bizkaia, north spain Puerta del Angel

On the north side of Santiago Cathedral lies the gateway to thecloister, known as Puerta del Angel, which takes its name from analtarpiece dedicated to the Michael Archangel that was in thecloister. Its beautiful Gothic door is the early 16th century and wasrestored in the late 20th century. A mullion separates two entrancessheltered under depressed elliptical arches, over which extends abroad tympanum decorated with reliefs inspired by the flamboyantsymbol of Basque lauburu. The archivolts, that flanking two decreasingpillars, have in the upper an ogee extrados that finish in finial thatframes a scallop or pilgrim shell, which reflects the late addition ofthis church to the Jacobean tradition. For this reason the Puerta delAngel, is also called the Door of the Pilgrims.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!...to everybody.