14 Beautiful Camino de Santiago Cathedrals and Monasteries to See Along the Way
Towering Cathedrals. Painted Stained Glass Windows. Architecture that makes you go “wow.” There are many incredible Camino de Santiago Cathedrals and sacred sites found along the numerous Camino de Santiago routes. A majority of these impressive Cathedrals of the Camino de Santiago are on the routes, while others may require a scenic detour.
The Camino de Santiago is a beloved pilgrimage route that traverses Europe. During the Middle Ages, pilgrims followed the Way of St. James, which was marked by the many churches and holy sites along the way. Many cities and villages were formed by the Camino, resulting in cathedrals, monasteries, churches, and pilgrim hospitals popping up and services to help pilgrims reach Santiago de Compostela, the supposed burial site of Saint James.
While the modern routes may be altered from the ancient pathways, the mighty cathedrals and monasteries still stand and leave us in awe.
These were some of the most memorable cathedrals and monasteries found along the Camino de Santiago routes.
Table of Contents
- Impressive Camino de Santiago Cathedrals
- Beautiful Monasteries & Sanctuaries on the Camino de Santiago
- Conclusion | Memorable Cathedrals on the Camino de Santiago
Impressive Camino de Santiago Cathedrals
These are some of my favorite Cathedrals on the Camino de Santiago.
While some churches are free to enter, some do require an entrance fee.
If walking the Camino de Santiago, make sure to bring your Credencial, or pilgrim passport. All the churches and cathedrals have stamps and some offer discounts for pilgrims who show their credencials.
1 | Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela
- Location: Santiago de Compostela Spain
- Camino de Santiago Route: All roads lead to the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela
- Why it’s so Special: It’s the final ending point for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route
- Entrance Fee: It’s free to enter the main Cathedral and attend one of the many pilgrim mass services throughout the day. To enter the Museum and see the famous Portico, an entrance fee is required. There is a discount for pilgrims.
- Explore Deeper:
The Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela is the most important Cathedral on any of the Camino de Santiago routes. All roads lead to Santiago de Compostela, to the energetic Praza do Obradoiro. The entire Old Town of Santiago de Compostela is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pilgrims walk for days, months, or years to stand in front of the grand Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela. It is said that the Apostle Saint James’s relics are buried beneath the Cathedral.
The story goes that a hermit named Paio saw a bright light in the sky, which led him to the tomb of Saint James. King Alfonso II of Asturias took the trek from Oviedo to verify the relics himself and became the first pilgrim on the Primitivo Way.
A church was ordered to be built on the spot where the relics would be housed. Although the architecture has changed throughout the years, what we see today is mostly Baroque after a large remodel during the 18th century,
Pilgrims have been walking since the Middle Ages to pay their respects and devotion to Saint James. Another reason was to clean the soul. Those accused of crimes or theft could also be absolved of their sins if they walked the Way of Saint James. Some sought out healing along the way, much like modern-day pilgrims.
Today, the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela marks the end of the road for pilgrims walking the Way of Saint James. This is where they received their official Compostela for completing the journey.
The Cathedral offers numerous daily pilgrim masses. To visit the museum, you’ll need to purchase a ticket. In addition, it’s possible to take a guided rooftop tour and see the stunning Portico of Glory by Master Mateo. I prefer the rooftop tour and the Portico over the museum visit.
There are so many incredible things to do in Santiago de Compostela that it’s worth spending a night or two in this iconic Galician city.
While Santiago de Compostela is an amazing place to see, it’s easy to explore nearby attractions and sights on numerous day trips.
Alternatively, rent a car to explore the unmissable region of Galicia in greater depth. This is my suggestion for a road trip for southern Galicia, or those looking to get off the beaten path can head to the Ribeira Sacra.
