Located in the northwest of Spain, we find the best-known Spanish city worldwide, especially along the path of its Jacobean route. Santiago de Compostela It is a place of pilgrimage, culture, art and gastronomy. Founded in the 9th century around the sanctuary dedicated to Santiago Apóstol and with an impressive medieval architecture that can be seen in its cobbled streets, squares, palaces, churches and cathedrals. An ancient city full of history, how can it go unnoticed?
But not everything will be monuments, Santiago de Compostela offers you many essential places that you should visit Apart from being the cradle of pilgrims, it is home to university students and a clear example of exquisite Galician gastronomy. A city with a lot to offer to everyone who passes through it. Its historical heritage, its university atmosphere, its gastronomy and its festivals make it a unique and special place.
Get to know the 10 essential places you should visit in Santiago de Compostela
Cathedral and Plaza del Obradoiro
Undoubtedly, the greatest symbol of the city. The Cathedral is a place of great cultural, religious and tourist importance in Spain. With its stunning design and unique history, a place that attracts thousands of visitors each year for its colossal character and beauty. It does not matter how and when you arrive in Santiago, whether you are a pilgrim or a tourist, the cathedral is a place that will leave you breathless and with an inexplicable feeling of connection with history and spirituality.
The cathedral houses the tomb of the Apostle Santiago, it is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Europe. Pilgrims from all over the world, full of religion or not, come to the temple to see the Apostle. The immensity of the Obradoiro is not far behind. The square welcomes pilgrims after finishing their unforgettable journey. Emotion and many photos conclude the emotional journey.
The Portico de la Gloria, one of the most important in the history of universal art with its infinite iconographic details, real and fantastic animals. In addition, the cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece, with Baroque and Romanesque details.
Pazo de Fonseca
One of the most iconic and famous buildings in the city is undoubtedly the emblematic Pazo de Fonseca. One of the essential places on your trip to Santiago. Currently, the building is linked to the University of Santiago, one of the oldest universities in the world. Today, its use is as a library and a venue for cultural events.
And it is that nothing goes unnoticed in the palace, we do not know if it will be its façade, the cloister or its Gothic chapel… full of grandeur and beauty, both inside and outside. It stands out, among others, for the charm of its harmonious cloister, divided into two levels with 24 spaces. Arches, bastion and a beautiful carved cornice. It is a jewel of the Spanish Plateresque style in Galicia.
The palace belonged to Archbishop Alonso Fonseca, where several generations lived. In addition, the building has had a multitude of uses since the 16th century: residence hall, convent of the nobility, university faculty and current headquarters, among others.
Platerías Square
One of the four squares that houses the Cathedral, also in it is the only Romanesque façade. Currently, it has the only door through which it is accessed. This has numerous iconography of Christ, angels, the Apostle James, King David and the creation of Adam, among others.
The square that has a fountain, called the horse fountain, with a simple and unique design that makes it one of the most beautiful fountains in the city. It is a beautiful circular stone fountain, surrounded by a step and with four sea horses that expel water from their mouths. A square with history and details that go unnoticed, such as the largest shell in the city, hidden in one of its corners.
Its name is due to the numerous goldsmith workshops that were installed in this area of the city. The shops sold a variety of silver objects to the pilgrims, as well as other things such as vieria shells or figures. The square housed all the commercial activities focused on pilgrims.
Quintana Square
In it, is the Holy Door. An exclusive entrance to the Cathedral that is only open on the Holy Year of the Holy Spirit and on July 25, the feast day of the Apostle. A colossal space that even, from first impressions, may seem sober and gloomy with its great wall, however it is characterized by the great welcome to all who visit it. Its stairway is the favorite place for visitors to sit and observe the atmosphere of the city with a panoramic view.
The Plaza de la Quintana is the scene of important religious and cultural celebrations that attract thousands of people every year. Surrounded by historical buildings, such as the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Church of San Paio de Antealtares. This place is the center of the religious and leisure life of the city.
Old zone
Zona vella, historic center or old city, it is the same as the names, because all the elements that compose it will captivate you. Santiago de Compostela offers an incomparable monumental ensemble. Its temples, churches, palaces, old and narrow streets, popular buildings, its taverns and premises, all full of meaning and history, will captivate you from the moment you look up.
The historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. The heart of the area is the Plaza del Obradoiro, where the Cathedral, named before, is located. The old area of Santiago de Compostela is home to most of the essential sights.
