Galicia’s capital in Spain’s northwest region is a city with a rich cultural heritage and one that was well deserving of its “European City of Culture” title that it received during the year 2000. Santiago de Compostela is also famous as a pilgrimage destination and sees thousands of religious visitors every year come to walk the Way of St James.
The city’s cathedral is top of the list for pilgrim visitors and is a magnificent Spanish Romanesque style structure dating back to the 11th century. The interior is as splendid as the exterior, if not more so with its ornate carvings and distinctly Baroque décor. Among the city’s other notable buildings, visitors should be sure to check the church of San Agustin, the monasteries of San Paio de Antealtare and San Martํn Pinario, the university and the Old Royal Hospital.
If you’ve had you fill of culturally or religiously enriching experiences then it’s probably time that you sought out some of the city’s opportunities for self-indulgence. Shopping outlets are plentiful with a variety of squares playing home to retailers of everything from tacky religious souvenirs to clothing and accessories. When the shopping trail has dried up, the city’s seafood restaurants are the ideal place to enjoy some sustenance or you might prefer just to retreat to one of the charming little bars for a glass or two of the local vintage.
Highlights
The Cathedral: standing in the centre of Santiago, the cathedral dates from 1075 and is notable for, among other things, its twin towers, Torre de las Campanas and Torre de la Carraca.
Gelmirez Palace: located opposite the cathedral, this splendid building is built in a Romanesque style and dates back to the 12th century. Inside the building, visitors will find tapestries, frescoes and antique furnishings.
Old University: with its original building dating back to the 18th century, the city’s old university is still a working educational facility.
Museo de las Peregrinaciones: focusing on the city’s role as a pilgrimage destination, this museum takes a look at the entire picture, starting with the history behind it and taking in aspects such as its influences on the city’s artisans over the centuries.
Santo Domingo de Bonaval Convent: Baroque, Romanesque and Gothic influences can all be seen in the architecture of this splendid 13th century building. The Museum of the Galician People is housed within the church.