Are You New in Santiago de Compostela?

Did you know that Saint James the Apostle is the patron saint of Spain? According to some historians, Saint James (one of Jesus of Nazareth’s disciples) spread the Gospel in Hispania (Spain and Portugal) before dying in Jerusalem in the year 44 AD. He was condemned to death by the Roman emperor Herod Agrippa. His mortal remains were transferred to Mount Libredón (Galicia), also known as Liberum Donum.

Why is Santiago de Compostela a popular destination for foreign tourists and pilgrims?

According to legend, Bishop Teodomiro of Iria Flavia discovered Saint James´s grave with the help of the hermit Pelayo. After confirming the latest news to King Alfonso II of Spain, it was decided to build the current Cathedral of Santiago to move the bodies of the apostle and his disciples to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela. The first European pilgrims arrived before the consecration of the cathedral in 1211. Nowadays, a large number of national and international pilgrims keep walking the “Way of Saint James”, an old itinerary which ends in Santiago de Compostela.

In downtown Santiago de Compostela, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, there are some interesting tourist attractions. Is this the first time you visit the city? We recommend you SpainTop’s guided tours.

If you accept a guided service with us, you will be able to see the following historical landmarks:

• 
  Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
  
  This historical building is one of the main jewels of the Romanesque architecture in Spain. You will be impressed with the Portico of Glory and its “Botafumeiro” incenser. It is also worth mentioning its magnificent exterior facades, as well as other Gothic and Baroque architectural elements.
• 
  Obradoiro Square
  
  The square is located in the city center, close to the cathedral. It is a symbolic endpoint for pilgrims finishing the “Way of Saint James”. The exterior views of the Archbishop’s Palace of Xelmírez and the Rajoy Palace are amazing.
• 
  Platerías Square
  
  Named in honor of the silversmith's craft who live there in the Middle Ages. Our guides will show you The Platerías Facade and the Casa del Cabildo.
• 
  Quintana Square
  
  It is one of the most beautiful squares you can discover in Santiago de Compostela. You will have the chance to see the Convent of San Paio de Antealtares, the Casa de la Conga, the Casa de la Parra, the Royal Gate and the Holy Door.
• 
  Azabachería Square
  
  It is also known as Inmaculada Square. The Parish of Santa María a Antigua da Corticela and the Monastery of San Martín Pinario are quite close.
• 
  “Rúas” and “Pazos”
  
  After walking along some of the most important narrow streets ("rúas") in Santiago de Compostela, you can admire the local “Pazos”. These are typical Galician buildings that emerged from the 15th century. Their owners belonged to the nobility.

Are you looking for an original and different destination in Spain? You can count on us before you plan your next holidays.