A symbol of Christianity, Santiago de Compostela attracts more and more tourists each year. Obviously, the Cathedral, thanks to its evocative power, represents the symbolic place of the whole city. The most visited place and, therefore, the most touristy.

But Santiago is much more. It is a city rich in monuments, museums, buildings and beautiful squares. A city that can boast one of the oldest universities in all of Spain; a city that, not surprisingly, has been declared European Capital of Culture!

So do not be afraid, and get ready for a fantastic weekend around the capital of Galicia. Three days and two nights all to live.

VISIT SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, 1st DAY

Whether for a day, two or three, visit Santiago de Compostela can only start from the symbolic place of the city, or the Cathedral!

Photo ©, Armando Gonzalez Alameda

First of all, bring yourself to the spectacular Plaza do Obradoiro. You will be enchanted! This beautiful square, embodies the spirit and beauty of Santiago. From here, in addition to the spectacular and majestic facade of the Cathedral, you can admire some beautiful buildings; Palacio Gelmírez, a beautiful building of the twelfth century, the seat of the Archbishopric; theHospital de los Reyes Católicos, a splendid fifteenth-century building, now home to the luxurious 5 extra-luxury star Parador de Santiago, also known as the Hostal de los Reyes, belonging to the Paradores chain. Pazo de Raxoi (Palacio de Rajoy), on the west side, is a classical construction of the eighteenth century; it is the seat of the Ayuntamiento and the Presidencia de la Xunta de Galicia, or the Government of the Region.

Well, here we are, then Cathedral. The place par excellence. The magical place; sumptuous monument of Romanesque art built where the remains of the apostle of Jesus, James the Greater were found. One of the greatest Catholic sanctuaries in the world. See it in all its majesty really leaves stucco … despite the crowd, the continuous scaffolding. Imagine, what should the faithful experience when they see this wonder, after traveling endless kilometers on foot or by bike along the Way!

According to legend, King Alfonso II of Asturias built a small church in the place where the body of the Apostle was found. The church, later enlarged, was completely destroyed (except the tomb) by the Arabs in the 10th century; they bought up everything, including the doors and bells that were brought to the Cordoba mosque! It is in the 1075 that the work of the current Cathedral began. More info from here

O Boneco Bar, Av.de Raxoi, not far from here, is an excellent solution waiting for the evening, or as an after-dinner. It is a cozy place, where you can sip a good coffee, or an aperitif, between soft lights and relaxing music. In the evening, you can try fine drinks or wine flutes.

It’s time to relax in the hotel. Take a nice shower. If your accommodation has a large balcony with a view it deserves … Well, sit back and enjoy your view. Whether it’s the city, or your partner. Turn on a good cigarette maybe, then … an evening of standing awaits you. Who thinks that Santiago de Compostela is not a city full of nightlife … Then there never was. We are in a university city; reason why, especially at night, you will find many guys who invade the streets of the historic center. Here, the nightlife is lively, sparkling. You will find local open until late evening!

In the Old Town area you will find excellent bar-copas where you can spend a pleasant evening; of course, first put something under your teeth: the alternatives are not lacking! You can choose according to your tastes because the rooms are different in style, clientele, and music. Good evening.

2nd DAY VISIT SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Santiago, as mentioned, is also and above all a city full of places, sites of interest that are worth visiting.

Photo ©, Car rental

Above all, it is a city full of greenery. So, what’s better, if not to start the day in the beautiful Alameda Park? Not far from the historic center, Alameda is an authentic green lung, with centuries-old trees, numerous statues and a truly breathtaking view over the spiers of the Cathedral, along the wonderful promenade of the Paseo de Ferradura. At the top is the Igrexa de Santa Susana: a small church that preserves a Romanesque portal. Stroll along in this oasis of natural peace. The park is really well kept, very clean, with many tree-lined avenues and ponds. Ideal for refreshment after the efforts of the Way (!!). The park is quite busy; many also decide to jog.

