Cathedral of Santiago (Catedral de Santiago)

The Cathedral of Santiago stands on Plaza de Santiago in Casco Viejo, the old quarter of Bilbao in Spain's Basque Country. Begun in the 14th century and dedicated to Saint James, it is the city's principal Gothic church and a stop on the Camino del Norte, the northern pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela, so scallop-shell markers and walking pilgrims are a common sight at its door. The main structure is Gothic, with a nave and aisles under ribbed vaulting, while the west front and the slender spire were added in the 19th century in a neo-Gothic style that gives the building its recognisable silhouette above the old town's rooftops. Visitors can see the late Gothic porch with its sculpted figures, the interior chapels and altarpieces, and a small cloister that is sometimes open separately. The cathedral also serves as an active parish church, so access is limited during services and visitors are expected to dress modestly and keep quiet. A visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, and the square outside is a good place to stop before moving through the nearby Siete Calles. Photographers tend to favour the view up the spire from the square and wider shots from the lanes leading to Plaza Nueva, which is three minutes away on foot. Crowds are modest compared with Bilbao's museums, though groups pass through around midday and on weekends, and Sunday services close the interior to sightseeing for periods. Weekday mornings outside service times are the quietest. Entry to the church is reported as free or by donation, and cloister visits may carry a small fee of up to a few euros, so visitors should carry small change. Opening times shift with the liturgical calendar, so confirming with Bilbao Turismo before a visit avoids a closed door. The cathedral is easily combined with the Basque Museum, the Ribera Market and a pintxo stop nearby.