The old town of Santiago de Compostela is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has an incredible history, being known for its important role in the Camino, a spiritual pilgrimage route. The city is the capital of the community of Galicia with a population of over 96,000 people and provides visitors with an opportunity to gaze at lots of incredible architecture demonstrated through many of the most popular tourist sites and beautiful scenery.
Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
The 900+ year-old Catedral de Santiago de Compostela is the most iconic site in the city. Built in the Romanesque architectural style, it consists of many parts including a dome, chapel, clock tower, multiple façades and more. This beautiful Cathedral is also where St. James, an apostle of Jesus Christ, is believed to have been buried which is only part of what makes this site so fascinating!
Camino de Santiago
Camino de Santiago are a series of paths that connect to come together at the tomb of St. James at the Santiago de Compostela. This spiritual path is a particularly intriguing experience for those that love hiking but if you don’t, no worries, most of the paths are relatively easy to walk or you could choose to cycle instead!
Colegiata de Santa María del Sar
This Colegiata de Santa María del Sar is a 12th century building of Romanesque architecture with many incredible characteristics such as a façade tower and buttresses. A unique part of the Colegiata de Santa María del Sar are the composite pillars that allow for the rib arches that lead to openings for natural lighting. This church is truly a wonder; you won’t regret checking it out!
Praza do Obradoiro
The Praza do Obradoiro is the cute main square of the old town of Santiago de Compostela. Surrounding the square are four iconic buildings, the Colexio de San Xerome, Pazo de Raxoi, Hostal dos Reis Católicos and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. These unique four buildings all represent different types of architecture and are a breathtaking sight to see!
Monastery of San Martiño Pinario
Founded by monks in the 9th century, the baroque Monastery of San Martiño Pinario is the second largest in Spain. There are many parts of the magnificent monastery that make this worth a visit, including the beautiful facade, church, cloisters, staircase, main chapel, choir stalls, main altarpieces and the Museum of Religious Art.
Casco Histórico de Santiago de Compostela
Caso Historico is the historic city center of Santiago de Compostela and a UNESCO world heritage site on the east bank of the gorgeous Guadalquivir river. There are many other buildings unique to Santiago de Compostela as well as many museums, monuments, cute restaurants and shops for you to enjoy!
Santiago de Compostela has so much to offer. Other great sites to check out include the Mercado de Abastos, Parque de la Alameda, other beautiful plazas and the world’s oldest operating hotel! We cannot recommend Santiago de Compostela enough!
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