Strolling Through The Streets Of Santiago De Compostela
Arrival point for one of the most important pilgrimages in the world, Santiago de Compostela is much more than its squares, markets and its beautiful cathedral. Today we take a walk through this beautiful and ancient city and we want to tell you about our experience.
Compostela, the city of pilgrims and students
No one can deny that Santiago de Compostela is rich in history and hospitality. It remains faithful to its traditions of yesteryear and welcomes all tourists who want to know it, even if they do not dare to do the same path that the Apostle did hundreds of years ago.
The cultural and historical heritage is seen at every step and in every corner. If you plan to go on a weekend getaway to Santiago de Compostela, we advise you to follow a route. They are just a few streets!
First stop: cathedral of Santiago
It was built between the years 1075 and 1211 and the main door faces the Plaza del Obradoiro. The staircase that connects us to the cathedral is in the Renaissance style and there the Apostle awaits us, dressed as a pilgrim. Behind the main chapel is the crypt with the relics of Santiago. You can also go up to the decks and see the whole city from the top.
Leaving the square we find more than important buildings : the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, the Raxoi palace and the Colegio de San Xerome. In Fonseca street, to the right of the square, we can find various souvenirs of our trip, such as the typical pilgrimage shells.
Second stop: Plaza de Abastos
To get there we must take Rúa (street) da Conga and turn left onto Rúa de Altamira. The market there is open from Monday to Saturday and we can find very fresh seafood. It is also a perfect place to buy fruits and vegetables. Many of the residents come to the market each day with what they have collected at dawn and offer it to neighbors and visitors.
This market is the second most visited place in the city. And you can not only buy, you can also taste some of the products in their restaurants.
Third stop: places to eat
In Santiago you can eat great almost anywhere, but we are going to give you some suggestions. From the Plaza de Abastos we can take Rúa das Rodas and then Rúa San Pedro to find the tavern “El Mosquito”, where we can drink a delicious coffee liqueur. Other places to taste the typical gastronomy of the city (seafood, Galician beef and apple pie) are the Don Gaiferos restaurant, La Bodeguilla de San Roque and Ana’s Restaurant.
Fourth stop: Santo Domingo de Bonaval park
Once we have enjoyed the food, we continue the journey (you have to lower all the calories). In this park we will find the Galician Center for Contemporary Art with its bookstore and cafeteria.
In front of it, the Parque da Alameda, which borders the old part of Santiago and allows us to enjoy incredible views from the Rúa de Teo.
Fifth stop: shopping in Santiago
On the Rúa de San Antonio, and once we pass the Hotel Compostela, the next street is the best for shopping, the Rúa do Xeneral Pardiñas. This area is known as the Santiago Centro Open Sky Shopping Center. You cannot leave Santiago without having bought some clothes, Galician fashion is already internationally renowned.
Sixth stop: the squares
We have already told you about two important squares … but there are still several more! You can spend hours visiting them. One of the most prominent is the Plaza de los Literatos, which with its 18 steps divides Quintana de los vivos and Quintana de los Muertos.
You should also visit the Plaza de las Platerías, in Romanesque style and a 70-meter high clock tower, and the Plaza de la Inmaculada, where jet pieces are sold.
Seventh (and last) stop: the old case
Rua Nova, do Franco and do Vilar are perfect for traveling back in time. There we can find old architecture, sophisticated shops and even a theater. Of course there is also room for patisseries if we want to enjoy a delicious Santiago cake.
If you go to Santiago for a weekend, don’t forget that Sundays are sacred and many stores are closed. Don’t let that put you off! You can take the opportunity to visit some of its convents (those of Carmen and Santa Clara are the most important). To enjoy!
