Santiago de Compostela, Spain

The Catedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain (cc)

Santiago de Compostela Travel Guide

Introduction

Santiago de Compostela is a place of Christian pilgrimage. It is the holiest city in all of Spain, and the final destination of the devout who make their way down the well-trodden, 1,000-year-old Jacobean route, Camino de Santiago. And there's a perfectly good explanation for all the fuss. For here, as the story goes, in the year 813 AD, a hermit named Pelayo, led by a mysterious constellation of stars, discovered the remains of Saint James the Apostle who is credited with introducing Christianity to this part of the world. And upon the site of the discovery was built a monastery, the cathedral you see today, which quickly became a polestar of Christendom. And so they come, those who keep the faith, from near and far, led by the symbolic clamshells and stars.

How to Get to Santiago de Compostela

Where to Stay in Santiago de Compostela

Where to Eat in Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela Highlights

Main Sights and Attractions

Santiago de Compostela is an ancient and well-preserved city, where the principal draw is of course the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostella which dates from 1075 and occupies the Praza da Obradoiro in the center of the city. There's also a venerable old university here which dates from the late 15th century, and a colossal Baroque abbey that dates from the 16th century, both worth seeing. Besides which, the city's old town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is thoroughly enchanting, with several narrow, winding streets, crowded with historic buildings. The city also enjoys a healthy nightlife, ensured by the student population of the university, with a profusion of tapas bars.

What to See in Santiago de Compostela

Party Scene

Famous People

Santiago de Compostela Basics

Location

Santiago de Compostela is situated in the Galicia region in the northwestern corner of Spain. It has both an airport and rail links to most major cities in Spain.