Praza de Praterías, Medieval square in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Praza de Praterías is a medieval square situated at the southern side of Santiago Cathedral, anchored by a 19th-century fountain at its center. Historic buildings with stone arcades frame the space, creating passages that lead to shops, restaurants, and the cathedral's main entrance.
The square takes its name from silver craftsmen who operated workshops beneath the cathedral's cloister during the Middle Ages. This trade activity shaped the area for centuries and established the quarter as a hub for skilled work and commerce.
The square takes its name from silver craftsmen whose workshops once operated beneath the cathedral's cloister. You can still sense this artisan heritage in the craft stores and workshops scattered around the arcades today.
The space is best explored on foot, with easy passage through various arcades and alleyways that connect different areas. Everything is clearly visible and well-organized, so finding shops, restaurants, or the cathedral entrance requires minimal navigation effort.
Casa do Cabildo features a baroque facade that juts roughly 10 feet (3 meters) into the plaza, creating an unexpectedly theatrical effect. This projecting depth makes it visually distinct from surrounding buildings and gives the entire square an unusual sense of depth and perspective.
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