Made by Master Mateo at the request of King Leon Fernando II, this impressive work is the facade of the east door of the Cathedral of Santiago. It consists of 3 arches showing around 200 figures that seem to interact with each other.
The figures have very expressive and vivid features that had not been shown at the time they were created. It took Master Mateo 20 years to complete this work that today continues to captivate the thousands of pilgrims who arrive at the doors of the Cathedral after completing the Camino de Santiago.
Discover the message that the Portico of Glory keeps
The teacher Mateo took on the task of giving meaning to his work, focusing it in an environment of apocalypse and salvation. Creating a series of symbols equivalent to Earth, the Last Judgment and Glory. He has represented them in the lower crypt, the three arches that make up the portico and the rostrum located at the top.
How is the Portico divided?
It is made up of 3 arches, all with their eardrums, columns and archivolts, a central column, buttress canvases, a vault and a lower pedestal.
· The central arch shows a version of the apocalyptic heavenly Jerusalem, where Mark is seen, writing his gospel on a lion, Luke on a bull and John on an eagle, but Matthew is placed with a box to collect taxes.
· The apostle James presides over the mullion with a Jesse tree to review the genealogy of Christ; and the foundation that runs along the portico are a review of a passage from the book of Daniel. Also, you can visualize a statue of the master Mateo on his knees.
· The side walls of the portico are a representation of the Jewish people in the Old Testament, on the left side. While the right side is represented by the Gentiles and the New Testament.
You can make visits to the Portico of Glory
If you have wondered if it is difficult to make a tour, the truth is that yes, but you must take into account some regulations due to the restorations made to this iconic work.
The portal of the Cathedral of Santiago offers guided tours of the Pórtico de la Gloria at an affordable price. If you have made the Camino de Santiago and want to spend time getting to know the city, do not hesitate to admire this important icon of architecture from different periods.
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