Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of Galicia. It is also the most popular of the region's cities when it comes to tourism and has a wealth of historic buildings in its old town.

General information about Santiago

The city was foundered in the ninth century at the site of the tomb of Saint James, one of the disciples. Initially a small chapel was built over the actual spot where the apostle was discovered, but over the years this building has evolved into a huge cathedral. Religion has always played a big part in the city's development and it has several important and visit worthy churches and monasteries. Today the city also hosts the regional parliament and although not the largest of Galicia's cities, is certainly the most well known.

What to see: buildings, monuments and museums

Tip 1. Top of the list is the cathedral. This is partially located on the Obradoiro plaza along with 2 other buildings of note, the Rajoy palace (now the council and parliament building) and the Reyes Catolicos hotel. A fourth and smaller building also occupies this plaza which is conveniently close to many of the city's other important buildings. The cathedral is huge and other views of it can be enjoyed from 3 smaller squares that also surround it and hold several other important buildings.

Tip 2. There are 3 monasteries that appear in most tour guides to the city and they are the monasteries of: Santo Domingo, San Martin Pinario and the convent of Santa Clara. All are worth a visit and are close to the cathedral.

Tip 3. The pilgrims office is one of the most visited buildings in the city. The structure is nothing special, but its significance as the place where all visiting pilgrims go to officially complete the Camino (pilgrimage) makes it important. At busy times the pilgrims are forced to queue up outside the door which is marked by a traditional scroll that hangs down in front of it. A small number of pilgrims also choose to dress in 9th century apparel on the last leg of their journey and carry canes and the traditional pilgrims shell.

Tip 4. The church of Sar is yet another historically and religiously significant building that rears its head in most tourist maps, as is the San Fransisco church that is connected to the monastery of the same name.

Tip 5. Plazas (squares) are found throughout the old town and, in addition to the Obradoiro (mentioned above and pictured left), the other ones that are worth a look at are the Quintana, the Platerias and the Azabacheria. Each of these plazas has a least one notable building or fountain on it and all face one of the cathedrals facades. If you like what you see there are plenty more.

Getting to and from Santiago de Compostela

The city has its own international airport and several major airlines fly either directly or indirectly from the UK. Ryan Airways are the only airline that currently fly none stop to Santiago airport and their flights depart from Stansted, just outside London.

The city has a good bus service and car hire, taxis and trains can be used to reach othe places in Galicia.

One of the reasons for Santiago's popularity as a base from which to explore Galicia, is the ease with which you can reach the other major cities from its centre. The cities of la Coruna, Lugo, Ourense and Pontevedra are all less than 2 hours away by car.