Information | Santiago de Compostela
RestaurantsSantiago de Compostela
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA is the geographical centre of Galicia, only 30 kilometres from the Atlantic coast. This UNESCO World Heritage Site one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world is peaceful and safe city. A symbol of Christian Spain during medieval times, Santiago de Compostela is still the final goal of the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago.
This is revealed by the presence of countless churches and monasteries of great architectural value. There are a number of monuments in the old city, the most outstanding of which is the Obradoiro square in the heart of the city which brings together magnificent buildings forming one of the most beautiful squares in the world.
The cathedral with its masterpiece, the 12th-century Pórtico de la Gloria, the Pazo de Raxoi, the College of San Jerónimo and the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos, the main hotel of the Congress. It is a former hospital for pilgrims sponsored by the catholic monarchs. The hotel was built some 600 years ago and preserves still four extremely beautiful cloisters and elegant public rooms.
The Cathedral's Botafumeiro is the largest incense burner in the world. The Botafumeiro is suspended from a pulley mechanism in the dome of the church roof. At the top of the swing, the Botafumeiro reaches a height of 21 meters. It swings in a 65 meter arc between the Azabacheria and Praterias doorways at the ends of the transept.
Cathedral Virtual tour You can have a virtual tour to the external areas (Obradoiro Square, Azabacheria) and the interior of the Cathedral (Apostle Santiago tomb, Treasure room...) |
The City of Culture of Galicia was designed by the American architect Peter Eisenmanto host the best of cultural expressions of Galicia, Spain and Latin America. This new 'city' will contribute towards meeting the challenges of the information and knowledge of society. Its unique buildings, are interconnected by streets and plazas equipped with state-of-the art technology.
(More info: Cidade da Cultura)
