Lugo - Santa María Cathedral

(Local Name: Santa María Catedral) Opposite the Bishop's Palace in Lugo is the tower on the north front of the granite cathedral, begun in 1129 by Raimundo de Monforte but not completed until the 18th century; it is thus a conglomerate of many styles. The north doorway and porch, with a very beautiful figure of Christ in the act of blessing, are among the oldest parts of the building. A narrow street along the north side leads into the large but peaceful Plaza Pio XII, in which is the Baroque west front of the Cathedral with its twin towers, the last part of the structure to be built (1768). On the right is the cloister, which also dates from the 18th century. On the far side of the square is the Puerta de Santiago, with a broad flight of steps leading up to the top of the walls.