WHY VISIT SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Table of Contents
A brief introduction: trip to Santiago de Compostela
We all know Santiago de Compostela as the destination of one of the most famous pilgrimages in history. The famous Cathedral of the city, located in Praza do Obradoiro, is the conclusion of an experience that unites people from all over the world.
But is that really all? Of course not! You may think that the city represents only the end of the Camino, but this is not the case at all. A trip to Santiago de Compostela can offer much more.
Indeed, the city is rich in history, art and smells of tradition and spirituality.
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What not to miss in the city: visit Santiago de Compostela
Visiting Santiago de Compostela, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985, is much more than its famous Cathedral (which, however, should not be missed, as it is a perfect and successful mix of Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque). The Cathedral, as has already been said, rises in the wide Praza de Obradoiro, a special square because you will not find bars, cafes or places to eat. The square looks like a real open-air airport, where crowds gather every day, people hug and take photos, cry… in short, the atmosphere is truly unique.
Less than ten minutes walk from the Cathedral, you will find the University of Santiago de Compostela, one of the most important institutes in Europe and, think about it, one of the oldest universities in Spain!
Walking through here, you will find yourself immersed in the characteristic Historic Quarter of the city. Lose yourself among the many Spanish craft shops and the book and antique markets.
Walking through the historic center only has one drawback: if you have not done the Camino de Santiago, you will surely regret it. You should know, in fact, that everything in the historic center of Santiago de Compostela is reminiscent of the Camino, such as the small shops that sell walking sticks, shells, etc.
Also, a particularly important street to mention is Rua Do Franco. This is a typical street full of small restaurants. Restaurants with huge windows full of fresh fish will catch your eye during your walk.
If you are fascinated by urban markets, you cannot miss the Mercado de Abastos de Santiago de Compostela. Here it is possible to enjoy local specialties such as octopus, tetilla cheese and empanadas (with all the fillings you can imagine).
Perhaps at this point you may think that Santiago de Compostela is a city completely devoid of modernity. Nothing could be more wrong!
For you to be convinced, you have to pay a visit to the City of Culture, a complex of futuristic buildings made of stone, glass and steel. Inside you will find a library and a museum, places where interesting cultural events are always offered.
Read also: 7 THINGS TO SEE IN SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Near Santiago de Compostela: getting to Finisterre, Monte de Goxo and Muxia
A little gem/curiosity: near Santiago de Compostela, a few kilometers from the city, you can admire Mount Gozo.
It is a very picturesque hill because it is the first point from which pilgrims could see the three spiers of the Cathedral (and thus feel a little closer to their destination). There is also a large auditorium that is used to host outdoor concerts.
In addition, near Santiago de Compostela, an hour by car, you can reach Finisterre and Muxia, places with marine charm that have an incredible monumental heritage.
Also read: WHY TRAVEL TO GALICIA?
conclusions
In short, as you may have deduced from this little speech, Santiago de Compostela contains everything that all cities contain… and yet, it is not a city like the others.
The atmosphere that is breathed here is unique.
It is really impossible to remain indifferent to the sensation of arrival and conquest that one has in the old town and the incredible offer of cafes, restaurants, clubs and services that the new part of the city makes available to citizens and tourists.
Traveling to Santiago de Compostela will provide you with culture, spirituality and fun. Do not wait more!