & History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Botafumeiro: A Spectacle of Faith
While it's not performed daily, catching a Botafumeiro ceremony is a highlight for many visitors. The sheer size and momentum of the censer, swung by a team of trained individuals, create a mesmerizing arc through the cathedral's heights. The best way to experience this is to check the cathedral's official schedule for specific dates and times, as it's typically performed on Sundays and major religious holidays. The atmosphere during these times is electric, a true testament to the enduring faith and traditions of Santiago.
Exploring the Cathedral Rooftop
From the rooftop, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Santiago de Compostela's old town, the surrounding Galician landscape, and the iconic Praza do Obradoiro below. Guides often share historical insights about the cathedral's construction, its various phases of renovation, and its strategic position within the city. While the tours are frequently conducted in Spanish, the visual experience is universally stunning and highly recommended for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.
The Museo da Catedral's Artistic Treasures
Beyond the Goya collection, the museum features a Treasury filled with valuable church artifacts, ornate vestments, and pieces of historical significance. Visitors can also explore parts of the original Archbishop's palace and the cathedral's cloister, where canons are still buried. A particular highlight for many is the balcony on the third floor, offering a fantastic, elevated view directly onto the bustling Praza do Obradoiro, a perfect spot for photos.
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