THE CHURCH OF SANTIAGO DE REDONDELA

The Church of Santiago de Redondela is the town’s main parish church, dedicated to Santiago Apóstol. It is located in the highest part of the historic town centre, making it a prominent visual and symbolic landmark of the town.

It has a very ancient origin. There are references to an earlier building consecrated by Archbishop Diego Xelmírez in 1114, on the site of a previous church. This indicates that Redondela already had an important Christian church as early as the beginning of the 12th century.

The church we see today is not the original medieval building. It was rebuilt between the late 15th century and the 16th century, adopting forms more characteristic of Late Gothic architecture. In 1712–1714, Baroque elements were added, including the sacristy, part of the bell tower, and several interior chapels.

Inside the church, you can find several chapels dedicated to different saints, reflecting its religious and community importance: San Sebastián, San Bieito, La Inmaculada Concepción, El Nazareno and Las Ánimas (the souls of Purgatory, a tradition deeply rooted in Galicia).

The church stands in an area where there may previously have been remains of Redondela’s medieval walls, indicating its importance since ancient times.

According to some local sources, the church houses the tomb of a 16th-century nobleman, Don Vasco Machado, who was buried there.