2 | León Cathedral (Pulchara Leonina)
- Location: León Spain
- Camino de Santiago Route: Camino Frances
- Why it’s so Special: 125 colorful stained glass windows
- Entrance Fee: €7 for the Cathedral and €5 for the Museum
- No Pilgrim Discount with Credencial
- Explore Deeper:
The city of León has deep connections to the Camino de Santiago. In fact, the city of León is the third most popular starting point for the Camino Frances and one of the major cities along the French Way.
Three important buildings connected to the Camino de Santiago in León include the San Marcos Convent, the Basilica of San Isidoro, and the Catedral de León.
By far one of the most memorable cathedrals on the Camino Frances is the Pulchara Leonina in the heart of the Old Town. The stunning León Cathedral boasts 125 beautiful stained glass windows that show the story of saints and stories of the New Testament in the Bible.
The church is a delight to spend some time reflecting in one of the pews, especially when the windows are enhanced on a sunny day.
The León city sign is on the corner of the Plaza de Regla, making it an ideal place to snap a photo with the Cathedral towering in the backdrop.
Don’t miss the Basílica de San Isidoro, which also complements the León Cathedral. The Museum of San Isidoro is worth visiting and houses numerous relics and jewels. By far the most incredible thing to see is the Pantheón Real, an ancient chapel that was built during the 11th century. On the ceiling, find original and beautiful frescos that are nicknamed the “Romanesque Sistine Chapel” of Spain.
Museo de Sa Isidoro | Entrance Fee: €5, no pilgrim discount | Will stow bags while visiting | Official Website
Pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago opt to sleep an extra night in León and take a rest day to relax and savor the city. Others may choose to divert off the Camino Frances route and onto the Camino de San Salvador route to Oviedo.
3 | Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
- Location: Cordoba Spain
- Camino de Santiago Route: Camino Mozárabe
- Why it’s so Special: A living example of Moorish and Catholic cultures
- Entrance Fee: €13.00 for the Cathedral and €3 to climb the Bell Tower
- Explore Deeper:
- With so much history, a guided tour is recommended. This tour hits the highlights of Cordoba: Mosque, Cathedral, Alcazar & Synagogue with Skip the Line Tickets
The Mezquita of Cordoba is a mixture of many cultures found in Cordoba. Built as an impressive Mosque during the 8th century, the building structures remain well preserved. Cordoba thrived as a cultural capital for Islam, a period that lasted almost 500 years.
During these glory years, there was religious tolerance and acceptance of people to practice Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Islam was the dominating religion, and over 20,000 could pray inside the Mezquita.
The Mezquita was built on top of an ancient Visigoth church, and before that, the Romans ruled here.
During the 13th century, the city was conquered by Christians. A church was built on top of the mosque, but they simply utilized the beauty of the Mosque. Surprisingly, almost 70% of the mosque can be seen today.
The Mezquita and Old Town of Cordoba are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where it’s possible to see the marks of Roman, Visigoth, Islamic, Judaism, and Christian cultures.
There are multiple ways to appreciate the Mequita. The Patio de los Naranjos is free to wander. Tour the interior of the building or climb up the Bell Tower. By far, the Mihrab (equivalent to an altar) is unmissable. The Mezquita is one of the most significant religious structures in Spain.
➜ Browse all the best places to stay in Cordoba
4 | Cathedral of Santa María de la Asunción of Tui
- Location: Tuí Spain
- Camino de Santiago Route: Camino Portugués Central
- Why it’s so Special: The Gothic-style West Door and Medieval Cloister
- Entrance Fee: €7 or €5 for pilgrims
The Tui Cathedral is beautiful and was built during the 12th Century. The Cathedral offers stellar views of the Miño River, which separates Tui from Valença, Portugal.
One of the most notable features of the Tui Cathedral is the main door called the West Door. The facade tells the story of the church and was completed around 1225. While the exterior looks more like a fortress, the interior is full of surprises.
The wood altarpieces are beautiful, and the church features numerous rich artworks. The Cloister claims to be the oldest in Galicia. Don’t miss the viewpoint from the garden with river views and Valença. By far, this is a highlight of visiting the Cathedral.
