Guide to Santiago de Compostela, Camino de Santiago, Galicia, walk spain, pilgrimage walk, Santiago, Walk the camino de Santiago
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Places in Spain - Santiago de Compostela

 

Details on the Camino de Santiago here

 

Santiago de Compostela, known as the 'Town of the apostle' is the capital of the region of Galicia. The city has over 89,000 inhabitants and is located at an altitude of 260m above sea level. The city is just 76km from LaCoruña, 111km from Ourense and 117km from Pontevedra. Lugo is just 107km away. Santiago de Compostela is probably best known as the final destination of the legendary medieval way of pilgrimship Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James), now considered by Unesco, a World Heritage Site. Today the city attracts visitors from all over the world thanks to its fantastic monuments. The city is named after the Apostle Saint James ("Santiago"), who is buried here. Santiago is certainly one of Spain's most monumental cities, with a particular architectural style all of its own. The city also has one of the most famous universities in Europe and a large number of students give the city a unique ambience.

There are many places to visit within the city, including;

The cathedral
Construction of the Cathedral started in 1075, when the city reached its peak of importance. The second phase, after the wedding of Doña Urraca and Raimundo of Bourgogne, shows influences of French Romanesque style, as well as a style that is all Santiago's own, the so-called Románico Compostelano. The Obradoiro Facade (to which later on were added Barroque elements) and the towers Torre de las Campanas and Torre de la Carraca were made at this time. Through the Obradoiro Door you enter the so called Old Cathedral, a Romanesque crypt with the first vaults of groined arches that were ever built in Spain. The sculptures of the Portico de la Gloria, another entrance door, are considered some of the most important works of medieval art.

 

 

 
 
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The Hospital Real
Built in 1492 to shelter pilgrims. Today this building, in Plateresque and Renaissance styles, serves as a Parador de Turismo.
The Rajoy Palace
A huge and elegant neo-classical building of 18th century, located opposite to the cathedral.

 

The Colegio de San Jerónimo and Colegio de Fonseca
Both 15th century monasteries, founded by Alfonso III de Fonseca. In the latter there is the University library, and it conserves the famous 11th century manuscript Libro de Hojas.

 

Pictured left is one of the best crafts in Santiago; jewellery made from Jet. The small shops are crammed with unique pieces, crafted into shells, crosses and other symbols. Many are adorned with gold or silver.

The Gelmirez Palace
Opposite the cathedral, a brilliant example of Romanesque civil architecture. Of particular interest are its groined arches and sculpture works.

You will also see a profound number of walking sticks in Santiago - the symbol of the pilgrim, along with the shell, symbol of the city. Many are hand-made in the area and are very cheap.

Plaza de las Platerias
This square is named after the many shops of silver articles (Platerias) which are to be found under its arcades. From here you can see the cathedral's gothic portal and the only facade which is conserved in the original Romanesque style, with fantastic sculpture works, such as the figure of King David. Worth seeing is the Fuente de los Caballos, a 19th century fountain in the centre of the square, the Casa del Cabildo, of 18th century, and Casa de los Canónigos (also called Conga), another 18th century palace that separates Plaza de las Platerias from Plaza de la Quintana.
Plaza de la Quintana
From this square you see the Portico Real, (Royal Door), of the cathedral, the towers Berenguela and Torre del Reloj, as well as the Puerta del Perdon. This door is opened only in a Holy Year, during the Apostle Festival.
The Monastery of San Pelayo de Antealtares
With its austere facade of granite this is one of the oldest buildings in Santiago. It was founded in the 11th century by Alphonse II in order to entomb the mortal remains of the Apostle James there. The Baroque Casa de la Parra is another attraction at this square.
Plaza de la Azabacheria
To this square opened originally the legendary Puerta del Paradiso (door of paradise), through which the pilgrims entered the cathedral. It was replaced by a neo-classical work of Ventura Rodriguez, which is to be seen today.
The Monastery of San Martin Pinario
Of 16th century construction, this is one of the most impressive examples of Barroco Compostelana. It was built over a Romanesque church, which has always been an important medieval religious centre.
The Convento de San Francisco
Legend tells us that this convent was founded by Saint Franciscus of Assisi, after a revelation on his pilgrimship to Santiago, during 1213 to 1215. God told him he should buy land from the monks of Saint Martin's Monastery for the symbolic price of a basket of fish, and then build a monastery. Little is left of the original Gothic building. The monastery as we see it today was built in 17th and 18th centuries.
In Rua Nueva, (New Street), is the 12th century Romanesque church Santa María Salomé. Its Baroque tower was added later on. Close by are some interesting palaces: Palacio de Ramirans, Palacio de los Condes de Gimonde, Casa de las Pomas, and Palacio de Mondragón.
Pictured right is inside the cathedral. A ritual that has continues for hundreds of years; The Portico de Gloria dates from the 12th century and is one of the most important works of art in Spain. The ritual involves placing your hands on the mullion then tapping your forehead three times against the figure of Master Mateo.

Fiestas
As with the rest of Spain, Semana Santa, (Easter week) is celebrated with impressive processions and is the most important celebration in Spain.

In May takes place the interesting Feria del Ganado, which lasts for 10 days. As well as performances by folk groups it is also a culinary festival and you have a great opportunity to try all the specialities of the regional kitchen.

If you are in Santiago at the end of July, don't miss the Festival of the Apostle. On July, 24th is the Fuego del Apostol, great fireworks display in front of the Obradoiro door of the cathedral. The next day, during mass, a huge incense font that is fixed to the ceiling of the cathedral with a rope is swung through the nave.

In August and September takes place an important Festival of Classical Music with numerous concerts.
Contact Nº's for Santiago de Compostela
Fire service 080 Emergencies
Guardia Civil 062 Emergencies
Forest Fires 085 Emergencies
Local Police 092 Emergencies
National Police 091 Emergencies
Medical Urgencies 061 Emergencies
Taxis 981 585 973
Local Tourist Office 981 555 129
Lost Property Office 981 543 027
Consumer Office 981 542 314
 

Parks and gardens
Parque de Belvís:
Parque de San Domingos de Bonaval:With convent and museum
Parque do Monte da Almaciga:
Parque de Xixón:
Parque de Carlomagno: Near National Police Station
Alameda: Central park with church in centre
Xardíns de Mosquera Pérel: Near sports stadium
Parque da Música en Compostela: Housing the Auditorium
Parque de Pablo Iglesias: South side of city near Praza de España
Parque Eugenio Granell: Close to RENFE station

 
     
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