The Shadow Pilgrim

[Lisa HS]

To anyone who is currently in SdC. Can you tell me if the Shadow Pilgrim is once again appearing nightly, in his usual place behind the Cathedral? Last year, he was obscured by scaffolding. Here is the reference to anyone who has not made his awesome specterly acquaintance. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/shadow-pilgrim.

 

[Martyduc]

To anyone who is currently in SdC. Can you tell me if the Shadow Pilgrim is once again appearing nightly, in his usual place behind the Cathedral? Last year, he was obscured by scaffolding. Here is the reference to anyone who has not made his awesome specterly acquaintance. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/shadow-pilgrim.

Yes!!

 

[Lisa HS]

Yes!!

Gracias! Now I can update the Atlas Obscura article. The Shadow Pilgrim walks again!

 

[t2andreo]

He was back in his usual location when I was there in May. I look forward to saying hello once again in two weeks...

 

[K Turner]

I didn't know this. Thank you for sharing! I can hardly wait to begin my Camino. Hopefully I will see the Shadow Pilgrim!

 

[t2andreo]

Just FYI, for those of you who have not met the "Shadow Pilgrim" aka "Santiago's Ghost..." Here is how to find him...

After DARK, go to Plaza Quintana. This is on the East side of the Cathedral, in the large open square behind the main altar end of the Cathedral.

1. Find the Holy Door / Door of Mercy. This is a large / tall door facing the plaza, with a surrounding facade of many saints.
2. Move about 10 meters LEFT / SOUTH while facing the Cathedral.
3. At the corner of the Cathedral, move another 5 meters or so LEFT.
4. You should see the Shadow / Ghost on the wall, near the rear corner (to the right).
5. You can't miss him if it is dark and the lights are on. He is wearing a tunic / robe, traditional pilgrim hat, and carrying a staff with a gourd attached. He does not move.
6. Take a photo... it will come out...
7. Weird innit?

Hope this helps.

 

[Lirsy]

Thanks for sharing Lisa! I was not knowing that!!!

In case someone is interested, another peculiar thing in the cathedral is the chrismon in the "Puerta de Platerias". Instead of having alpha and omega, they are inverted, omega and alpha. It seems to mean that the end of the Camino is actually the beginning of the Camino.



By the way ... I saw that the "Peregrino escondido" appears in google maps!

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

www.google.com

 

[gloria lowe]

I’m there now for the 2nd time this month and 5 th time overall and I hope to stay awake tonight to see him.

 

[Former member 69452]

To anyone who is currently in SdC. Can you tell me if the Shadow Pilgrim is once again appearing nightly, in his usual place behind the Cathedral? Last year, he was obscured by scaffolding. Here is the reference to anyone who has not made his awesome specterly acquaintance. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/shadow-pilgrim.

Oh I love this!! I didn't see him last year but hope to on my next Camino!

 

[JacTx]

If you search for geocaches, you'll find one there!

 

[Lisa HS]

If you search for geocaches, you'll find one there!

I'm a geocacher! There are lots in the old center of SdC!

 

[Dàoest]

Just FYI, for those of you who have not met the "Shadow Pilgrim" aka "Santiago's Ghost..." Here is how to find him...

Take a photo... it will come out...

Hope this helps.

If you have a photo, please publish here, so we know what we are looking for. Thank you

 

[Lisa HS]

If you have a photo, please publish here, so we know what we are looking for. Thank you

just look at the Atlas Obscura listing. There's one there. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/shadow-pilgrim.

 

[t2andreo]

That is as good a photo as you will find. It is more impressive in person.

 

[Martyduc]

That is as good a photo as you will find. It is more impressive in person.

 

[VNwalking]

If you have a photo, please publish here, so we know what we are looking for. Thank you

View media item 2594
I took the pic not knowing about the shadow.
It's not a close-up, but he jumps out at you once you know where to look.

 

[K Turner]

View media item 2594
I took the pic not knowing about the shadow.
It's not a close-up, but he jumps out at you once you know where to look.

That's amazing!

 

[Isobeljc]

In this shot you can see the pillar that is casting the shadow

 

[davidlawernce58]

To anyone who is currently in SdC. Can you tell me if the Shadow Pilgrim is once again appearing nightly, in his usual place behind the Cathedral? Last year, he was obscured by scaffolding. Here is the reference to anyone who has not made his awesome specterly acquaintance. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/shadow-pilgrim.

To anyone who is currently in SdC. Can you tell me if the Shadow Pilgrim is once again appearing nightly, in his usual place behind the Cathedral? Last year, he was obscured by scaffolding. Here is the reference to anyone who has not made his awesome specterly acquaintance. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/shadow-pilgrim.

was there in October posted a pic

 

[davidlawernce58]

here is the pilgrim was there in octoper

 

[Derrybiketours]

Halloween Night 2019, a spooktacular occasion and best costume goes too...

 

[KJFSophie]

I have a quick shot of the shadow from last Sept 2019, but there were several pieces of construction equipment in front, so not perfect shots. On the day I was leaving to go home, the equipment was moved, but alas...daytime, no shadow to photograph! Maybe this year? LOL

 

[Becky 59]

I’m here in Santiago scratching my head but I can’t dig up any of the previous threads I have seen in the past about the “Shadow Pilgrim”, who only comes out at night as the product of an amazing collection of shadows. Can any of you wise people who are such fonts of wisdom help me out?

 

[natefaith]

Hi Becky!
Go to the Plaza de Quintana, and look toward the gift shop door. In the corner there, at night, there will be the shadow of a pilgrim with a hat on his head and a staff. I'll see if I can dig up some links or images.

The Pilgrim’s Shadow: Mysteries of Santiago de Compostela

Every night, in Quintana Square, a shadow appears that has become one of the most iconic images of Santiago de Compostela. Thousands of tourists and pilgrims come when the sun has set, and the square is illuminated to have their photo taken with it.

translatiomedia.com

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Shadow Pilgrim

An accidental trick of light casts the perfect shadow of a pilgrim of the Camino de Santiago against the cathedral wall.

www.atlasobscura.com

 

[C clearly]

I’m here in Santiago scratching my head but I can’t dig up any of the previous threads I have seen in the past about the “Shadow Pilgrim”

I have found one of those threads and will merge the new posts with it, since there are some good photos and discussion.

 

[Flog]

It's quite a tourist attraction these days and there always seems to be people taking photos. It's nice to observe after midnight when it's quiet and there is nobody about.

For anyone who's interested:
I think the pillar is an earthing point for the lightning conductor on one of the spires. There are two identical ones either side of the Portico da Gloria. I only noticed them the other day!

 

[t2andreo]

He was gone for some months during the Cathedral renovation project. But, he is back in all his glory, watching over the Cathedral and pilgrims through every night.