Botafumeiro, Santiago de Compostela

The Botafumeiro is a renowned thurible at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. It swings during the Pilgrim's Mass and other important events, reaching speeds of 60 km/h. Made of brass and bronze with a thin layer of silver, it was created in 1851. Weighing 80 kg and measuring 1.60 m in height, it is usually displayed in the cathedral's library but brought down for special occasions. Another censer called La Alcachofa is used in regular masses.

The Botafumeiro is suspended from a pulley mechanism installed in 1604, 20 m below the cathedral's dome. The ropes, previously made of hemp or esparto grass, are now synthetic. Eight tiraboleiros in red robes initiate its motion, producing large oscillations. It swings between the transept's doorways, reaching a height of 21 m and speeds of 68 km/h. The maximum angle is around 82° after 17 cycles.

The Botafumeiro's weight varies from 50 to 160 kg according to different sources. Legend says swinging censers began in the 11th century to purify weary pilgrims and ward off plagues. The pulley mechanism was modified in the 13th century, enabling larger swings. In 2006, the Botafumeiro was restored, repairing dents and cracks and adding a new silver plating.