Cathédrale du Sauveur de Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Built from 1158 in the town founded by Saint Dominic de la Calzada, a hermit who devoted his life in the 11th century to building roads, bridges and hospices for pilgrims, this cathedral houses a live white cock and hen in memory of the "miracle of the hanged man": a pilgrim unjustly executed is said to have remained miraculously alive on the gallows, and the judge, called upon to believe it, is said to have replied that this was as unlikely as seeing the roast cock on his table start crowing again — which it promptly did. This legend, mentioned as early as a papal document of 1350, is an ancient and well-attested tradition as a story, not a historical fact.

Getting there : Admission charge

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound