Squares surround the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela; between them, there are other passages, arches, and stairs.
The End of the Way
Plaza do Obradoiro is the stage of the daily ritual of the arrival of the pilgrims, who followed the Way of Saint James, and finally, after a hundred and hundred miles on foot, turn around the last corner and stand in front of the Baroque façade of the Cathedral of Santiago.
On the left, there is an arch where usually street artists find shelter from wind, rain or (rarely!) sun. Bagpipes, flute or guitar players, mimes and other artists. There is music almost everywhere around the square.
If you turn the corner on the opposite side of the arch, you go towards Praza da Quintana. It’s another suggestive scenery made of stone between a fountain and a beautiful staircase.
Here, usually the atmosphere is more peaceful and quiet. But surprises do happen.
An orchestra in Praza da Quintana
On a June afternoon that promises rain, from that side of the cathedral comes a piece of music that seems quite different from the bagpipes and guitars buzzing around. A few steps and my hunch was confirmed: it is classical music played by an orchestra. A whole orchestra that has found its place in Quintana dos Vivos and is playing: all the musicians and the conductor with the baton right in the face of the steps of the Quintana, where tourists, enthusiasts and music lovers throng. The performance is good and engaging; just the acoustics could be better.
Baroque music under a stormy sky
Baroque music bounces between the baroque façades of the square, and all around an interested crowd of pilgrims, tourists and residents, all with their colourful waterproof gear, because soon it would rain. But the weather forecast just seems to be the least interest of the musicians, who continue undeterred to play under the stormy sky.
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