Summary
The journey culminates for weary pilgrims in Santiago de Compostela, recognized as the reputed resting place of one of the twelve Apostles. This city boasts immense artistic and historical significance, ranking among the most vital locations in the Catholic domain.
To truly appreciate the historical center and its intricate array of churches, monasteries, and magnificent squares, which have developed around the pilgrimage site since the 900s, ample time is essential.
The principal monuments are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing remarkable architectural accomplishments adorned with Romanesque sculptures preserved for a millennium.
Here, we explore the noteworthy activities in Santiago de Compostela:
1. Camino de Santiago
During your visit to Santiago, you may observe numerous individuals on the streets who have traveled great distances to reach this destination.
The Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) is an extensive network of trails across Europe that converge at Roncesvalles and Jaca near the Spanish border, continuing along an 800 km path westward through northern Spain to Santiago.
This path serves as a Catholic pilgrimage leading to the cathedral, where St. James is believed to be interred.
To experience the Galician countryside, consider traversing a small segment of the trail, marked by the iconic scallop shell symbol.
2. Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
This monumental site is the ultimate destination for countless pilgrims who embark on extensive journeys. It is here that St. James is reputed to be laid to rest; a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, it stands as one of Spain’s most recognizable buildings.
The entire city was constructed around this remarkable monument, and with an area encompassing 10,000 square meters, ample time is required to thoroughly explore its numerous details.
Ongoing excavations continue to reveal its past, and a Cathedral Museum is available for entry at a nominal fee, displaying artifacts uncovered during these efforts.
The interior is predominantly in the Baroque style, featuring the impressive silver High Altar where the Pilgrim Mass is held daily at noon.
3. Pórtico de la Gloria
A sight in itself, this is the main entrance to the cathedral. You may find yourself captivated by the exquisite details of this impressive portal.
This extraordinary work includes intricate Romanesque carvings executed by the local artisan Maestro Mateo in the late 1100s.
This was no small undertaking, as he committed to this project in 1168, not concluding the carvings until 1211, shortly before his passing.
As part of the agreement, failure to fulfill the contract would have resulted in a financial penalty of 1,000 gold pieces.
The entire collection comprises 200 sculptures, collectively recognized as the pinnacle of Romanesque artistry within Spain.
4. Praza do Obradoiro
This expansive square is dominated by the breathtaking Baroque façade of the cathedral. As you survey your surroundings, you will encounter remarkable works reflecting 700 years of the city’s evolution up to the 18th century.
In the center, a stone slab designates “kilometre zero” on the pilgrimage route.
This grand setting is particularly significant for the fireworks display held on July 24th, the eve of St. James’ Day.
If your visit coincides with this festival, make sure to sample a Torta de Santiago, a local delicacy made from ground almonds and powdered sugar.
Also located in the square are the Cathedral cloister, the Xelmírez Episcopal Palace, and the neoclassical Palacio de Raxoi, which now accommodates the city council.
5. Casco Historico
As you navigate Santiago’s city walls, you may feel as though you are walking through a cinematic backdrop.
The Santiago tourism office offers an mp3 guide that you can download, facilitating a leisurely three-hour stroll through the principal attractions in the historic center of the city. This guide directs you through all major squares, concluding in the verdant Alameda Park.
Rúa do Franco, which connects with Praza do Obradoiro, is a charming and narrow pedestrian pathway lined with historic stone residences, housing many of the city’s finest dining establishments.
6. Monastery of San Martiño Pinario
This monastery was established in the ninth century by Benedictine monks who settled in the area following the discovery of St. James’ remains.
The current structure, dating back to the late-15th century, represents a flourishing period following its integration into the Benedictine Congregation in Valladolid.
The church is a striking example of Baroque architecture, deemed one of Spain’s most stunning edifices.
Ascend to the choir to view the intricate woodwork and admire the altarpieces crafted by 18th-century architect Fernando de Casas Novoa.
7. Parque de la Alameda
City parks in Galicia are distinctive from those found elsewhere in Spain, primarily due to the favorable climate that supports lush lawns.
Parque de la Alameda exemplifies this with its expansive green spaces, complemented by horse chestnuts, oaks, eucalyptus, cypresses, and palm trees lining its pathways.
The gas-lit central avenue showcases a unique aspect of 19th-century Spanish society: separate walkways based on social classes.
Numerous flower beds, ponds, sculptures, and fountains contribute to the park’s charm, yet the panoramic views of the Cathedral remain a lasting impression after your visit.
