There’s a unique magic to Santiago de Compostela – it’s one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. Fall under the spell of its intoxicating historic center when you explore the tangle of narrow granite streets, Romanesque stone churches and fantastic seafood restaurants.
Make the pilgrimage to one of Europe’s holiest sites
The jewel in Santiagode Compostela’s crown is undoubtedly its spectacular cathedral. Built between 1075 and 1211, it’s an awe-inspiring sight, with its bell towers piercing the city skyline.
More than 3000,000 Camino pilgrims visit this Romanesque masterpiece each year – join them and marvel at the Gothic and Baroque architectural details added over the centuries from Praza do Obradoiro, the square that leads to the cathedral.
Inside, beneath the main altar, is a large 19th-century silver casket believed to hold the remains of the apostle Saint James. Another highlight to look out for is the outstandingly beautiful Pórtico de la Gloria inside the west entrance, which features 200 incredibly lifelike Romanesque sculptures of biblical figures.
Finish off your trip to Santiagode Compostela Cathedral with a rooftop tour. Get a glimpse of the cathedral’s interior from a different perspective, learn about the church’s history and enjoy unparalleled views of the city.
Learn about Galician life
Dedicate an afternoon to exploring the city’s top museums. Museo da Catedral is one of the best. Admire the beauty of the Renaissance cloister, see an impressive collection of religious art spanning the 13th to 18th centuries and wander a room full of colorful tapestries.
Learn more about St James and the pilgrimage itself at the fascinating Museo das Peregrinacións e de Santiago. To find out about Galician life, art and culture head to the Museo do Pobo Gallego.
Soak up more of the city’s history by exploring the streets. A warren of tight passageways lead you from lively squares to centuries-old churches, with stone arcades to see along the way. Stop off at Praza de Fonseca, one of the prettiest squares in Santiagode Compostela, and take it all in from a table at one of the cafes.
Sample the finest seafood
While the city is a famous pilgrimage spot, it’s a foodie haven, too. Galician octopus (pulpo) is the star of the show, featuring heavily on menus around Santiagode Compostela.
For a truly authentic experience you should try pulpo á feira, cooked with bay leaves, olive oil and paprika and served on a wooden plate with hunks of bread to dip in the oil. Restaurante dos Reis is one of the best places to sample it and offers a spectacular setting to enjoy your feast.
Mercado de Abastos, the city’s central market, is the perfect place to pick up some local produce. Listen to vendors peddling their wares and wander stalls piled high with Padrón peppers, artisan cheese and tarta de Santiago – the city’s famous almond sponge cake.
Snap up some freshly baked bread, slices of Spanish tortilla and cured meats or stop by one of the cafes lining the market to sample some of the moreish fare on the menu.
Car rental in Santiago de Compostela allows you to see the best of the city and the rest of this unique part of north-west Spain.