Plaza de las Platerias (Silverware Square), Santiago de Compostela
Silverware Square derives its name from the silversmiths workshops that have occupied the arches beneath the cloister since the Middle Ages. The square's dominant feature is the Cathedral's only remaining Romanesque fa莽ade, which dates back to either 1078 or 1103. However, it suffered significant damage during popular uprisings against Archbishop Gelm铆rez in the 12th century. Fortunately, the fa莽ade was reconstructed a few years later. Over the centuries, additional Romanesque figures were incorporated from the Gate of Paradise on the Cathedral's north side, enhancing the fa莽ade's intricate iconography.
The frieze of the Romanesque fa莽ade is a masterpiece that combines apostles, angels, and signs of the zodiac. At the center stands a stylized Christ accompanied by St. James, the patron saint of Spain. The left-hand tympanum of the portals portrays Christ's temptation, while the right-hand one depicts scenes of the Passion, including Pilate's judgment, the scourging, and Judas' betrayal. The sidewalls are adorned with additional figures such as King David and the creation of Adam.
Bordering the Plater铆as portal are the base of the Clock Tower and the cloister wall. The cloister wall features Renaissance medallions inspired by Jacobean tradition, depicting scenes related to St. James. These include the movement of his relics and his transfiguration into a warrior. At the top of the wall, the medallions illustrate Christ's genealogy, with Mary and Baby Jesus prominently depicted in the right-hand corner. This section pays homage to Our Lady since the cloister is dedicated to her.
In the center of Silverware Square stands the Fountain of the Horses, set against the backdrop of the Casa del Cabildo. The Casa del Cabildo is adorned with typical baroque-style geometrical motifs, showcasing the artistic flair of Compostela. The fountain, added to the square in 1758 by architect Fern谩ndez Sarela, acts as a focal point and completes the square's architectural ensemble.
The frieze of the Romanesque fa莽ade is a masterpiece that combines apostles, angels, and signs of the zodiac. At the center stands a stylized Christ accompanied by St. James, the patron saint of Spain. The left-hand tympanum of the portals portrays Christ's temptation, while the right-hand one depicts scenes of the Passion, including Pilate's judgment, the scourging, and Judas' betrayal. The sidewalls are adorned with additional figures such as King David and the creation of Adam.
Bordering the Plater铆as portal are the base of the Clock Tower and the cloister wall. The cloister wall features Renaissance medallions inspired by Jacobean tradition, depicting scenes related to St. James. These include the movement of his relics and his transfiguration into a warrior. At the top of the wall, the medallions illustrate Christ's genealogy, with Mary and Baby Jesus prominently depicted in the right-hand corner. This section pays homage to Our Lady since the cloister is dedicated to her.
In the center of Silverware Square stands the Fountain of the Horses, set against the backdrop of the Casa del Cabildo. The Casa del Cabildo is adorned with typical baroque-style geometrical motifs, showcasing the artistic flair of Compostela. The fountain, added to the square in 1758 by architect Fern谩ndez Sarela, acts as a focal point and completes the square's architectural ensemble.
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Plaza de las Platerias (Silverware Square) on Map
Sight Name: Plaza de las Platerias (Silverware Square)
Sight Location: Santiago de Compostela, Spain (See walking tours in Santiago de Compostela)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Santiago de Compostela, Spain (See walking tours in Santiago de Compostela)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Santiago de Compostela
Creating your own self-guided walk in Santiago de Compostela is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Santiago de Compostela Introduction Walking Tour
Legend has it that after Saint James, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, was martyred in Jerusalem in 44 AD, his followers carried his decapitated body by sea to Spain. Others claim that the saintly remains were miraculously taken up by angels and sailed to the coast of Galicia, where a massive rock closed around it and was later moved to its final resting place.
Either way, during the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Either way, during the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles