I can’t enter the cathedral with my backpack. Where can I leave it?
The Cathedral of Santiago’s visiting rules prohibit entering with a backpack or luggage. At Pilgrim, we offer a luggage storage service just 100 meters from the Cathedral. We’ll store your backpack or luggage for up to 24 hours for only 3€, so you can freely explore Santiago de Compostela.
What time is the pilgrim Mass?
The Pilgrim Mass at the Cathedral of Santiago is held every day at 12:00 noon for all pilgrims arriving in Santiago.
Regarding the pilgrim Mass, many people think the famous Botafumeiro is used every day at 12 pm, but this only happens during a Holy or Jubilee Year. Otherwise, it’s reserved for special liturgies or if someone requests (and pays around 300€) to have it in operation.
How do I get mentioned during the pilgrim Mass?
Once you’re at the Pilgrim’s Office and have the Compostela in hand, you can ask to be mentioned during the pilgrim Mass. You can only sign up before 11:00 a.m., so it’s most practical to do it the day after arriving in Santiago.
That way, you can go to the Pilgrim’s Office early in the morning (they open at 9:00 a.m.) and request to be mentioned in the Mass. Keep in mind there are usually long lines, so be patient and arrive with plenty of time.
Can I enter the Plaza do Obradoiro with my bike or on horseback?
It’s possible to reach the Plaza do Obradoiro by bike or on horseback, but you must get prior authorization.
Any pilgrim traveling the Camino de Santiago can arrive at the Cathedral by bike. If you have a support car, you’ll need to inform the police a few days in advance, so the car can enter Santiago’s old town area and pick up the bikes without issue.
If you arrive on horseback, you must notify the police at least two days before arrival so they can direct you through the correct streets to reach the Plaza do Obradoiro. Once in front of the Cathedral, you have a limited amount of time to enjoy the view with your horse. After that time limit, set by the Local Police in Santiago, you must move on to your reserved stable or lodging for the horse.
How do I ship my bike home?
Once you arrive in Santiago, to fully enjoy your success, you can leave your bike at our luggage storage service located very close to the Cathedral. We also have a bike shipping service, where our team will pack and send it directly to your home at a reasonable cost.
For more information, check out our exclusive packages for “bicigrinos” in the Services section of our website.
What’s the first thing I should do when I arrive in Santiago? When is the best time to pick up the Compostela?
Once you reach the long-awaited Plaza do Obradoiro, you should simply enjoy the experience, take in the Cathedral, and reflect on all you’ve lived through. You can also finally perform the rituals many pilgrims do upon arriving in Compostela. After this first contact with the Galician capital, you can head to our luggage storage, drop off your belongings, take a relaxing shower, and freely explore the city.
After a day of sightseeing and celebration, the next morning it’s best to visit the Pilgrim’s Office first thing. Some choose to do this on the same day they arrive, but to avoid long waits, it’s better to go early the following day, from around 8:00 a.m.
Is there somewhere I can take a shower?
We offer a shower service in one of our partner accommodations in the city center.
How do I get back home?
Santiago de Compostela is well-connected to the outside world. It has a bus station, a train station, and an airport. By road, it connects via the AP-9 motorway, linking Galician cities and connecting with other major routes like the A-6.
Depending on where you’re from, train, bus, or plane might be more convenient. Pilgrims usually choose either plane or train.
Both the bus and train stations are near the city center, making transfers straightforward. The airport is located about 10 kilometers outside the city, but a bus company (Freire) provides transport from downtown Santiago de Compostela to Lavacolla Airport.
Some airlines offer special discounts for pilgrims who can show their Compostela or another document from the Pilgrim’s Office, proving they’ve completed the Camino de Santiago.
For more detailed information on how to get to or leave the Galician capital, see the How to Get There section.
I want a guided tour of the city. Where can I book it?
You can hire a personalized guide service in Santiago de Compostela through us, either by phone or on our website.
You can also book this service online or by phone.
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