I started day 18 with an instant café con leche in our hotel room. It wasn’t amazing, but it did the trick. Then, at near warp speed, I dove into the not-so-glamorous task of searching for airline flights FROM Madrid and train tickets TO Madrid.
Once the logistics were somewhat under control, Poo and I set out for a short walk while we waited for our English-speaking tour of the cathedral museum to begin.
As I mentioned before, the museum was absolutely fascinating—layered with so much history, it felt like my brain might burst from trying to absorb it all.
The tour ended with an extended visit to the Pórtico de la Gloria (the Door of Glory) and it was worth every penny of the ticket. This incredible piece of art had been under restoration for ten years, from 2008 to 2018, and was completely hidden from view during that time. We felt truly lucky to be standing there, seeing it in all its detail.
It’s tucked away at the very back of the cathedral, but it faces the door to the outside so you can’t see any of the details or carvings from inside the church unless you bought the tour ticket.
Our group was shepherded into this sacred space under the watchful eyes of security guards who looked like they could smell a flashbulb from a mile away. Our guide explained the meaning behind the three sections: the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the bridge between the two.
I found a few images online showing some of the intricate carvings, since we weren’t allowed to take photos. But like most things, the pictures don’t come close to capturing the real thing.
After the tour, we explored parts of the museum that weren’t covered, letting ourselves wander a bit more freely. As we were leaving, we noticed the Pilgrims’ Museum and decided to stop in. It offered a complete history of Saint James and the origins of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, a great way to tie everything together.
With full hearts and tired minds (stuffed with facts I’ll probably forget by tomorrow), we made our way back to the hotel.
And that night, we slept really well.
Xoxo, Kate