Tui is a fantastic medieval village to visit. With cobblestone streets and a deep history with the Camino de Santiago, there are plenty of things to do here. There are also some worthwhile day hikes like the Senda dos Muíños do Tripes, which twists through the Natural Park of Monte Aloia.
Many pilgrims begin their Camino Portuguese Central Route in Tui and spend the night there before departing on their journey.
5 | Salamanca Cathedral
- Location: Salamanca Spain
- Camino de Santiago Route: Via de la Plata
- Why it’s so Special: It’s two Cathedrals in one (and the astronaut)
- Entrance Fee: €10
- Explore Deeper:
The Salamanca Cathedral is impressive on the outside. It’s one of the largest Cathedrals in Spain, yet it remains off the main tourist path.
The Salamanca Cathedral consists of the New Cathedral (built during the 16th to 18th centuries) and the Old Cathedral (built during the 12th to 15th centuries). The Old Cathedral is also referred to as Santa Maria de la Sede.
Maybe one of the quirkiest things about the Salamanca Cathedral is the astronaut who was a new addition during restoration work in 1993. Find him near the entrance door… or you can just follow the crowd.
The Salamanca Cathedral has a beautiful dome. It just makes this cathedral feel grand.
In the New Cathedral, the architectural design is Gothic and Baroque. The wooden choir is elaborately carved, and the pipe organ stands out. Oftentimes, there is live music in the choir, but unfortunately, there wasn’t any on the day I visited.
The Old Cathedral is Romanesque by design and has an intricate main altarpiece. One of the more interesting rooms is the Chapel of San Martín with its colorful mural paintings.
➜ Browse all the best places to stay in Salamanca
6 | Cathedral San Salvador of Oviedo
- Location: Oviedo Spain
- Camino de Santiago Route: Camino de San Salvador / Camino Primitivo
- Why it’s so Special: It’s home to the Holy Shroud in the Holy Chamber
- Entrance Fee: €7
- €4 for Pilgrims with a Credencial
- Free Entrance for Pilgrims who walked the Camino de San Salvador
- Explore Deeper:
The San Salvador Cathedral is one of the most important Camino de Santiago Cathedrals.
The original chapel was built in the Pre-Romanesque architecture starting in 796. The church remained in this style until the end of the 14th century.
Even during the Middle Ages, the San Salvador Cathedral was an important stop for pilgrims on their way to Santiago. King Alfonso II ordered the Pre-Romanesque Holy Chapel to be built to house one of the most important relics, the Holy Shroud. This piece of cloth was said to cover the face of Jesus after his crucifixion.
King Alfonso II is coined with the famous saying: “He who goes to Santiago and not to the Savior, visits the servant and not the Lord.” This shows how significant Oviedo and the Cathedral of San Salvador were for pilgrims making the long journey to Santiago de Compostela.
The walls are lined with sculptures of the Apostles and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The modern church is a mixture of Gothic and Baroque styles.
Pilgrims can detour from the Camino Frances to Oviedo via the Camino de San Salvador. The Cathedral can issue pilgrims the Salvadorana Certificate for completing the route, which allows free access to the Oviedo Cathedral.
The Camino Primitivo starts from Oviedo. This is said to be the first Camino de Santiago route that Alfonso II walked to verify that the relics found in the meadows were the Apostle Saint James.
Another worthwhile detour in Oviedio is to visit the unique Pre-Romanesque Churches of Oviedo on Monte Naranco.
7 | Burgos Cathedral
- Location: Burgos Spain
- Camino de Santiago Route: Camino Frances
- Why it’s so Special: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Gothic Architecture
- Entrance Fee: €10
- €5 for Pilgrims with a Credencial
- Explore Deeper:
The Burgos Cathedral is one of the most significant Gothic cathedrals along the Camino de Santiago.
The cathedral was built over 300 years, with construction beginning in 1221. The construction of the cathedral was finally completed in 1567. The Burgos Cathedral houses impressive art collections, especially those in the Gothic style. There are stained glass windows, multiple chapels, and famous tombs.
