The intention behind the Fundación Pedro Barrié de la Maza’s decision to be one of the promoters of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Programme, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Santiago and the Cathedral Chapter, was to ensure that society as a whole could enjoy the benefits of a multi-dimensional cultural project that would be open and accessible to all, thereby making a decisive contribution to increasing our awareness of the importance of preserving items of our cultural heritage that are as outstanding as the Portico of Glory.
In order to fulfil this mission, the Foundation has organised a programme of free guided tours in small groups inside the Crypt underneath the Portico of Glory, whilst preventive conservation and restoration work is being carried out on the Portico itself. The tour combines state-of-the-art virtual reality technology in 3D with educational media of a more traditional kind to bring the Portico of Glory to the attention of the general public, showcase the contents of the Cathedral Programme and at the same time inform visitors about the work currently taking place.
Pre-booked tours
The tour takes place within the Crypt underneath the Portico of Glory, where visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the virtual reality of a 3D tour of the Portico of Glory that faithfully reproduces every detail of Maestro Mateo’s work. This unique experience will not only enable them to discover the history and characteristics of the Portico from an unrivalled perspective, but also to learn more about how its condition has been studied and analysed.
For visitors who have not booked in advance
Visitors can admire an exhibition of wooden replicas of the medieval musical instruments from the Portico, as well as interact with them and hear them being played through the medium of a virtual reconstruction based on augmented reality techniques.
Information points at the entrance to the crypt also enable visitors to learn about the reconstruction of the stone chancel designed by Maestro Mateo, consult publications in digital format or find out more about other topics linked to this masterpiece of Romanesque art and architecture in Europe.
The guided tours of the Virtual Portico are completely free of charge.
Places can be booked either through this website or in person at the Crypt underneath the Portico of Glory (Plaza del Obradoiro, Santiago de Compostela).
To book via the Foundation's website please choose a date and time when places are available, indicating the number of people wishing to take the tour.
Groups from educational and research centres can make their reservation by telephone under: (+34) 981.060.095
The Fundación Pedro Barrié de la Maza reserves the right to modify the tour schedule and itinerary.
Visitors must arrive at the Crypt underneath the Portico of Glory (Plaza del Obradoiro, Santiago de Compostela), TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE START TIME OF THE TOUR they have booked. If a visitor fails to arrive in time the Foundation reserves the right to reassign his or her place once the tour has started.
The Crypt underneath the Portico of Glory (Plaza del Obradoiro, Santiago de Compostela) is open at the following times:
Opening times:
· 1 October - 31 May: Mon-Sat from 10.00 to 14.00 and 15.30 to 18.30. Sundays and public holidays from 10.00 to 13.30. Public holidays no tours will take place.
· 1 June - 30 September: Mon-Sat from 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.00 to 20.00. Sundays and public holidays from 10.00 to 14.00. Public holidays no tours will take place.
· Closed all day: 1 & 6 January, 25 July, 15 August and 25 December.
· Closed in the afternoon: Shrove Tuesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, 19 March, 1 November and 8, 24 & 31 December.
· Personal belongings (bags, umbrellas, cameras, video cameras, etc.) must be left at the left luggage office in the crypt. Backpacks and large objects are not allowed to be taken into the crypt.
· Photography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the crypt.
· Food and drink must not be brought into the crypt.
· As a matter of courtesy to others, the use of mobile phones is prohibited within the crypt.