If you are a fan of romanesque architecture and Maestro Mateo, this is something you won't want to miss. The Pórtico de la Gloria in the cathedral is currently all scaffolded up and they are doing all kinds of preliminary studies before beginning a huge restoration/preservation effort. Since this year the work involves only monitoring and taking note of different qualities of the pórtico, there are no workmen filling the scaffolding. As a result, the foundation that has bankrolled this job has decided to open the scaffolding up to tourists.
There are visits all day, of groups of 10. A very nice video starts the tour, then some live interaction with a guide, then the highlight, you get to put on a hard hat and go up to the scaffolding. They give you 10 minutes with the pórtico and it is incredible, just incredible. In fact, I would say spine-tingling, but you may think that's an exaggeration.
In any event, these tours are free, but fill up quickly. I think reservations can be made on line, but I was lucky enough to snag one the day I arrived in Santiago. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Buen camino a todos, L.
There are visits all day, of groups of 10. A very nice video starts the tour, then some live interaction with a guide, then the highlight, you get to put on a hard hat and go up to the scaffolding. They give you 10 minutes with the pórtico and it is incredible, just incredible. In fact, I would say spine-tingling, but you may think that's an exaggeration.
In any event, these tours are free, but fill up quickly. I think reservations can be made on line, but I was lucky enough to snag one the day I arrived in Santiago. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Buen camino a todos, L.
