Issue date: 28 Feb, 2018
WORLD HERITAGE. SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
A new stamp is being added to the World Heritage series which, in line with the previous ones, is being issued as a mini sheet with a round stamp depicting the back of the two euro coin being put into circulation this year.
The engraving on the coin depicts the apostle James of Zebedee (Santiago) dressed as a pilgrim, in front of one of the doors to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.
The stamp is framed in a nice chalcography of the cathedral. Specifically, it shows the main façade, which receives thousands upon thousands of pilgrims every year, who, after going all the way around the building, arrive to the Plaza del Obradoiro to gaze upon and enter through the Pórtico de la Gloria, and finally accomplish a dream, a wish, after days of walking, often in the rain and cold.
Arriving to the Cathedral is like crossing a finish line. There are many moments of reflection, laughter and tears, of new experiences with people who come from all around the world to complete this pilgrimage, which for hundreds of years has been bringing together millions of faithful and non-faithful alike, all moved by a desire to accomplish this feat or have an adventure.
In last third of the 11th century Bernardo el Viejo and Roberto began construction on the Romanesque Cathedral under the rule of Alfonso VI and Bishop Diego Peláez. After many ups and downs, interruptions and difficulties, the Basilica was consecrated in 1211 in the presence of Alfonso IX.
Although the Cathedral maintains its initial structure, its appearance has changed over the course of the centuries with the subsequent construction of the Cloister during the Renaissance Era, and of the Main Chapel, the organs and the Plaza del Obradoiro façade in the Baroque Era.
Later, in the Neoclassical Era, the Azabachería façade was built.
The Cathedral of Santiago is the crowning glory of a city well deserving of its status as a World Heritage Centre.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.