Who is Buried in the Famous Shrine of St James in Santiago de Compostela?

The legend of the Apostle John’s brother is one of the most important stories in Spanish Christianity. According to legend, a man who was a friend of Jesus is buried in the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.

Legends say that the remains of St James were transported from Jerusalem to Galicia, where he was buried in the small city of Pradon, and later transported to the church in Santiago de Compostela, which is now one of the most important religious centers in all of Europe. However, many researchers still question the identity of the remains buried in Galicia.

The crypt of power in Santiago de Compostela

It is not easy to enter the crypt in the cathedral. Due to the popularity of the site, numerous people wait for the moment when they are able to take a look at the coffin or to pray to St James. Inside the little crypt, where only a few people can stand at any time, there is a small coffin.

In the oldest part of the cathedral, in a small niche, there are human remains, which some people believe answer prayers and makes dreams come true. To them, St James resides within the cathedral walls and listens to their prayers then turns them into reality.

Saint James on the middle pier. (CC BY-SA 3.0)