Santiago de Vigo, new stop for pilgrims: The Portuguese Coastal Way is experiencing a notable increase in the number of pilgrims, and the city of Vigo has become a key point on this route. To facilitate the experience of pilgrims, the temple of Santiago el Mayor in Vigo is preparing to become an important landmark.
Below are the most relevant aspects of this initiative:
- Reception of Pilgrims:
- The diocese has approved the installation of a reception in the atrium of the temple, where pilgrims will be able to stamp their credentials.
- This measure seeks to offer a centralized and organized service for pilgrims traveling along the Camino de la Costa.
- Reform Works:
- The construction company Proyectos Rodama is carrying out the renovation works, under the design of architect Marta Soler Truiteiro.
- The budget allocated to these works amounts to 83,257.57 euros.
- The works include:
- The adaptation of the space intended for the attention of pilgrims.
- Replacing the luminaires.
- Restoration of the exterior doors.
- Cleaning the bell towers.
- Importance of the Portuguese Coastal Path:
- This route has gained popularity in recent years, offering pilgrims a coastal alternative to the traditional Portuguese Way of the Interior.
- The Portuguese Coastal Way runs through places of great beauty, both in Portugal and Galicia.
- Vigo, as a coastal city, has become an obligatory stopping point for pilgrims who choose this route.
This initiative in the temple of Santiago el Mayor in Vigo seeks to improve the experience of pilgrims and strengthen the importance of this Jacobean route.
Financing and Collaboration:
- The renovation works are being financed by the City Council of Vigo.
- This is part of a collaboration agreement between the local administration and the diocese, whose objective is the maintenance of the heritage of the Vigo Church.
Historical and Architectural Value of the Temple:
- The neo-Gothic temple of Santiago el Mayor, inaugurated in 1907, is one of the most significant buildings in Vigo.
- It was designed by Manuel Felipe Quintana, and its medieval historicist style is characterized by elements such as:
- Pinnacles.
- Stained glass.
- Ribbed vaults.
- Buttresses.
Musical Treasures:
- The temple houses one of the city's musical treasures: the first organ in Vigo.
- This organ, currently in disuse, was donated by Carlota García Barbón in 1908.
- It was built in the workshop of Aquilino Amezúa, Alberdi's teacher, who a year later would build the organ of the Basilica-Cocatedral.
Importance for the Portuguese Coastal Way:
- The reform of the temple, and especially the creation of the pilgrim reception, reinforces the role of Vigo as a key point on the Portuguese Coastal Way.
- The adaptation of the temple to serve pilgrims is an important factor for the growing number of people who use this Jacobean route.
This additional information highlights the historical and cultural value of the temple, as well as the importance of the renovation works for the city of Vigo and for the pilgrims who travel the Portuguese Coastal Way.
