Things To Do in Santiago de Compostela
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Santiago de Compostela Attractions
Santiago de Compostela’s highlight is its storied cathedral, and you should take at least 2 hours to see it. Most of the other impressive buildings are also on Praza do Obradoiro, where pilgrims arrive almost in a state of disbelief that the journey is over.
After visiting the cathedral, stroll through this enchanting town, which has many other worthwhile monuments as well as stately mansions along Rúa del Villar and Rúa Nova.
One of the most important squares in the Old Town is Praza de la Quintana, on the back side of the cathedral. It’s dominated by Casa de la Canónica, the former residence of the canon. This is a favorite square with students, who often perch on the flight of broad steps that connect the rear of the cathedral to the walls of a convent.
South of the square is the Renaissance-style Praza de las Platerías (Silversmiths’ Square), which has an elaborate fountain.
Most of the other impressive buildings are on Plaza del Obradoiro, also called Plaza de España. Next to the cathedral is Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, now a parador, formerly a royal hospice and, in the 15th century, a pilgrims' hospice. It was designed by Enrique de Egas, Isabella and Ferdinand's favorite architect.
Farther afield, visit the Romanesque Santa María del Sar, on Calle Castron d'Ouro, .8km (1/2 mile) down Calle de Sar, which starts at the Patio de Madre. This collegiate church is one of the architectural gems of the Romanesque style in Galicia. Its walls and columns are on a 15-degree slant thought to be attributable to either a fragile foundation or an architect's fancy. Visit the charming cloister with its slender columns.
Cap off your day with a walk along Paseo de la Herradura, the gardens southwest of the Old Town, from where you have an all-encompassing view of the cathedral and the Old City.
- Cathedral
Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
Begun in the 11th century, this cathedral is the crowning achievement of Spanish Romanesque architecture, even though it actually reflects a number of styles. Maestro Mateo’s Pórtico de la Gloria, carved in 1188, ranks among the finest produced in Europe at that time. The three… - Museum
Centro Galego de Arte Contemporánea
Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira took the traditional building material of granite and used it to create a sleek modern building that somehow manages not to look out of place in the historic center. Opened in the early 1990s, the center hosts changing exhibitions of… - Religious Site
Colexiata de Santa Maria do Sar
Although a little removed from the center of town, this church is one of the architectural gems of the Romanesque style in Galicia. Its walls and columns are on a 15-degree slant thought to be attributable to either a fragile foundation or an architect’s fancy. Visit the charming… - Museum
Museo das Peregrinacións
If you’d like to know more about the life of St. James and the growth of Santiago de Compostela as a pilgrimage site, it’s worth spending some time here. Maps and displays outline the major pilgrimage routes; exhibits elucidate what motivates people to embark on this challenging…
Santiago de Compostela Shopping
You can find almost any object from mugs, t-shirts and baseball caps emblazoned with the scallop shell or dagger-like cross of St. James. That includes well-made jewelry in silver, jet, and enamel. Artful blue-and-white porcelain is another signature craft of the region. A favorite of most tourists is tarta Santiago, an almond tart sold at virtually every pastry shop in the city. Also very popular is queso de tetilla, a mild local cheese shaped like a woman’s breast. Many of the best shops cluster along rúas Nova, do Villar, and do Franco.
Santiago de Compostela Nightlife
In the religious center of Galicia, there’s a lot more to do after dark than pray. An estimated 200 bars and cafeterías (cafes) are found on the Rúa do Franco and its neighbor, Rúa da Raiña. On weekend evenings around 11pm, the pavement along those streets is mobbed. One of the town’s hot spots is Pub Modus Vivendi, Praza Feixó, 1 (tel. 607-804-140), where rock music blasts the night away in a cozy but too crowded interior. Its psychedelic decor attracts local students and young visiting foreigners. Pub Fuco Lois, Rúa Xelmirez, 25 (tel. 636-221-883), open Monday to Saturday 6pm‒3am, is celebrated for preparing queimada, a dramatic concoction made with local spirits and lit on fire to burn off the excess alcohol.