Alameda Park
With a unique location and views of a large part of the historic city and the university campus, we find the best urban garden in Santiago de Compostela. The Alameda park, home to walks and leisure, a reference place to enjoy the main green area of the city. An impressive natural environment with a great variety of plant and tree species.
La Alameda is made up of three parts: the Paseo de la Alameda, the Carballeira de Santa Susana and the Paseo de la Herradura. Since the 19th century, the park has modernist and current buildings such as the Pilar church, the dovecote, the kiosk and numerous statues and sculptures, including that of the playwright Valle-Inclán and the two Marías, popular characters from history. from Santiago.
Food Market
After the Cathedral, we find the Mercado de Abastos, the second most visited place in Santiago de Compostela, and of course, one of the essential places to visit in the city. Its history, its architecture and its exquisite gastronomy will be what will captivate you for hours.
It is the leading center for the sale of fresh produce in the city. More than 5,000 square meters divided into two floors that open into a central nave, full of local businesses where you will find the best products from the renowned gastronomy of the sea and native land products.
An essential stop and more, if it is Thursday or Saturday. The Abastos market is the home of the people of Santiago and welcomes all those tourists who come to visit it.
The market was built at the beginning of the 20th century and has become an important meeting point for local producers and consumers. Inside, there are numerous stalls and establishments that offer a wide variety of fresh, quality products, such as fish and shellfish, meats, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, sausages, bread and typical regional products.
In addition to fresh products, the market has bars and restaurants where you can enjoy dishes prepared with ingredients purchased directly from the market. This allows visitors to try authentic Galician dishes and experience the local cuisine in a cozy and traditional setting.
city of culture
A work of creativity and modernity. A few minutes from the center of Santiago, you will find the architectural proposal of the American Peter Eisenman, the majestic city of culture of Santiago de Compostela. Settled on the top of Monte Gaiás, we find a new, inclusive and plural proposal with unique buildings oriented towards the future of Galicia and its internalization. In it, it houses a library and the Museum of Galicia, among others. In addition, it has a complete program of music, theater, dance, visual arts with which it leaves no one indifferent.
Bonaval Park
A true oasis in the middle of the city. It is a very usual place among the people of Santiago who are looking for a bit of peace and tranquility. Its full name is the San Domingos de Bonaval Park. A large green space with about 40 thousand square meters restored, respecting the history and elements of the historical complex. The space was a farm and a cemetery.
Formed by an old convent, current headquarters of the Museo do Pobo Galego with its incredible baroque spiral staircase, Panteón de Galegos Ilustres (remains of the illustrious Rosalía de castro, Brañas, Asorey, Caballinas, Fontán and Castelao) and the Museum of Contemporary Art by the famous Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza.
It presents a wide variety of trees and plants, history, culture and its many attractions. The Bonaval Park is a visit that you cannot miss.
Monastery of San Martin Pinario
Shortly after the discovery of the Apostle’s remains, a group of Benedicts built this monastery very close to the Cathedral, achieving worldwide fame and being named the most valuable Galician Baroque ensemble. It is one of the largest monasteries in Spain.
The architecture of the Monastery of San Martín Pinario is imposing and Baroque in style. Its main façade presents a large doorway decorated with sculptural elements and ornamental details. Inside, it houses an impressive church with beautiful altarpieces and works of religious art.
The monastery also has a Renaissance-style cloister and different rooms and rooms that reflect monastic life and the history of the place. In addition, in the monastery there is an inn that offers accommodation to pilgrims and visitors who want to live a closer experience to the monastic environment.
With more than 20,000 square meters, the complex brings together a museum with a permanent exhibition, the Major Seminary, a catering establishment and the church with altarpieces and gold stalls. Without a doubt, this monumental space is one of the essential places on your visit to Santiago.
The Giro dos Montes
A 34 km route to tour Santiago de Compostela and fall in love with it. O Xiro dos montes surrounds the entire city, it has eight stages, one for each mountain that includes the route from Monte Viso to Monte Gáias. A conditioned path, in a magical natural environment and with unbeatable views for both hiking and cycling.
One of the most outstanding stages on the way is the climb to Monte do Gozo. It’s a steep climb, but once you reach the top, the reward of views across the city make it worth it. Undoubtedly, an essential stop with an unbeatable ending.
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