A few minutes away from the Park, Plaza del Toral, with its nineteenth-century fountain, it leads through the city center to the Rúas. For a “quick bite”, in Rúa do Franco and the parallel Rúa do Villar, you will be spoiled for choice; tavernas, tapas bars, restaurants and fast food.

Photo ©, Jerezplataforma

Our advice? Let fast food, tavernas and so on … go for Rúa da Senra, walking for a few hundred meters until you reach Plaza de Abastos. Here, you will find the unmissable Mercado de Abastos. Well, we at Kanoa are really lovers of … kind. Especially if in “showcase” there are first fruits, local products, genuine goodness, fresh and with an excellent quality / price ratio. And this is the case of the Mercado de Abastos.

This is a large city market within an indoor building. Find everything: there is really a lot of variety. Have fun touching, sniffing, watching; you can choose between meat, fish, cheese, typical products, vegetables and fruit. You can buy, and even cook at the moment, in the bar of the market; you can sip an aperitif, a glass of white wine accompanied by the inevitable “Tapas” on the trestle chairs. The market, moreover, is very clean. Ginsti prices, a lot of friendliness, friendliness and joyful air. Info, timetables and guide from this link.

Outside the market you will also find many farmers who sell the products of their land.

Photo ©, Iago Pillado

In Plaza de Mazarelosa few meters later, there is the homonymous Arco; it is the only arch that has been preserved of the ancient medieval walls. It is right now to dispose of what may have been gulped down. We recommend a long walk Rúa do Vilar in which you will find large Renaissance, Baroque and neoclassical buildings that testify to the privileged character that once possessed this path. The road leads to Plaza de Las Plateriás, a beautiful square adjacent to the cathedral. On summer nights, by the way, it is quite lively and you can stroll from here to the center enjoy the city. It is so named for the goldsmiths’ shops here present during the Middle Ages. In the center is the Fuente de los Caballos, that is, the Horse Fountain; in the background, the Casa do Cabido It is a historic building in Baroque style, from the 18th century.

In the next Plaza de la Quintana, stands out Tower da Berenguela, so named in honor of the archbishop who built it in the fourteenth century. The square is so beautiful; likewise, the Clock Tower, which marks the hours emitting the unmistakable sound. Not far from here, the Monasterio de San Martín Pinario, is an ancient Benedictine monastery founded in the tenth century. It is located north of the Cathedral; rebuilt in the sixteenth century, it is currently used as a diocesan seminary, and is divided into 3 cloisters. The interesting Church of San Martin is located next to it, with a 16th century façade.

Photo ©, Lansbricae

The Parque de Santo Domingo de Bonaval, represents one of the many oasis of green city. It was inaugurated in the 1994 and boasts an area of 37047 square meters. Besides being a park full of greenery, flowers and ancient plants, it welcomes the interesting inside Museum of Pobo Galego, an ethnographic museum which we recommend to visit. The museum was inaugurated in 1977 in the ancient Dominican convent of San Domingo Bonaval. In 1993, the Xunta de Galicia, recognized its high value and importance in the Galician tradition; today, therefore, it represents one of the symbols in the diffusion and promotion of the Galician historical-anthropological patrimony. Absolutely unmissable for those wishing to visit Santiago de Compostela

The museum consists of eight permanent exhibition halls, and two dedicated to temporary exhibitions. In the rooms, works of art and archeology are exhibited; the works concern the sea, the commerce, the countryside, the clothes, the music, the habitat and the architecture, the society, the works, the press and more. The collection includes three sections: art, archeology and ethnography. It boasts about 10000 pieces.

The museum is open every day, except Mondays, observing the following times:
– From Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:30 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 19:30;
– Sundays and holidays from 11:00 to 14:00.
The full ticket costs 3,00€. Reduced (over 65 and students) costs 1,00€.
Under18 students do not pay. Every Sunday FREE ENTRANCE.
For all the info, we invite you to consult the official website from this link.