The Cathedral of Santa Maria in Tui

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The Cathedral of Santa Maria in Tui was built on a site where there has been a building used for Christian worship for many centuries. It is at the top of the hilltop town of Tui, overlooking the Mino river.

History of the Cathedral of Santa Maria

The country here was invaded by waves Normans and Saracens who destroyed much. The building of today’s Cathedral began in the 12C after the invasions in previous centuries. The new Cathedral of Santa Maria was finally consecrated in 1225 AD. The building is difficult to see and appreciate, even though it stands on the brow of the hill, and the exterior gives no indication of what lies inside.

Plan of the Cathedral in Tui
Plan of the Cathedral in Tui
The Cathedral of Santa Maria in Tui
The Cathedral of Santa Maria in Tui
North Door of the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Tui
12C North Door of the Cathedral
Carvings on the door of the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Tui
Carvings on the North Door of the Cathedral
Saints and Apostles on the doorway of the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Tui
Satins and Apostles on the doorway of the Cathedral in Tui

Inside the Cathedral

This Cathedral, like many others, forbids photography. However, I went in through the north door where there is no sign! And I took a few photographs before being told off!

The Chapel of St Telmo dates from the 16C-18C and the saint has his own chapel just down the road from the Cathedral.

Chapel of St Telmo in the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Tui
Chapel of St Telmo
Altarpiece in the Chapel of St Telmo
Altarpiece of the Chapel of St Telmo in the Cathedral

St Iphigenia is black, but of course she came from Abyssinia, although in Mediaeval literature she may be depicted as white. There is some discussion about this on the internet

St Iphigenia in the Chapel of St Telmo in the Chathedral
On the altarpiece in the Chapel of St Telmo

The naves

The Cathedral soars upwards in the gloom, but there was this impressive tomb in one side aisle.

14C tomb, probably Bishop Juan de Castro
14C tomb, probably Bishop Juan de Castro
The Transept of the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Tui
The Transept of the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Tui
A side aisle in the Cathedral
A side aisle in the Cathedral
INside the Cathederal
Looking up inside the Cathedral

The Cloisters of the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Tui

The Cloisters date from the 13C and unusually there is a well-kept garden inside. From the Cloisters you can walk out on to the terrace overlooking the river.

The Cloisters of the Cathedral
Garden inside the Cloisters

The Terrace over the Mino River

There are lovely views from the terrace of the Cathedral – towards Portugal, and inland.

Looking towards Valenca in Portugal
Looking towards Valenca in Portugal
The Mino River and the interior of Galicia
The Mino River and the interior of Galicia

The Cathedral of Santa Maria in Tui is a grand building with a wonderful view over the Mino River. A must-visit on the camino to Santiago.

Further information

Photographs and some text
Tui
St Iphigenia as a black saint

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