In Santiago de Compostela are the remains of the patron saint of Spain, the apostle Santiago el Mayor; around the streets of the old city, destroyed by the Muslims in the 10th century, a hundred famous people have paraded. Kings, like Isabel de Castilla and Fernando de Aragón , in 1486, and even Pope John Paul II, the first Pontiff to make a pilgrimage to Santiago twice during his mandate. But the Galician capital is much more than religiosity. It is the birthplace of writers, such as Rosalía de Castro, and of important political figures such as Mariano Rajoy. Its streets are full of traditions and festivities. We invite you to read this guide to discover this beautiful Galician city.
What to see in Santiago de Compostela
Obradoiro Square
This square is a mandatory stop when visiting the Galician city. It takes its name from the old stonemasons workshop that worked to build the Cathedral, the main building in the square.
the Cathedral of Santiago of Compostela
The architecture of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a mixture of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. Of the many facades that the Cathedral has, the most popular is the Obradoiro, which overlooks the square of the same name.
Inside this facade is the Pórtico de la Gloria, a masterpiece of universal art, full of a religious symbolism that would be impossible to describe in this article. The Cathedral is open to the public. Do not forget to visit its museum, the High Altar, the Treasury and of course, the tomb of the Apostle Santiago discovered, according to tradition by Pelayo in 814. The tomb, which is found descending some narrow stairs, is preserved in a “way primitive “and contrasts with the art that stands on it.
Don’t forget to come and see the other facades! The facade of the Platerías, in the square of the same name and to the south of the Cathedral complex. Stop to contemplate the Clock Tower or “Berenguela”, next to the Platerias, which houses a 6,433-kilo bell. Continue your journey to the Plaza de la Quintana where the Holy Door is located, which only opens when July 25 (Santiago Apóstol day) falls on a Sunday. Conclude your visit in the Plaza de la Inmaculada, where the façade of the Azabachería is located, the first part of the Cathedral that pilgrims see when they arrive in Santiago.
Hostal de los Reyes Católicos
On one side of the Cathedral, is the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. After the visit of the Kings to Santiago de Compostela, they ordered the construction of a hospital to provide shelter for pilgrims and anyone who needed medical attention at the end of the road and it is still in operation! If you are looking for a place with history to stay on your visit to Santiago, this is your establishment. It is considered one of the oldest hotels in the world.
College of San Jerónimo
On the southern side of the square is the old Colegio de San Jerónimo, current rectory of the University of Santiago de Compostela. It is also called “College of Artists”. Unmissable on your visit to admire the portico of it.
The palaces of Rajoy and Gelmírez
The Palacio de Rajoy is the seat of the City Council. It is located in the western part of the square, in front of the Cathedral. On your left, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos.
The Gelmírez Palace, for its part, is next to the Cathedral. Currently on its last two floors is the Archbishop’s Palace. On the stairs of this palace, it is common to meet a saxophonist, almost a symbol of the city, who enlivens the tour of the square.
Alameda Park
When leaving the large complex of the Cathedral, you can head down Franco Street towards Alameda Park. The walking tour will take approximately 7 minutes. If it is that you do not linger in the narrow street to look at the souvenir shops or to have a very cold Estrella de Galicia in one of the terraces that you will find on your way. Walking along this street you can stop to admire the Colegio and the Jardin de Fonseca (former botanical garden of the University) or the América library.
The Alameda Park links the old town with the South Campus of the USC. It is the meeting point of the inhabitants of the city, when they seek outdoor activities. It is divided into three parts: the Paseo de la Alameda, the Santa Susana oak grove and the Paseo de la Herradura. You can sit and rest next to a statue of Valle Inclán itself, which waits forever on a bench on Paseo de la Herradura or be surprised at the Palco de la Música on Paseo de la Alameda.
Food Market
The second busiest place in the city is the Mercado de Abastos. After strolling through the Alameda Park, you can lose yourself in this place full of Galician delicacies.
Museum of the Galician People
A 6-minute walk from the Mercado de Abastos, at the Puerta del Camino, is the Museum of the Galician People . The museum headquarters is the old Santo Domingo de Bonaval Convent . You can visit the 9 rooms that make up the museum as well as the temporary exhibitions, but the architectural attraction of the site is undoubtedly its triple helical staircase , which produces an impressive optical illusion. Not for nothing is the staircase considered one of the distinctive elements of Galician heritage.
Where to eat in Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela, like all of Galicia, has a lot to offer the palate. The gastronomic offer of Santiago is splendid. Seafood predominates more, being the octopus a feira one of the typical dishes that the locals and tourists like the most. For meat lovers, the churrasco is the best choice. As for the drink, La Estrella de Galicia is the beer par excellence and among the wines, Albariño is the best. For the strongest, coffee liqueur or Orujo cream.
But, where to eat in Santiago de Compostela? We recommend you visit A Horta do Obradoiro . A restaurant with traditional cuisine located in an emblematic 17th century building, a few meters from the Santaigo Cathedral. If you are looking for another restaurant to eat typical dishes, then you can go to A Maceta, also in the historic center and at quite affordable prices.
If you are looking for a more informal atmosphere, then you have to go to the La Jefatura tapería / wine bar or the Mamá Peixe tavern . These are cozy places to enjoy the atmosphere that the city offers after a long walking tour.
Where to party in Santiago de Compostela
Santiago is a university city with a lot of rhythm (and march) . Thursdays, for example, is the day the students go out to party. The Galician night is divided into two zones: the Old Zone (which includes the streets of the historic center) and the New Zone or Ensanche ; This last area, built in the 50s and 80s, is the favorite of the students. Carrera do Conde or Montero Ríos are two of the many streets where you can find a place to have fun.
In the Old Zone, the most traditional of Compostela, we can find a wide range of pubs or bars to party. They are all “small”, as they are in old buildings, but you will never lack a place to enjoy the evening. In some, they can even prepare the traditional Queimada , a Galician spirit drink. La Queimada can only be ordered on request in some pubs such as Fonte Sequelo or Retablo.
For a quiet evening plan, a walking tour of the city center is ideal. Walking through the streets of the Galician capital is quite safe and it is possible that you will find several traveling artists in the different squares of the area.
The nightlife in Santiago de Compostela is promising. The party starts late and ends with the first lights of dawn, when La Berenguela announces a new day for the city.
