-
Where is Santiago de Compostela located?
- The capital of Galicia, in northwestern Spain, Santiago de Compostela gets its name after St. James of Compostella.
-
What is one of Santiago de Compostela's main attractions?
- One of the city’s main attractions is the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, which originally started out as a shrine to Saint James the Great.
-
What is the Way of St. James?
- The city is even the concluding destination of the Way of St. James, a Catholic pilgrimage route which has been popular with followers since the 9th century.
-
What are some other must-visit sites in Santiago de Compostela?
- Must-visit sites in addition to the cathedral and its museum include The Galician Center of Contemporary Art and the Mercado de Abastos.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Admire stunning architecture and visit the final stop of an unforgettable pilgrimage trip.
A renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site and an integral part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit attraction when in Spain. The church is one of only three in the world that is built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus - Saint James the Great. The iconic structure which stands over 246 feet high and nearly as wide took 136 years to complete and has been a place of pilgrimage since the Early Middle Ages. Take in the magnificent exterior of the cathedral as well as the surrounding of the Praza do Obradoiro Square; inside, you’ll find the original Romanesque interior to be perfectly preserved.
Address: Praza do Obradoiro, s/n, 15704 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain, Phone: +34-881-55-79-45
2. Museo de la Catedral de Santiago de Compostela
Explore sacred art and discover historic treasures on an easy cultural visit.
The Cathedral Museum of Santiago, or the Museo de la Catedral de Santiago de Compostela as it’s locally known, gives visitors the opportunity to increase their knowledge of the cathedral’s history and the many cultural and artistic artifacts it houses. There are several spaces dedicated to temporary and permanent exhibitions including the Praza de Obradoiro Museum, the Pazo de Xelmirez Museum, and the Treasure Museum. The permanent collection comprises artifacts dedicated to the origins of the cathedral, art from the 13th to the 18th century, the Apostle Santiago, Chapel of the Relics, the Royal Pantheon, and textile arts among other things.
Address: Praza do Obradoiro, s/n, 15704 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain, Phone: +34-881-55-79-45
3. Centro Galego de Arte Contemporaneo
See modern exhibits and enjoy unusual works on a quick artsy trip.
The Galician Center of Contemporary Art, or the Centro Galego de Arte Contemporáneo, is an establishment which houses exhibitions and events focused on Galician culture, contemporary art, and much more. Since its opening in 1993, it has attracted a number of local and international visitors who are interested in accessing interesting works of art while learning about local culture and history. There are over 1,000 pieces which have been acquired over the years, many of which have also been donated by institutions, private collectors, or the artists themselves. Through its partnerships, you’ll also be able to see pieces from other collections from the Carlos Arean and Xunta de Galicia Collection.
Centro Galego de Arte Contemporaneo, Address: Rúa de Ramón del Valle Inclán, 2, 15703 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain, Phone: +34-981-54-66-19
4. Mercado de Abastos
Savor local flavors and shop fresh goods on an exciting food lovers’ outing.
One of the most visited places in Santiago de Compostela, the Mercado de Abastos is a market which brings together the best of Spain’s historical, architectural, and gastronomical worlds. You can spend hours walking around, taking in the beautiful surroundings and better understanding the culture. Have a chat with one of the local craftsmen or artists to get an inside look into their art, whatever it may be. You’ll be able to taste some of the best foods, purchase a wide range of fresh products, and take back some traditional and interesting souvenirs back with you during a trip to Mercado de Abastos.
Address: Rua Ameás S/NSantiago de Compostela, Phone: +34-981-58-34-38
5. Museum of Pilgrimage and Santiago
Learn pilgrim stories and explore religious sights on an affordable educational trip.
Created in 1951, the Museum of Pilgrimage and Santiago is an institution that was the brainchild of Manuel Chamoso Lamas. Initially, the purpose of the museum was to highlight the history of the city and the phenomenon of pilgrimages. Today, the establishment is a national museum institution which has, over the years, built an impressive collection of artifacts exhibited to the public. Some of their popular exhibitions include archaeological drawings by Heitor Picallo titled The Tower of Valle Bermudez O Caraminal, Homo Sapiens, Transmitter of Knowledge at the Pedagogic Museum of Galicia, and We Refugees at the Galician Center for Contemporary Art.
Address: Praza das Praterías, 2, 15704 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain, Phone: +34-881-86-73-15
6. Museo do Pobo Galego
Discover Galician culture and admire traditional artifacts on a peaceful retirement visit.
The Museo do Pobo Galego aims to preserve and promote Galician culture for all people to experience and enjoy. It’s a wonderful place which conserves historical photographs, artifacts, and documents, and combined, they piece together the city’s rich past. There are an array of exhibitions and activities that visitors can choose to explore and experience. There are permanent exhibits dedicated to society, habitat and architecture, archaeology and art, music, costumes, crafts, countryside, sea, and the press. One of their most popular workshops for adults is Regueifa for Equality and is something like a debate team on popular topics.
Address: Costa de San Domingos, s/n, 15703 Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, Spain, Phone: +34-981-58-36-20
7. City of Culture of Galicia
Walk bold architecture and see contemporary sights on a unique weekend adventure.
City of Culture of Galicia is a collection of establishments which includes the Gaias Centre Museum, the Library and Archive of Galicia, the Centre for Creative Entrepreneurship, the Centre for Cultural Innovation, the Fontan Building, Hejduk Towers and Surroundings, Theatre Garden, Galicia’s Forest, Lake Park, Literary Garden, Canteen, and Whale Park and the surroundings. Visitors can have free access to the museum at any time, and those who are interested can go on one of the guided visits which provides details on the City of Culture and additional lesser-known secrets about the architectonic project.
Address: Monte Gaiás, s/n, 15707 Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, Spain, Phone: +34-881-99-75-65
8. Museo Casa de la Troya
Step into student life and enjoy an unusual look at local history.
Museo Casa de la Troya, or the House of Troy, is a museum which immortalizes Gerardi Roquer - a character from Alejandro Perez Lugin’s novel, La Casa de la Troya. You’ll be taken back in time as you see a detailed recreation of university life at the end of the 19th century. The house has been decorated with period furniture and preserved in a manner exact to when the novel takes place towards the end of 1885. You’ll be able to see the reception area, the living/ dining room, as well as the “respect room” which was used for students to socialize with visiting relatives.
Address: Rúa da Troia, 5, 15704 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain, Phone: +34-981-58-51-59
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents: