"Santiago: A piece of magic" Top 5 Page for this destination Santiago de Compostela by keltic

Santiago de Compostela Travel Guide: 466 reviews and 841 photos

Santiago: A piece of magic - Santiago de Compostela

Not the biggest in Galicia, but without all doubts the most important city in the region. The 130.000 (roughly) inhabitants, It is the cultural, historical, political and espiritual centre of Galicia. The foundation is closely related to myths and legends, but perhaps with a real sense.

Just some lines about it past. At the beginning of the IX century a monk called Paio had observed lights in the heaven. Bishop Teodomiro finds a shrine with three tombs and inscription saying "here lies St James, son of Zebedeo and Salome". The other tombs would bellong to Teodoro and Anastasio. King Alfonso of Asturias, decides to build a temple and founds the city. Becoming the centre of power of the region. It starts to be well known worldwide and tides of pilgrims start to come from all over the world, and city expands. As the third symbol of christdom (with Jerusalem and Rome, the city was destroyed by vikings and arabs since it was a significant target. Diego Gelmirez was the most significant figure in the medieval times and makes the city an splendid display of art.

In 1492 the Catholic Kings stablished the Real Audiencia in Santiago, as the first Capital of Galicia and centre of power. Although the city is taken the capital of the province in the XIX century, the capital of Galicia is given back in 1982 when regional goverment is set up. In 1985 Santiago is given the award of Herritage of Mankind by UNESCO, as one of the most representative monumental city in the Spain. Tourism booms.

Nowadays, Santiago is a pleasant modern small and well equiped city situated in the Northwest of Spain. A Green Celtic region in Spain. So dont expect bullfighting, sangria or flamenco, but a green landscape which resambles to Scotland or Ireland.

One of the holly cities in the world, Santiago is much more than the shrine of Saint James. It is not only the destination of thounsand of pilgrims, but an impresive monumental city which provoques sensations and deep feelings. The whole city is alive, and it soul is the cathedral which lies on a top of a hill, where the old cities also lies and surounded by other seven hills. The old city has been called by many writers, "the stone forest", and the presence of art is everywhere. Magic spreeds all over and the city keeps the same as in the Middle Age. Nothing changes with the past of time. The stone of the streets and monuments, glows and come to live when the Atlantic rains moist everything. It is a city of feelings; Mist arround the clock tower, moss, chocolate from the cafes, and wet earth. Noise, steps at night and music coming from the old pubs. But the city is active, vibrant, bustling, modern and well equiped with many facilities. Few cities offer such an enchanting aspect. Few people have heard of Santiago. We are eager to welcome you. Never has been so easy to visit us.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Unexpected, magic, monumental
Cons:none
In a nutshell:Step back in time

Intro Updated Apr 7, 2006
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Reviews (30)

Essencial buildings in Old Town (part2) - Santiago de Compostela

Essencial buildings in Old Town (part2) Things to Do (12)

15) DEAN HOUSE Barroque style 1752 16) CASA DOS CANONIGOS XVII century 17) SAN MARTIN PINARIO MONASTERY. A... more travel advice

Essencial buildings in Old Town (part1) - Santiago de Compostela

Essencial buildings in Old Town (part1) Things to Do (12)

The old town is huge. Dont leave without having a look to the ones I recommend 1) SANTO DOMINGO DE BONAVAL BUILDING.... more travel advice

Green city. Parks - Santiago de Compostela

Green city. Parks Things to Do (12)

The green stuff gets into all corners of the city. It has been awarded as the Spanish city with more parks. -The main... more travel advice

Old town Things to Do (12)

The most scenic aspect of the city in wandering along the old streets of Santiago. Palaces, lovely houses, churches,... more travel advice

Transportation (4)
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Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All Ensanche Area
Hotels (2)
See All Accomodation web
Restaurants (3)
See All Traditional Café
Shopping (2)
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Comments (15)

lomi Sep 27, 2009 at 7:27 AM Report Abuse

Great pages, I enjoyed revisiting Santiago just by reading your tips! I am hoping to go again in February and see some of the sites I missed first time.
PAULBLOT Apr 6, 2008 at 5:35 PM Report Abuse

Thank you, i am visiting sdc soon and your tips will be much appreciated.
cathie-mc-p Feb 18, 2007 at 10:25 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for so many helpful tips on your page. I have made notes for my trip. I will be there in March. cathie-mc-p@vtmail.com
breughel Dec 9, 2006 at 10:20 AM Report Abuse

A mystic town and well documented comments.
freya_heaven Jun 19, 2004 at 12:48 PM Report Abuse

Lovely page for a lovely place, Great intro photos & info. Happy Travels (~_~)
ncfg Oct 16, 2003 at 2:09 PM Report Abuse

You live in a amazing town. Thanks
chancay Jun 20, 2003 at 1:20 AM Report Abuse

Beautiful page!! The opening photos are outstanding. A lot of info! Feliz Cumpleaños!
doreenellen Jun 19, 2003 at 11:19 PM Report Abuse

Looks a lovely place to live so would like to visit one day. Nice page
arlequin_g Mar 29, 2003 at 10:28 AM Report Abuse

Me encanta esta ciudad! Me hubieran ido bien estos consejos cuando la visité.
Leipzig Feb 15, 2003 at 7:06 AM Report Abuse

Wow, what a beautiful cathedral! Seems Santiago is one of the hidden gems of Spain