Location: Santiago de Compostela
Top Things to do in Santiago de Compostela
Top Restaurants in Santiago de Compostela
Top 10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia
If you see nothing else in this World Heritage city, you simply must visit the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, an awe-inspiring confection of baroque architecture. Once you’ve regained composure, head out on a bicycle to see the rest of this glorious city. Foodies and boozehounds will delight in a guided gastronomy tour, while modernists will enjoy the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.
Restaurants in Santiago de Compostela
1. Flor de Santiago
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Flor de Santiago or Jacobean Lily is the name commonly given to one of the most beautiful and most symbolic flowers of the plant Kingdom. The Flower came to Spain towards the end of the XVI century, enveloped in “a wooden arch”, as part of the delicate material of the First nature expedition financed by the Spanish Crown. It was soon greeted with religious exaltation. The Flower atzcalxochitl, the most beautiful, red flower, shaped like a cross, was baptised “The Flower of Santiago”, because of its resemblance to the Cross of the Knights of Santiago. The recovery, today, of the Jacobean Lily allows us to cast a new look upon its great beauty and symbolism, which are key first of all to the city of Santiago de Compostela, then to Galicia, and ultimately to the Jacobean cult as a whole.
2. Descubriendo La Magia De Compostela
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
3. Estatua Del Rey Alfonso Ii "el Casto"
4. Plaza del Obradoiro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,327 reviews
Large, pleasant city plaza containing the church of St. James.
Reviewed By VadimM67 - Murmansk, Russia
Local residents joke that the 4 buildings surrounding the square around the perimeter embody the 4 pillars that hold Santiago de Compostela: religion (Cathedral), power (City Hall), tourism (- Parador-Hostal de Los Reyes Catholicos) and education (San Xeronime College). Of course, the main thing on the square is the magnificent West facade of the Cathedral. It is good day and night. Despite its medieval status, this Baroque beauty is relatively recent by historical standards. The facade was completed in 1740 by the architect Fernando de Casas Novoa . There`s Palace Raxoi behind. The City Hall is located here now. St. James in the form of a statue will be found here also. It was believed that his statue helped in the fight against the Moors during the Reconquista. If You look at the North side you can find the former hospital for pilgrims, built by the ideologues of the Reconquista, zealous Catholics and persecutors of Jews and Moors by Queen Isabella of Castile and king Ferdinand of Aragon. The Parador for pilgrims is now here. Finally, the 16th-century College of San Xeronime is located on the South side of the square. In addition to contemplating the Baroque beauty of the Cathedral, interesting performances are played out in the arcades of the city hall in the late afternoon. Perhaps this will be the best end of the day.
5. Portico de la Gloria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 525 reviews
Reviewed By 378marylinp - Milan, Italy
I just can't leave this church Santiago di completely with seeing and placing my Palm on this wall...
6. Botafumeiro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,644 reviews
Reviewed By davidromana - Miami, United States
This Cathedral is monumental, so rich in history, its enormous altar, the Botafumeiro is a huge Incense burner used in the rituals, it is impressive, we are talking about centuries of historic events in this place
7. Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos
8. Monasterio e iglesia de San Pelayo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By maury101
The monastery is an exquisite historical gem very close to the Cathedral and deserves to be better known. I would recommend it as a "must visit" on a visit to Santiago for pilgrims and anyone with an interest in church art . It was very quiet during our visit - perhaps because it is now used as a museum rather than a church. It is in the glorious baroque style and would have been the most important monastic building in all of the city. The view of the altar from the gallery overlooking the nave gives a unique perspective and there is a rich and rare collection of clerical and church pieces in the museum to see. Note: The building is over many floors so lots of steps, but there is a lift and adequate provision for people with reduced mobility who want to pay a visit.
9. Convento de San Francisco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Reviewed By CML228 - Poole, United Kingdom
This is a beautifully hotel situated near the cathedral and adjacent to the San Francisco Church where the Pilgrim's mass is held as the Cathedral is being renovated. Staff are delightful, we ate in the dining room , food wasn't amazing but an atmospheric room and an overall good experience. It was lovely to use the heated indoor pool after 6 days walking.
10. Santiago de Compostela. Casco Historico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,620 reviews
Reviewed By FJGonzalezG - Bethesda, United States
I love walking in the historic center (Casco Historico) of Santiago de Compostela, rain or shine. We lucked with sunny, cool weather on a late February visit. But, even on a rainy March day a few years ago it was great. A World Heritage Site, the city dates to the IX Century, and retains much of its medieval character: Romanesque and Gothic architecture abounds along its cobblestoned streets. It also has a definite Galician character, with its houses providing overhanging sidewalks to protect shoppers from the rain. There are museums worth exploring, churches worth visiting, and cloisters imbued with beauty and serenity. On a more pedestrian note, there are plenty of shops ranging from tchotchkes for tourists to fancy silver works (or an ideal combination: a small silver orreo. There seems to be a bar or restaurant in every corner. I prefer the holes in the wall, where the prices are low, the cuisine authentic, and the menus in Spanish or Galician only. The Casco Historico is small enough to cover in a couple of hours, or a day of leisurely browsing, eating, and drinking. The more time you give yourself, the more you will enjoy it.