Perhaps the most famous tomb inside the Burgos Cathedral is that of El Cid. The famous warrior is a national hero in Spain and is the main character of the epic poem “Cantar de mío Cid.”
Today, the Burgos Cathedral is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city of Burgos is a significant stop on the Camino Frances and is a popular place to sleep for pilgrims.
8 | Siguenza Cathedral Basilica
- Location: Sigüenza Spain
- Camino de Santiago Route: Camino de Lana (Merges with the Camino Frances in Burgos)
- Why it’s so Special: It’s numerous chapels and overall style
- Entrance Fee: €8
The Sigüenza Cathedral is one of my favorites in Spain. It was built during the 12th to 16th centuries and is a blend of Romanesque and Cistercian styles, with the influence of Gothic elements.
The Cathedral of Sigüenza boasts three naves, numerous chapels, and a stunning rose window.
There are three noteworthy chapels inside the Cathedral. The most famous is the Chapel of the Doncel, which houses one of the most curious funeral sculptures in Spain. The Chapel of the Conception boasts a painting by the famous El Greco. The Sacristy of the Heads (Sacristy de Las Cabezas) has sculptures of 304 large expressive heads of angels and medallions with an additional 3,000 smaller decorated heads.
The Sigunza Cathedral has a fabulous collections of tapistries and the nearby Diocesan Museum is also included with a purchase of a ticket.
Sigüenza itself is a cute town and worth a visit. The medieval village has a Pardor Hotel located in the Old Castle that sits above the city. The underrated city has lovely streets, museums, and is surrounded by incredible nature.
9 | Cathédrale Sainte-Marie de Bayonne
- Location: Bayonne France
- Camino de Santiago Route: Via de Bayona
- Why it’s so Special: Vivid Paintings and Quiet Reflection
- Entrance Fee: It’s free to enter
- Explore Deeper:
The Cathedral Sainte-Marie de Bayonne is a fantastic and free place to visit in Bayonne. The town of Bayonne sits along the Nive River, and the cathedral is nestled into the heart of the Old Town. Bayonne is part of the unique Basque Country on the French side.
Cathedral Sainte-Marie de Bayonne was built during the 12th century in a Roman style, but due to fire damage, it was rebuilt and modified with Gothic architecture. The vaulted ceilings are spectacular, and many of the chapels are painted with vivid colors and enhanced by the bright stained glass windows.
The cloister is also worth visiting, but has to be accessed from a different entrance.
Most pilgrims will at least pass through Bayonne. This city is home to the train station that leads pilgrims to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the official starting point of the Camino de Santiago French Way.
Beautiful Camino de Santiago Monasteries & Sanctuaries
These are incredible Monasteries and Sanctuaries found along numerous Camino de Santiago routes that are worth a stop.
10 | Samos Monastery
- Location: Samos Spain
- Camino de Santiago Route: Alternative Route on the Camino Frances
- Why it’s so Special: The Samos Monastery is the oldest inhabited monastery in Spain
- Entrance Fee: €7
- Check in for Discounts for Pilgrims Walking the Camino
The alternative trail to Samos begins from Triacastela. It’s well-marked and offers stunning views of the countryside. You won’t forget those first glimpses of the Samos Monastery. This is one of the best detour routes on the Camino Frances.
The Samos Monastery is the oldest inhabited monastery in Spain, with monks residing here for more than 1,500 years. The tour of the Samos Monastery is interesting, but only in Spanish and done by one of the resident monks.
While the Samos Monastery was beautiful, the village itself was one of my favorite towns on the Camino de Santiago French Way. Do wander up to the park to the Capela do Ciprés. The small chapel was built during the 9th century in the Mozarabic style and showcases an 88-foot-tall cypress tree. There’s a legend that says if you rub the tree, it will help prevent blisters.
There is a nightly pilgrim mass (Mon–Sat: 19:30). If planning on touring the monastery, it’s better to sleep in Samos village than continue farther.
