20 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

We will not deny that Santiago de Compostela is known worldwide for being the end point of Santiago's road and to welcome, in its monumental Cathedral, the tomb of the Apostle Santiago. But if you think this is the only thing it offers, you couldn't be more wrong. This Galician city has lots of attractions with which to conquer the visitor. Today we are going to tell you 20 things to see and do in Santiago de Compostela.

1. Whether you are a pilgrim finishing the Camino or if you are a passing tourist, first things first ... You have to visit the the Cathedral of Santiago of Compostela. It is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in all of Spain, and its architectural style is a mixture of Romanesque and Baroque. When you pass through the back of the Main Altar, do not forget to queue to embrace the figure of the apostle, one of the ancient rituals that are still preserved. And don't leave without visiting the spectacular Porch of Glory, the peak work of Romanesque sculpture. The schedule is from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and the entrance to the Cathedral is free, although the Museum and the Portico have tickets with cost. A guided tour is recommended to get to know the enormous heritage it houses.

2. Every day at 12 takes place Pilgrim's Mass during which you can see in action the botafumeiro of the Cathedral. Did you know that this huge censer began using you to mask the smell of pilgrims? It weighs more than 50 km and reaches a speed of about 70 km / h. Seeing it is an experience! * Eye: due to restoration works in the Cathedral, the botafumeiro will not work until further notice. More information.

3. On departure, enjoy the atmosphere of the Obradoiro Square, inspect the facade of the Cathedral well and look at one of the most iconic buildings in the Plaza: the Hospital of the Catholic Monarchs (also known as Hostal de los Reyes Católicos). It was built in pure Plateresque style after the visit of the Catholic Monarchs to Santiago de Compostela, with the intention of welcoming the pilgrims who, after the Camino, needed help. Today it is a Parador and sleeping here is not exactly cheap (calculates about € 150-200). But there is a way to get to know it without staying ... with this tour.

4. Santiago de Compostela is a green city, and natural spaces are not lacking. Our recommendation is that you visit (at least) the Alameda, where in addition to finding relaxing corners, you can have beautiful views of the Cathedral. It is located between the old area and the University South Campus. And also himBonaval Park, north of the lively neighborhood of San Pedro.

5. Go up to Monte Pedroso to have the best panoramic view of the city (better if you go by car hehe). Although everything is said: for the pilgrims the best place to contemplate the city is the Monte do Gozo, since it is from there from where, for the first time, the silhouette of the Cathedral is seen after so many days of pilgrimage.

6. A very good way to break the ice with the city is to join this free tour by Santiago de Compostela, which takes you to know its historic center and lose yourself in its streets and squares. It is free although it is always good to leave a tip to the guides!

7. And speaking of free tours ... there is a free gastronomic tour that we would get lost for nothing in the world! A local guide will take you to know emblematic places of the city and will tell you more about Galician gastronomy. You can book it here.

8. If you prefer to go on your own you can, organize your own self-tour. How? With our advice, hehe, something else, but we know a lot about XD. Make (at least) these stops: one to eat an octopus at feira in theOctopus Inn and the following ones to cover in several places of Compostela, in La Tita (ains, that tortilla!), in Branco horse (there are varied tapas that put the waiters) and end the rabid tigers of the Trafalgar (I speak of mussels, not felines, obviously!).

9. The Compostela historic centerIt is endless buildings, alleys and squares that will make you fall in love. Not by chance we have included this city in our ranking of the 10 most beautiful cities in Spain. It is best to lose yourself aimlessly, although there are a couple of places that you have to go to see yes or yes: the Quintana Square (from where there are amazing views of the Torre da Berenguela) or the Platería Square (with the Fountain of the Horses). And if you have done the Camino de Santiago or want to learn more about it, you can go to Pilgrimage Museum.

10. Two buildings that you should include in your walking route through Santiago de Compostela are theMonastery of San Martín Pinario, which currently serves as a Major Seminary and is the second largest religious building in all of Spain (after the Monastery of El Escorial). And theSan Francisco convent that according to tradition was San Francisco de Asís himself who ordered him to build the peasant who welcomed him on his pilgrimage to Compostela.

11. The Pobo Galego Museum (from the Galician people) is super recommended. It is located in the Old Convent of Santo Domingo de Bonaval and offers an honest and well-structured vision of Galician life, closely linked to traditional crafts (both in the countryside, as well as the sea) and in such a unique culture. Although possibly the most famous is its curious spiral staircase.

12. We also advise you to take a tour of the Supply Market, especially if you want to buy gastronomic souvenirs to take home. The products are fresh and local and the ambience is guaranteed.

13. The Santiago University It is quite famous. Many of the buildings are not open to the public but one of the prettiest is: we talk about Fonseca School of Santiago.

14. But the students don't just go to class ... Thanks to them the atmosphere in Santiago is always lively, and to check it out you can go to the Rúa do Franco, where most bars and restaurants in the historic center are concentrated. Here is the famous route Paris - Dakar, which consists of drinking a cup of ribeiro in each of the more than 30 stores (starting in Paris and ending in the Dakar). You dare?

15. If you have time, come to know the controversial Cidade da Cultura building, with a modern architecture that seems pretty cool. For many it is the symbol of waste and mismanagement, for others a place with a lot of potential ... It is best that you go to get your own idea. Inside it houses a museum and a library.

16. If you prefer to visit a more lively and lively cultural center, it is best to go to the CGAC (Galician Center for Contemporary Art), where there are often interesting exhibitions. The best part of it, it's that it is free!

17. Do you want to discover the mysteries and legends of Santiago? For us one of the essential things to do in a city as magical as this. Sign up for this tour that will take you to learn many interesting stories (and strange events) that occurred between its streets.

18. Take advantage of your stay to make some of the best getaways and excursions of a day from Santiago de Compostela. Our favorite is the one that takes you to meet Finisterre, what the Romans called "the end of the known world" and the Costa da Morte, one of the most beautiful coastlines of Galicia. Here you have more information.

19. Another interesting excursion is that of theRías Baixas, one of the most charming areas in all of Galicia. Its irregular coasts are dotted with fishing villages, beaches, lighthouses and monuments with a lot of history. And all this washed down with a good wine with denomination of origin and fed with, for us, the best gastronomy in Spain. To make this excursion you can rent a car and do it for free, or hire a guided all-inclusive tour.

20. But it is not all here, there is another area that deserves to be undoubtedly discovered by the traveler, we talk about the Ribeira Sacra. The channels of the Miño and Sil rivers have drawn a unique landscape in the Galician mountains, and it was the place chosen to build numerous castles, monasteries and convents (hence its name). A typical image of this area are the terraces of vineyards that defy gravity on the slopes of the canyons, known as “socalcos”. To know all the charms we recommend you book this guided tour that also includes wine tasting.

Surely we leave lots of very interesting things to do in Santiago de Compostela, but these 20 that we have told you are for us the best. Do you know more places to visit in Santiago de Compostela?

* Photocredit: Shutterstock

Video: 10 Things to do in Santiago de Compostela (May 2024).