Brisk guide to Santiago de Compostela

Narrow street of the old town

The cathedral  was built between 1075 and1211

View of Santiago  

Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful city located in the north-west of Spain in the region of Galicia. It is famously known for the religious pilgrimage called the 'Camino de Santiago de Compostela'. However, if you don't fancy walking from the Pyrenees there is an airport with regular flights from Stansted with Ryanair or a regular train service from Madrid, which makes Santiago a great destination for a getaway break.
                                                     

Morning light on the cathedral

The compact old town, which is almost completely pedestrianised  is primarily focused around the cathedral, the cathedral being the main draw for many tourists. The cathedral can get very busy at times so if you want to contemplate the cathedral's Romanesque architecture without the bustle or the cues get there extra early to watch the sun come up over the towers, it makes for a spectacular sight and a impressive start to the day.

Archways surrounding the cathedral walls

 Strolling around the cathedral takes you through a series of narrow streets and squares filled with bars and restaurants. Following the cathedral walls around the city brings you to a several different convents and monasteries. If you're getting hungry you can try the typical dish of the region, which is octopus or 'pulpo al gallega'. This is boiled octopus served on potatoes with paprika and olive oil.                                                                                   

Typical bar offering a 'good octopus' 

View of the cathedral from the park

Dove house in the park

If you have not had enough of the cathedral yet you can get some stunning views of it from the park Alameda which is between the old town and the university, it also offers great views of the rest of the city. The park is the former lands of the counts of Altamira, and it was given to the council in the 19th century. The park was designed taking into account the three social classes of that time, there is three walks taking into account each social class. 

Alameda park

Alameda Park

Old facade of the university

 If you're looking for somewhere to stay there are plenty of reasonable priced guest houses called 'pensiones' available to accommodate the pilgrims. On the other end, there is the Parador situated right next to the cathedral called Hotel Hostel dos Reis Catolicos. This luxury hotel is considered to be one of the oldest hotels in the world. For something different contact the university for their summer accommodation information. They have rooms with bathrooms available during summertime with a good quality cafeteria and bar downstairs offering varied and cheap food.


The city as a whole offers more than the end to a religious pilgrimage, it has an abundance of seafood restaurants with local fresh fish and seafood brought in daily from Coruna to be washed down with the local white wine, Albariño. Its rich architecture is best observed wandering from plaza to plaza without the aid of a map. During the summer there is often some event or other taking place adding a festive feel to city.

The market