Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia, was declared a Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1985 due to its monumental significance and cultural value, as well as being the final destination of the well-known Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The city is characterized by its monasteries, pilgrim hospitals, churches, stately houses, and historic squares. It has attracted visitors and travelers from all over the world for centuries.
The city boasts a wide cultural offering with a total of sixteen museums. It is also noted for its contemporary architecture, which can be enjoyed in buildings such as the City of Culture of Galicia. On the other hand, the popular festivals of Santiago are unique in the world for their
The gastronomy of Santiago is excellent. The dishes that can be sampled in bars, restaurants, and taverns showcase the quality of Galician products like seafood and cured meats. The Tarta de Santiago, Pulpo a la Gallega, or Gratinated Scallops are popular dishes that should be tried when visiting Santiago de Compostela. The various Free Tours and Guided Tours allow visitors to discover all these aspects of this unique city in the world.
Here are some must-visit places during your stay in Santiago de Compostela:
The Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, declared a Historical-Artistic Monument in 1986, is an outstanding example of Romanesque art and is also the key point marking the end of the Camino de Santiago. It houses the tomb of the Apostle Santiago, a place of great significance for Christianity.
Another well-known element of the Cathedral is the Portico of Glory, located at the west entrance of the Cathedral. The Portico, subjected to various restoration processes, is a unique piece of peninsular Romanesque architecture. Access to it is very limited. To complete your visit to the Cathedral, do not forget the Museum, where both the past of the city and the Cathedral are revived.
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The Hostal de los Reyes Católicos is one of the most emblematic buildings of Santiago de Compostela. The current building was founded by the Catholic Monarchs in 1499, with the goal of accommodating pilgrims who completed the Camino de Santiago. Today, this Gothic character building is classified as a Parador de Turismo. It preserves some rooms and corners of great interest, such as its 16th-century plateresque grated facade, its inner courtyards, and the Chapel of Enrique de Egas. Besides visiting it, guests can also stay in this hotel full of beauty and history.
The Plaza del Obradoiro is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world. It is surrounded by the main monuments of the city in various architectural styles, including the Cathedral, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, the Gelmírez Palace, and the San Jerónimo College. Each of these features the figure of the Apostle Santiago in different forms.
Visitors can experience the touristic heart of Santiago de Compostela practically without leaving the square, making access to each of these monuments very easy. Its name comes from “the obradoiros,” a term referring to the workshops of the stone masons who worked here when the Cathedral's facade was being constructed, where they stored the necessary materials for its building.
In the Plaza del Obradoiro, there is a plaque considered the kilometer 0 for pilgrims, marking the point of arrival for the paths leading to the Apostle.
The Museum of the Galician People is located in the former convent of Santo Domingo de Bonaval. This museum showcases various cultural and historical aspects of Galicia. It can be explored through five different itineraries, relating to the sea, the countryside, trades, places, and everyday objects of Galician society.
In addition to its collections, we highlight the following aspects of this museum:
The Market of Abastos in Santiago de Compostela is the second most visited place in the city, only surpassed by the Cathedral. It is an ideal place to taste local products but also to stroll and discover one of the most spectacular corners of Santiago de Compostela.
The most remarkable aspect of the market is its architectural layout, both inside and out. The fresh produce stalls, typical of the area, such as shellfish, fish, meats, cheeses, and vegetables, are also very characteristic. It is recommended to visit the famous hall 5 of the market, dedicated to restaurants, where high-quality products can be tasted. You can also visit the famous Viñoteca do Mercado or eat in the outdoor area.
The Convent of San Francisco is one of the most popular places in Santiago de Compostela. A Franciscan monastery founded in the 13th century that commemorates the pilgrimage of Saint Francis of Assisi to Compostela. Its Baroque and Neoclassical character is highlighted in its interior cloister and atrium, where the Monument to Saint Francis is located.
Part of the convent is dedicated to tourist accommodation, being the four-star Hotel Monumento de San Francisco, one of the most luxurious in the city. In its facilities, besides the previously mentioned, we also find the Juan XXIII Albergue and the Juan XXIII Cultural-Social Center, where pilgrims stay and where different social, cultural, and artistic activities are enjoyed.
Every day from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm and from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
