Santiago de Compostela
Cathedral of
Saint James the Great

Apostle, Pilgrim, Soldier.

Saint James the Great, also known as Santiago or St. James the Apostle, holds a prominent place in Christian tradition as one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. His life is shrouded in both historical accounts and legendary narratives that have contributed to his veneration as a significant figure in Christianity.

James, son of Zebedee, was born in the first century AD, likely in Bethsaida, a fishing village on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Along with his brother John, he worked as a fisherman before being called by Jesus to become one of his closest disciples. Together with Peter and John, James formed an inner circle among the disciples and witnessed
pivotal moments in Jesus’ ministry, including the Transfiguration and the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.

James’ apostolic journey took him beyond the confines of Palestine. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, he played a pivotal role in spreading the Gospel, primarily in the regions of Spain and the Iberian Peninsula. While historical accounts vary, tradition holds that James traveled to Spain to preach the message of Christianity, earning him the title “James the Apostle of Spain.”