Reliquary bust of Santiago Alfeo

The "Caput Argenteum" or "Reliquary Bust of Saint James the Less" (one of the 12 apostles of Jesus who was Bishop of Jerusalem until his martyrdom) is the most famous relic of all the cathedral treasures.

The reliquary was made in the first third of the 14th century and has been attributed to the workshop of Santiago local Rodrigo Eáns, who was the cathedral silversmith at the time. The piece was enhanced over the centuries with various donated jewels and precious stones. These included several items from the collection of Don Berenguel de Landoira, and Greco-Roman gems, including 2 Hellenistic cameos donated by Archbishop García de Manrique in the final years of the 14th century. The rock crystal pieces on the chest and halo are from the 15th century. Finally, in the 16th and 17th centuries, several classicist elements were added, including the base.

The Suero de Quiñones Bracelet is also worthy of note. This delicate gold band has an inscription alluding to its 1434 donor, who wore the piece around his neck.