Santiago de Compostella

Santiago de Compostella, a city of Spain, formerly the capital of Galicia, stands in a picturesque situation, surrounded by hills, 33 miles S. by W. of Corunna and 26 by rail NE. of its port, Carril. Here in 835 the bishop of Iria discovered, according to the legend, the bones of St James (San Iago), being guided to the spot by a star, whence Compostella (campus stella = 'field of a star'); the relics were in 1884 solemnly affirmed by the pope to be still beneath the cathedral. This building, Romanesque in style, was built 1078–1188, and contains some fine sculptures and metal-work. It was the shrine that attracted every 25th July so many thousands of pilgrims in the middle ages, it being an especial favourite with Englishmen. It is now, however, out of repute, and is scarcely ever visited. This fact and the many ruined monasteries give the town a deserted and dreary appearance. Nevertheless it is still an archbishop's see, and has a university (1504) with 700 students, and a couple of colleges besides. Gold and silver ornaments are made and linen is woven. Pop. 24,302. The town is the headquarters of the knightly order of Santiago of the Sword (see ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD). For the festival of St James, see Fraser's Magazine (1864).