Santiago (St James) was a Chirist's disciple and he was preaching over the Iberian Peninsula following his commandment. It is told that the Virgin appeared him on the banks of the Ebro River.

Santiago returned to Palestine and he was decapitated by Herod Agripa (AD 42). Santiago was the first apostle martyred because of his faith.

His disciples shipped his body to Northwestern Spain and he was buryed right in the place where the cathedral was later builded. This sacred sepulchre soon became a pilgrimage place for Christians.

In 859 (during the Arab ocupation of Spain) a small Christian force entrusted to the blessed apostle before fighting and they defeated a large arab army. Since then, Apostle Santiago became the protector of the Christian forces in the Reconquest against the Arabs.

From the Reconquest will born the Kingdom of Spain; and so Apostle Santiago is the patron saint of Spain.