8. Praza da Quintana
This distinctive square is pleasantly confined by the stunning structures of Casco Historico. The eastern perimeter is guarded by the imposing wall of the Monastery of San Paio de Antealtares.
This site was established in the 800s to oversee St. James’ tomb, which had only recently been unearthed.
On the western side, you will find the clock tower of the Cathedral of Santiago, known as Berengial, after Archbishop Berenguel de Landoira, who oversaw its construction in the 1300s.
Descending the steps reveals that the lower region of the square was a burial site until the late 18th century.
9. Mercado de Abastos
Few market halls in Spain can rival the beauty of Mercado de Abastos, which has operated from this location for over 300 years.
The existing structure, erected in 1941, was designed to complement the city’s architectural style, resembling a Romanesque church with its stone walls and extended arches and windows.
Similar to many central markets in Spain, it serves as a vibrant hub for daily life.
Permanent stalls, situated within arches facing a central pathway, offer local cheese, cured meats, and fresh seafood from the Atlantic.
Temporary stalls positioned at the entrance also provide an array of fruits and vegetables.
10. Colegiata de Santa María del Sar
Amidst Santiago’s architectural splendor, this diminutive collegiate church stands out.
Constructed in the 1100s adjacent to the River Sar, it is predominantly Romanesque in style.
Minor modifications occurred over the years, including the addition of buttresses in the 1700s to enhance structural stability.
The church retains a slightly irregular appearance.
Among its architectural highlights are the baptismal font and cloister, both dating back to the church’s consecration.
Be sure to appreciate the stonework in the cloister, where the arches and capitals were artistically carved by Maestro Mateo, who also contributed many sculptures within the cathedral.
11. Hostal dos Reis Católicos
In the 1400s, the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabel, undertook the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain.
Upon completion, they significantly improved the pilgrimage route by constructing churches, bridges, and hostels.
This grand hostel, located adjacent to the Cathedral, represented the most extravagant element of their initiative.
Completed in 1486 after a decade of construction, it is regarded as the world’s oldest continuously operating hotel.
Today, it functions as a luxurious five-star hotel, offering modern amenities for those seeking comfort at the conclusion of their spiritual journey.
12. Seafood
Spain has a deep-rooted affinity for fish and seafood, with a substantial portion sourced from Galicia’s coastal waters. Local delicacies include lobster, mussels, scallops, crabs, and various shellfish.
Octopus is especially emblematic of this region, with pulpo à feira being a staple dish enjoyed across Spain.
This dish involves boiling octopus in a traditional copper pot, then slicing and seasoning it with paprika and serving it alongside boiled potatoes. The prominence of potatoes in the local cuisine owes to their initial introduction here following their introduction from the New World.
13. Galician Drinks
Several alcoholic beverages are unique to Galicia, warranting your exploration during your visit.
Orujo is a pomace brandy produced from the remnants of grapes used in winemaking, often infused with herbs, nuts, or dried fruits.
It may occasionally be enjoyed with coffee and is typically served chilled.
Albariño, a Galician white wine, possesses moderate acidity (attributable to the cool climate) that pairs exquisitely with the region’s seafood and fish.
14. Noia
Given your proximity to Galicia’s breathtaking coastline, it is advisable to venture a bit further to witness its beauty firsthand. Noia is the first coastal town you will encounter.
Like many coastal locations, it relies heavily on fishing and a sizable seafood harvest in the autumn.
Noia features a charming historic center dominated by the stunning Gothic church of San Martino; upon entering through the main portal, take a moment to appreciate the intricate carvings in the arch.
The town is also an excellent starting point for exploring Galicia’s untamed Atlantic coastline, characterized by striking fjord-like formations known as rías.
You can either walk from Noia to reach the nearest beach or drive to discover over 30 additional beaches within a 45-minute drive.
15. Padrón
If you have dined on tapas in Spain, you are likely familiar with the small green peppers that bear the name of this quaint town.
While most peppers possess a mild flavor, it is often the case that a few in each batch deliver quite a spicy kick.
Part of the excitement lies in the unpredictability of flavors!
Less than a half-hour from the coast, you can visit the area where these peppers originally come from.
The ideal time for this excursion is during the first weekend of May when the Pimientos de Padrón festival takes place at the Franciscan monastery, which is traditionally credited for reintroducing the seeds from Mexico.
This event features Galician bagpipe music, complimentary tastings, and a vermouth session, making it a festive celebration.
