The central fountain, Fuente de los Caballos, features four sea horses and a central figure representing the city.
The facade contains architectural fragments from other areas of the cathedral, creating an asymmetrical and eclectic assembly of Romanesque carvings.
The Casa do Cabido was constructed in 1758 with a depth of only five meters to solve urban planning issues in the plaza.
The doorway is the only Romanesque entrance to the cathedral that has remained largely intact since the Middle Ages.
The plaza's name literally translates to 'Silversmiths' Square,' referencing the craftspeople who worked in the nearby arcades for centuries.
Praza das Praterías serves as the only Romanesque facade of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, distinct from the more prominent Baroque main entrance. The square takes its name from the traditional silversmith shops that historically occupied the surrounding arcades. The focal point is the 18th-century Fuente de los Caballos, a Baroque fountain located in the center. The Puerta de las Platerías dates back to 1103, featuring complex sculptural iconography that survived a major fire in 1117. This square historically functioned as the primary entrance for pilgrims arriving from the south via the Camino Portugués. It is bordered by the cathedral to the north, the Casa do Cabido to the east, and the cloister to the west. The Casa do Cabido is a narrow, decorative building designed to hide the unequal proportions of the cathedral and the surrounding structures. It remains one of the most significant architectural interfaces between the cathedral’s historical core and the city's urban layout.
From the center of the square near the fountain, looking up at the combination of the Romanesque portal and the cathedral tower.
Visit during the early morning to capture the facade details without the crowds of pilgrims blocking the view.
Walk around the side of the Casa do Cabido to see how it integrates with the medieval city grid.
Observe the sculptural details on the Puerta de las Platerías closely, as many pieces were moved here from other parts of the building.
Do not mistake this entrance for the main entrance of the Cathedral, which is located on the opposite side of the complex at Praza do Obradoiro.
Respectful behavior is expected as it is a place of worship; maintain a quiet volume.
