At nightfall In Praza da Quintana, when the lights of the square are turned on, you are able to meet the Shadow Pilgrim. The Ghost of a local legend is projected onto the wall of the Cathedral de Santiago. The Shadow Pilgrim tells the tale of love and loss.
Secrets of the night.
Legend says that a priest fell in love with a nun residing in the convent of San Paio. To begin with every night the priest would hide in a passage under the Quintana stairs that joins the convent to the cathedral. Here they would secretly meet. Then one night tired of lying and sneaking around he asked his love to run away with him. He wanted to live and love in freedom. A promise was made to meet in the plaza the following night.
Eternal Love
With his identity concealed, dressed as a pilgrim he waited in the shadows. Tragically she never came. Since that fateful night, still in love and longing to see her, he returns and waits in anguish for his forbidden love.
How to find him in Santiago de Compostela
Look for the deep corner between the base of the clock tower and the Royal Door. There you will see his shadow, behind a low fence next to the lighting pillar. Take a moment to imagine the time…
