Santiago de Compostela Sightseeing and Tourist Attractions
Santiago de Compostela lies some 615km north west of Madrid in the remote
territory of Galicia with Portugal only a short distance to the south. For
centuries this ancient city has welcomed pilgrims from all corners Christendom
who have walked (and cycled) the well trodden Camino de Santiago ... the Route
of St James. Indeed Santiago is considered to be the third most important city
in the Christian world after Rome and Jerusalem.
Legend has it that the body of St James was transported here by two disciples
who travelled from the Holy Land in a stone boat after he was executed in AD44.
The boat landed at Padrón and an urn containing his body was buried some 17km
inland. In 813 a grave was discovered by a hermit following lights to a sacred
place ('Campus Stellae', or Compostela, is Latin for 'guiding star') which was believed to be the remains
of St James (Santiago in Spanish).
St James reputedly appeared to Christian soldiers in their battle to
reconquer land from the Moors and became known as 'Matamoros', the Moor slayer.
A small chapel was built on the site where his remains were discovered which developed
into the city's Cathedral and today represents the principal tourist attraction
of Santiago de Compostela.
You will have no problem spending a few days in Santiago, wandering around its
old stone streets, mingling with pilgrims and savouring the magnificent food and
wines of Galicia. The city is small enough for you to do most of your
sightseeing on foot though there are tourist buses and a mini road train to take
you around if you prefer. Without a doubt your first port of call will be the
Plaza del Obradoiro from where you can stand back and marvel at the magnificent
Cathedral. You'll also discover plenty intersting place sto visit in the
surrounding streets.
The main sights and tourist attractions of Santiago de Compostela are the
following: Santiago Cathedral
The Cathedral of Santiago undoubtedly the city's highlight where you'll find
hundreds of pilgrims milling around (inclusing when mass is taking place). A
pilgrim's mass takes place at midday and if you're very lucky you might see the
botafumeiro being used. This is the enormous incense burner which swings from
the roof on strong ropes with flames burning inside (centuries ago this acted as
an air freshener when the 'sweaty' pilgrims attended mass after their long walk
across northern Spain).
The architecture of the Cathedral is mainly Romanesque but due to many
extensions you'll also notice Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical styles which have
been added over the years. The Cathedral has three naves containing various
chapels and cloisters and the altar is quite stunning. You can visit a crypt
where the remains of St James are believed to be kept in a silver urn.
Entrance to the main Cathedral building is free though there is a charge to
enter the museum (containing the cloister, treasury and crypt) and the Pazo de
Xelmírez. The Cathedral is open daily throughout the year from 7am to 9pm. Hours
for the Museum and Pazo de Xelmírez vary throughout the year. Hostal de los
Reyes Católicos
The building to your left as you look at the Cathedral from Plaza del
Obradoiro (also called Plaza de España) was formerly a hospice built by Fernando
and Isabella for pilgrims to the city. Today it is the city's Parador and
certainly the city's most prestigious place to stay. You cannot wander around at
will as it is a private hotel but there are official visits to see the fountains
and chapel of the cloistered courtyard provided you are accompanied by an
official guide from the Cathedral. Santiago University
The Faculty of Geography and History and history is well worth a visit. It
was built in the 18th century and is the most impressive building of the
University of Compostela where you can visit the Central Hall, the Rectory and
the Libraries. It is also home to the Institute for Galician Language. Centro
Gallego de Arte Contemporáneo
In a city focused on the old and the ancient the opening of this gallery was
a breath of fresh air to the city of Santiago. Here you can browse works by
contemporary Galician artists and enjoy splendid views of the city's old town
from balconies of this impressive building. Entrance is free and it is open from
Tuesday until Sunday from 11am to 8pm. Monasterio de San Martín Pinario
One of Galicia's most important monasteries is located in Praza da
Immaculada. The Baroque facade of San Martín Pinario dates back to 899 and is
one of Spain's largest religious buildings. Take a look at its magnificent
interior. Pilgrimage Museum
This museum is dedicated to the countless pilgrims who have journeyed to
Santiago to pay tribute to St James over the centuries. It outlines the various
pilgrimage routes to Santiago and how they developed with all kinds of
interesting objects and images related to the routes on display. |
