Galicia Attractions

Santiago de Compostela is located in northwest Spain. It has its own airport, approximately 11km southeast of the town. It is also accessible by walking the Camino de Santiago, the old pilgrimage route to the tomb of St. James. Santiago has been second only to Rome for European pilgrims for over 1000 years. Its Old Town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects in its architecture the important history of Santiago de Compostela.

The Old Town is located just south of the Cathedral. It encompasses two main streets, Rúa del Villar and Rúa Nueva. Both streets are arcaded and full of shops, restaurants, and bars. Lodging is also available on the fringes of Old Town, within easy walking distance of most attractions.

The first place you'll want to visit in Old Town Santiago is the Cathedral...

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, or the Cathedral of St. James, is located in the town that bears the same name on the northwestern coast of Spain. It is the terminus for the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage route that has been in continuous use since the 9th century. The first cathedral was built in 819AD over the site where the relics of St. James the Apostle were discovered. It was destroyed in 997AD and the present cathedral was constructed between 1060 and 1211AD.

The cathedral is open year-round; however the hours vary according to the season and the mass schedule, so it is best to call ahead before planning your trip. There is no admission charge, but donations are always welcome.

When you go to the cathedral, start by looking at the amazing Baroque façade. It was added in the 18th century and is liberally covered with reliefs of St...

The Way of St. James, of Camino de Santiago, is a medieval pilgrimage route. There are paths originating all over Europe, but they all lead to the same place: Santiago de Compostela, the Church of St. James. St. James was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus and the patron saint of Spain. He came to Spain to preach shortly after Jesus' resurrection, and then returned to Judea in 44AD to be martyred. Legend has it that St. James' body was miraculously returned to Spain. He was especially looked to when Spain was fighting the Moors in the Middle Ages.

For people who want to take approximately a month to walk through the Pyrenees, there are two popular routes. The French way originates at Roncesvalles, on the French and Spanish border. It crosses south of the mountains on the Castilian plateau and terminates at Santiago de Compostela approximately 800km later...