The Samos monastery offers an Albergue for those pilgrims walking the Camino Frances. This is a donativo albergue that has kind volunteers. The Samos Monastery is also connected with the Hospedería Externa del Monasterio, which offers private rooms.
11 | Monasteries of Yuso & Suso San Millan de la Cogolla
- Location: San Millan de la Cogolla Spain
- Camino de Santiago Route: Detour of the Camino Frances
- Why it’s so Special: This may be the “cradle of the Spanish language”
- Entrance Fee: €7 for Yuso Monastery & €4 for Suso Monastery (includes bus ride)
- Pilgrim Discount: €4 for Yuso Monastery & €3.25 for Suso Monastery (includes bus ride)
Although not directly on the Camino Frances, the Yuso & Suso Monasteries located in San Millan de la Cogolla are definitely worth a detour. The best part is that it can be walked on the Camino Real, or it can be reached by public bus.
The detour comes just after the village of Najera and passes by cliffs and the countryside of the La Rioja region. To me, the walk is what makes these monasteries even more special.
The Monasteries of Yuso and Suso are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are found in the tiny hamlet of San Millán de la Cogolla. The only way to visit both sites is as part of a guided tour. Tours are in Spanish, but there are English plaque boards found throughout.
Pilgrims will have to plan accordingly as the hours for each Monastery are different. There are also two different entrance tickets, one for the Yuso Monastery and another for the Susos Monastery. The Suso Monastery must be reached via the bus provided with the ticket purchase.
Don’t forget your Credencial as there is a stamp and pilgrim discount!
The Yuso Monastery is the larger monastery that houses relics, one being a replica of the Glosas Emilianenses. The Gloas Emilianenses are the first-ever known writings in Castilian Spanish. Another impressive thing to see at the Yuso Monastery is the massive Gregorian Chant books.
The hilltop Suso Monastery is much smaller, but extremely important. This monastery is old and was said to have been built during the 6th century. Monks lived in solitude in the cave systems that made up the Suso Monastery.
It was here in these caves that it is said that the first Spanish writings in Castillian were written. For this reason, it is said that San Millan de la Cogolla is considered to be the “cradle of the Spanish language” as we know it today.
There is a very special energy at the Suso Monastery. It is something you have to feel to experience. It’s as if you can feel that this site is sacred and “old.” The Suso Monastery is home to the oldest altar in Spain.
Both of the Monasteries in San Millan de la Cogolla are worth visiting. This detour remains one of my favorite days on the Camino Frances. Not only for the rich history and beautiful Monasteries nestled in the valley, but for the journey that it took to reach it.
It is also possible to sleep at the Yuso Monastery at the Hostería del Monasterio de San Millan.
12 | Sanctuary of Covadonga
- Location: Covadonga Spain
- Camino de Santiago Route: Camín de los Santuarios
- Why it’s so Special: Covadonga is a significant site in Asturias’ history and the site of a rebellion led by Don Pelayo
- Entrance Fee: The Covadonga Sanctuary is completely free to visit unless you wish to add the official Museum (3€)
- Explore Deeper:
The Sanctuary of Covadonga is connected with Don Pelayo and the rebellion against the Muslim forces in Spain. It was said that the Battle of Covadonga took place sometime between 718 to 722, fueled by Don Pelayo. It was said that Mother Mary appeared and assisted Pelayo and the Christian forces. He was able to defend Covadonga and push back against the Moorish forces.
This significant battle ensured that Asturias remained independent of Asturias and under Christian control.
Covadonga is strategically placed at the foothills of the Picos de Europa National Park. These mountains also helped the area be naturally protected. The Covadonga Sanctuary can easily be accessed from nearby Cangas de Onís.
One of the most iconic spots at the Covadonga Sanctuary is the Santa Cueva or Holy Cave. Inside the cave is a small chapel where Don Pelayo is buried. These caves have been a holy site since the 8th century.
