We arrived at the cathedral square one damp morning in May 2007 and it was a terribly disappointing anticlimax to three years of planning and days of walking to see the cathedral walls and spires. Having seen the restoration works done to cathedrals in Austria, UK, Germany, France and Italy, restoration work done to Buddhist temples in Thailand, China, and Japan, Hindu temples in India, and mosques, it was quite frightening to see the amount of lichen, algae, small trees and other vegetation growing on the masonry walls. This disfiguring growth we were told, when we asked, was left to grow intentionally as removal of these vegetation would weaken the walls?? Not a sign of neglect?
Going up the wet worn uneven steps to enter the cathedral we did not hold on rusting railing. The stone busts and other figurines on the steps were worn out and dirty with green moss growth. The small door was jam packed with pilgrims going in and tourists coming out. Getting into the cathedral was another disappointment, the botufumero was under repair, there were barrier ropes and locked doors to St James Statue. The Mass was somber, led by glum old priests, and there was an even glummer person passing the collection plate. Coming out was no better as we had to step over a beggar who was sitting down, begging, and smoking at the door.
There is a desperate need to modernise the cathedral. Not only the structure but the whole paradigm. There needs to be a complete revamp of how the cathedral is managed, there is a big sign board listing what must not be done, no videos, no flash, no cameras, no cell phones, etc., the list of nos is longer than the ten commandments. Why so much negatives? What is positive and inspiring?
We are lulled into thinking that "the journey is more important than the destination". Is this a cover up for the disappointing cathedral? Not all pilgrims are blinded by their faith to not recognise sheer inefficiently run pilgrimage facilities.
We look forward to arriving to a bright clean well maintained cathedral where we can make a dignified entrance and pay homage to the Lord. This thread for conservating the cathedral is long overdue.