Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral, Culture and Green Trails
Culture and Pilgrimage History
The old town of Santiago de Compostela is a famous pilgrimage site in northwestern Spain and encompasses Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical buildings. The cathedral is the destination of all Camino de Santiago routes and is considered Spain’s outstanding masterpiece of Romanesque art.
A guided tour of the roofs and the Torre de la Carraca involves 140 steps, leads across the cathedral’s stepped roofs and ends in the approximately 72-metre-high tower, offering panoramic views over the city. A visit to the Cathedral Museum includes three independently accessible areas in different parts of the cathedral and conveys their historical and artistic significance.
The Pilgrimage and Santiago Museum is housed in the former Banco de España building on Plaza de Platerías, a few metres from the cathedral’s southern façade. The large skylight on the second floor offers views of the Basilica of Compostela, the Torre de la Berenguela and a large part of the old town.
The Monastery of Bonaval was founded by Santo Domingo de Guzmán in the 13th century and rebuilt in the Baroque style in the 17th and 18th centuries. The permanent exhibitions of the Museo do Pobo Galego cover coastal life, traditional occupations, rural life, traditional clothing and architecture.
Paths with Panoramic Views
The route to Finisterre is the only Camino de Santiago route that begins in Santiago. The Bosque de Galicia lies on the slopes of Monte Gaiás and has a three-kilometre network of paths.
The route to Gaiás passes through the old town and along paths through the Bosque de Galicia; from the summit of Monte Gaiás, it offers views over the city and is ideal for experiencing the sunset over Santiago.
Parks and Riverside Paths
Alameda Park borders the old town and offers views of its monumental western façade. The highest part of Belvís Park provides exceptional views over the entire city. Belvís Park follows the Belvís watercourse through an elongated meadow landscape irrigated by a small stream.
The Sarela riverside path runs through woodland along the small Sarela River. It connects the Ponte Sarela tannery with the Carme de Abaixo tannery. The Sar riverside path is four kilometres long, surrounded by the city and hills, and passes through rural Santiago.
In Granxa do Xesto Park, woodland with eucalyptus trees, pines and native species combines with meadows and small lakes fed by natural springs. The park has a three-kilometre network of paths.
Brañas de Sar covers 33 hectares and belongs to the Sar River catchment area. The ethnographic ensemble preserves five waterwheels as well as channels, walls, washing places and weirs.
Vista Alegre Park preserves features of a former private garden, including mature trees, a pavilion and shaded seating areas. In Parque da Música en Compostela, a stream forms a large reflecting pond that mirrors the auditorium’s contemporary architecture.
Market and Local Tradition
At the Mercado de Abastos market hall, the market bar Marisco Manía can prepare produce purchased there while visitors wait, allowing it to be eaten fresh on site.
Other Local Pages
Other local pages include Roxos and Formaris.
For the higher-level travel overview: Coruña.
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