Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela, Religious pilgrimage destination in Galicia, Spain
Description
Santiago de Compostela is a city in A Coruña Province in Galicia that marks the western end of the pilgrimage route known as the Camino and is recognized as a World Heritage Site. The old town consists of cobbled streets winding around the central cathedral, surrounded by arcaded walkways and granite facades with balconies and windows.
History
The discovery of remains in the 9th century, attributed to the apostle James, led to the founding of this settlement. During medieval times, it developed into one of the three most important Christian pilgrimage destinations alongside Rome and Jerusalem.
Culture
Pilgrims from around the world finish their journey in the square before the cathedral, where they embrace, sing, and celebrate their arrival. In the narrow lanes of the old town, you hear bagpipe music while locals live and work in the stone buildings.
Practical
The center is best explored on foot, as most points of interest lie within walking distance in the compact old town. The train station sits about 15 minutes south of the cathedral and connects to the historic quarter via a gently rising street.
Did you know?
Beneath the paving stones of Rúa do Franco and neighboring streets lie medieval graves, as this area once stood outside the city walls. On rainy days, the granite pavement turns almost black and reflects the light of street lamps.
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Discover a selection of points of interest in Santiago de Compostela, bringing together religious, historical and cultural sites. This city in northwestern Spain offers much more than the endpoint of the famous pilgrimage route that bears its name: a 12th-century Romanesque cathedral, a medieval...
Galicia lies in the northwest of Spain, between the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains that separate it from the Iberian Peninsula. For centuries, pilgrims have walked here to reach Santiago de Compostela, but there is more than just the famous path. Its towns hold memories of sea and faith:...
Way of Saint James
162 m
Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of St. James the Apostle
117 m
Glory's Portico
57 m
As Duas Marias
364 m
Botafumeiro
148 m
Alameda Park, Santiago de Compostela
432 m
Market square of Santiago de Compostela
380 m
San Martiño Pinario monastery
205 m
Palacio de Rajoy
38 m
Fachada das Praterías
123 m
Plaza de Galicia
460 m
Museum of Galicia
1.8 km
Plaza del Obradoiro
11 m
Estadio Multiusos de San Lázaro
2.4 km
Convent of San Domingos de Bonaval
614 m
Santiago de Alfeo University College
119 m
Monastery of San Francisco do Val de Deus
383 m
Monte Pio Residence
718 m
Castle da Rocha Forte
3.1 km
Galicia Contemporary Art Center
580 m
Palacio de Gelmírez
69 m
Church of Santa María la Real del Sar
1.2 km
Quintana square
184 mMuralla de Santiago de Compostela
1.6 km
Monastery of Saint Pelagius of Antealtares
229 m
Casa del Cabildo
139 m
Hospital de los Reyes Católicos
108 m
Panteón de Galegos Ilustres
624 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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