Below the Santa Cueva is a beautiful waterfall that is home to the Fuente de los Siete Caños, a water fountain that states women who drink from it will be married within a year.
The signature pink Basílica de Santa María la Real de Covadonga has a daily mass and a crypt. Make sure to stroll through the beautiful public garden or explore one of the nearby hiking trails.
There are a few cafes and restaurants onsite and near the bottom entrance. As this is a popular pilgrimage stop, it is typically always busy here, especially around mass times.
Another popular spot to visit close to the Covadonga Sanctuary are the Lagos de Covadonga. During the summer months, the lakes can be reached via bus from the Sanctuary or Cangas de Onís.
13 | Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana
- Location: Potes Spain
- Camino de Santiago Route: Camino Lebaniego
- Why it’s so Special: It houses one of the largest pieces of Lignum Crucis
- Entrance Fee: It’s free to visit the Monastery, and there’s a pilgrim mass every day at noon when the piece of the cross is removed from its case
- Explore on a Day Trip:
Santo Toribio Monastery is famous for holding one of the largest pieces of the “Lignum Crucis,” or a piece of the true cross that Jesus was crucified on. Pilgrims walk the Camino Lebaniego from San Vicente de la Barquera through the foothills of the Picos to witness the piece of the holy cross.
During the 5th century, the priest Turibius of Astorga traveled to Jerusalem, where he was appointed to a position at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This church was said to hold the Lignum Crucis. He returned to Spain with permission to take a piece of the cross with him.
It stayed in Astorga until the eighth century, when it was moved to a monastery for safekeeping as the Muslim conquest moved north through Spain.
That most peculiar thing is that a test was done on this piece of wood is over 2,000 years old and is indeed from native Cyprus wood from Palestine.
The noon pilgrim mass inside the chapel in the monastery takes place daily. At the end of mass, the piece of Lignum Crucis is removed from its small altar, and attendees are welcomed to come and touch the cross.
Besides the Pilgrim Mass, there is a fabulous hiking route through the grounds with lots of lookouts. Pilgrims can continue along the Camino Vadiniense to rejoin the Camino Frances in León.
14 | Mosteiro de San Martiño Pinario
- Location: Santiago de Compostela Spain
- Camino de Santiago Route: All roads lead to the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela
- Why it’s so Special: It’s part of third third-largest building in Spain & houses one of the best places to stay for pilgrims, Hospederia San Martiño Pinario
- Entrance Fee: It’s free to enter the church, but the museum has an entrance fee
- Explore Deeper:
It’s hard to miss the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario in the Plaza de la Inmaculada. This massive building is the third-largest building in Spain.
The impressive building of San Martiño Pinario houses a monastery, a museum, and the popular Hospedería San Martín Pinario. For me, the Hospedería San Martín Pinario is the best place to stay in Santiago de Compostela for pilgrims. Make sure to contact them directly to see if they have any discounted pilgrims rooms available.
It is free to visit the church, but they do offer guided tours during the peak season. Guided tours provide a deeper insight and access to other spaces not accessible without a tour. For me, I found the museum here much more interesting than the one in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
The Monastery of San Martiño Pinario is a great place to visit in Santiago de Compostela with less crowds.
Conclusion | Beautiful Cathedrals and Monasteries of the Camino de Santiago
In short, these are a few of my favorite cathedrals and monasteries found along the Camino de Santiago. I have had the privilege to walk 12 Camino de Santiago routes and have personally visited all of these special sites.
There are endless sacred places to visit along the Camino de Santiago routes. While the Camino de Santiago Cathedrals are jaw-dropping and filled with rich history and art, sometimes it’s the tiny chapels and churches that allow for the most moving experiences along the way
For me, the grandest cathedrals on the Camino are the mountains, river valleys, beaches, and enchanted forests. There really is no better way to feel connected to it all than to be in the present moment.
Have you visited any of these Camino de Santiago Cathedrals and Monasteries? Do you have one not included on this list that you absolutely loved? Let me know in the comments below!
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