Santiago De Compostela Key Attractions

Being such an important destination for Christian pilgrims for centuries, it will be no surprise that the bulk of Santiagos best sights are places of worship. However, there are also plenty of museums and galleries to explore as well as some excellent palaces to discover. The whole town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, such is the magnificent state of preservation of Santiagos medieval architecture there are masterpieces everywhere you turn.

The Cathedral

The highlight of the city is the magnificent Cathedral, which dates from 1075. Standing in the centre of Santiago, the building is enormous and mostly in the French Romanesque and unique Romnico Compostelano styles, although there are hints of Baroque influence in some of the additions. The two soaring towers, Torre de las Campanas and Torre de la Carraca are the most famous feature of the church, and the Obradoiro faade is simply stunning to behold. Other highlights include the priceless medieval sculptures of the Portico de la Gloria and the Romanesque crypt, known as the Old Cathedral. Of course, the centerpiece is the crypt of Saint James, the focal point for the pilgrims.

Gelmirez Palace

This magnificent Romanesque building manages to hold its own against the towering Cathedral situated immediately opposite, with a distinctly contrasting ambience. Built in the 12th century, the palace interior is beautifully decorated with lovely antique furnishings, paintings and tapestries. The vaulted ceilings are very high and create a light, airy feel.

Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa Maria del Sar

Located on the citys fringes, this church is famed for its interesting architectural features, which tastefully combine different styles. In particular, the churchs small tower and flying buttresses are unique and date from the 17th and 18th centuries, contrasting with the main buildings 12th century construction. The layout is basilica and features the usual three naves. The windows are very beautiful, in particular the Rose Window set in the faade.

Old University

The University of Santiago is very famous internationally and its student population continues to grow every year. Many of the buildings on the university grounds are masterpieces in themselves and are well worth touring. The original building, which now houses the Faculty of Geography and History, dates from the 18th century and contains the Central Hall, Rectory and Library. Known as the Compostelana University, this old university building is still very much in use today.

Museo de las Peregrinaciones

This intriguing museum pays homage to the cult of Santiago and documents the citys transformation throughout the ages as it became a popular pilgrimage destination. The Jacobean sect is explained through various exhibits, and there is a wider view taken to attempt to explain the mysteries of the pilgrimage and also to record the influence of the pilgrimage on the work done over the centuries by different types of artisans in the city.

San Martn Pinario Monastery

After the Cathedral, this is the largest religious monument in Santiago and occupies a huge area of land. Most of the monastery is in the Baroque architectural style and dates from the 12th century. Most noteworthy is the 100 metre long faade and the huge barrel arch vault of the ceiling. The artwork in the monastery is excellent as well, with the most outstanding work being the Plateresque faade, which was the result of the combination of the talents of three masters of the 16th century - Pea y Toro, Melchor de Velasco and Domingo de Andrade.

Santo Domingo de Bonaval Convent

This eclectic building is worth a visit due to its impressive combination of the main medieval architectural styles; Baroque, Romanesque and Gothic. Built in 1228, but added to many times over the centuries, the church is laid out in the basilica style with three naves and three apses. One of the largest buildings in Santiago, the church is home to the Museum of the Galician People and is also the resting place of the famous Galician author, Rosalia de Castro.