You’ve completed your Camino. You’ve arrived in Santiago de Compostela. Now what? Santiago is a designated UNESCO World Hertiage Site, meaning the city has so much to offer for pilgrims and tourists alike.
The cathedral at Santiago de Compostela marks the traditional end of the pilgrimage. This is where the bones of the apostle Saint James are allegedly buried.
There are daily masses for the pilgrims to attend. For the non-religious, Cathedral itself is an impressive feat of construction.
2. Explore the City – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Old Town of Santiago de Compostela is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is “one of the world’s most beautiful urban areas”. Many of the old and magnificent monuments cluster around the Cathedral.
The town has a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic buildings. A distinct medieval feel remains due to it being rebuilt in the 11th century. Narrow streets and markets hide around every corner.
3. Museo del Pobo Galego – History of Galician People
This museum has exhibits dedicated to the history of Galician life. It explores traditions such as fishing, music, art and clothing.
4. Centro Gallego de Arte Contemporáno – Centre for Galician Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is home to displays of modern art. Exhibitions come from local Galicia to the rest of the world.
The exhibitions fill minimalistic rooms and give a true taste of what modern art is.
5. Try Pulpo á Feira – Octopus
Pulpo á Feira, meaning “fair-style octopus”, is a typical Galician food. It is plentiful in Santiago.
The Galicians have it down to a fine art and cook it to perfection – not too tender and not too tough.
Tradition says that there should be no water served with this Galician food and so red wine is instead.
6. Eat Tarta de Santiago
Tarta de Santiago is a typical Galician dessert.
It contains ground almonds and a sprinkling of icing sugar on top. In the icing suger there is an imprint of the cross of St. James.
7. Visit Alameda Park
Take a relaxing breather as you stroll through Alameda Park. It borders the UNESCO site of the Old Town and has a fantastic view of the Cathedral.
Flowerbeds, foundtains, tree groves and statues make this in to a very scenic and relaxing walk.
8. Witness the Botafumeiro
The Botafumeiro is a giant censer that wafts incense throughout the cathedral.
It weighs 53kg, is 1.5m tall and swings 20m above the ground.
7 people must pull the rope up and down in order for the Botafumeiro to swing.
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