Santiago de Compostela in numbers
830 AD
FOUNDATION
98 thousand
POPULATION
AREA
220 km²
Why visit Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela has undergone an impressive evolution from its role as a sacred pilgrimage site to becoming a modern university city without losing its historic charm. The striking feature of Compostela is undoubtedly its spiritual richness, led by the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Every year, nearly half a million pilgrims and tourists wander the cobbled streets, often with umbrellas or raincoats due to the weather in the Galician capital. It's impressive to see the faces of those who complete the Camino de Santiago, expressing both joy and exhausted tears upon reaching the Plaza del Obradoiro.
Furthermore, another dozen monasteries and churches contribute to the city's history and culture. Santiago de Compostela renews itself each year with young people from around the world choosing to study there. Santiago is a city of art and literature, a legacy embraced by figures like Rosalía de Castro and Isaac Díaz Pardo.
In Santiago's squares, you can listen to the Galician bagpipes and the buzz of traditional taverns tempting us with the best of local cuisine. Overall, this city is the ideal destination to recharge and start new chapters. It's no wonder they say, "Santiago, cierra España."
We share with you 33 places to visit distributed in the following categories:
Santiago de Compostela, spiritual cradle and destination of the Camino de Santiago. Its imposing cathedral and medieval charm attract pilgrims from around the world.
4 Museums, Galleries and Palaces
Santiago de Compostela doesn't have too many museums or palaces, but it does have two unique cultural treasures: the Museo do Pobo Galego and the Museo de las Peregrinaciones. In the first, you'll be fascinated by the exhibition illustrating the deep roots of Galicia, with rooms explaining customs in a spectacular ethnographic work. Then, the Museo de las Peregrinaciones takes you along the same spiritual paths that pilgrims have traveled for centuries. These two recommendations will enrich your understanding of the rich history of Santiago and Galicia.
8 Monuments and Landmarks
Santiago teaches us that there's much hidden in plain sight. An example is the mysterious "Hidden Pilgrim" in the Cathedral. The most imposing landmark is undoubtedly the Portico of Glory, now covered by the Baroque façade but still accessible with a separate ticket. Leaving the city, at Mount Joy, the Monument to the Walker pays homage to all pilgrims who have ever visited Compostela.
11 Churches and Temples
When you visit Compostela, you can play with contrasting churches that have an impressive facade but a very austere interior with those where the opposite happens. Definitely, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is the most important to visit in this category and the entire city. Another noteworthy church is that of San Martín Pinario, as this ancient Benedictine monastery features a mix of architectural styles, from Romanesque to Baroque. If not, on the outskirts, the Church of Santo Domingo de Bonaval has the privilege of housing the Pantheon of Illustrious Galicians.
7 Squares and Parks
The heart of Compostela is the Obradoiro Square, but around the Cathedral, the Azabachería Square or Platerías Square also offer excellent views. The Alameda Park is very peaceful and enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. In Cervantes Square or Fonseca Square, you can enjoy street performances and artisan products, especially on weekends.
3 Experiences and Activities
If you have some extra time after your tours, or if you prefer to explore Santiago de Compostela more practically, we recommend several activities. You can book a tour to Finisterre, Muxía, and Costa da Morte, go hiking in the nearby hills, or join a queimada workshop—your choice!
List with 33 places to visit in Santiago de Compostela
🏛️ Museums, Galleries and Palaces
1. Museum of the Cathedral of Santiago
2. Museum of Pilgrimages and Santiago
3. Museum of the Monastery of San Martín Pinario
4. Museum of the Galician People
🏰 Monuments and Landmarks
5. The Hidden Pilgrim
6. Sculpture of Federico García Lorca
7. The Two Marys of Compostela
8. Viewpoint of the City of Culture
9. Monument to the Caminante (Wayfarer)
10. Monument to Rosalía de Castro
11. Parador of Santiago de Compostela
12. Portico of Glory
⛪ Churches and Temples
13. Chapel of Souls
14. Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
15. Collegiate Church of Santa María de Sar
16. Convent of Belvís
17. Church of San Fructuoso
18. Church of San Martín Pinario
19. Church of San Miguel dos Agros
20. Church of San Pablo de Antealtares
21. Church of Santa María del Camino
22. Church of Santa Susana
23. Church and Convent of Santo Domingo de Bonaval (Santiago de Compostela)
🌳 Squares and Parks
24. Alameda Park
25. Cervantes Square
26. Fonseca Square
27. Azabachería Square
28. Platerías Square
29. Quintana Square
30. Obradoiro Square
🎡 Experiences and Activities
31. Excursion to Finisterre, Muxía and Costa da Morte
32. Hiking - Galicia Travels
33. Queimada Workshop in Santiago de Compostela
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