Culture of Santiago de Compostela. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The city of Santiago de Compostela locates a religious landmark of global significance attracting pilgrims from all over the world being the Cathedral which has been for many centuries a place of keeping of the precious religious sanctity which is the Saint James relics. The apostle of Jesus Christ was put to death not far from the city. To honor the saint local folks erected a beautiful basilica to keep the remains of the apostle James. Later on a cathedral was decided to be erected to replace the basilica. The age of the Cathedral is more than a thousand years.

In course of long centuries the Cathedral has just insufficiently changed its look. At present the building of the religious landmark features a compelling and harmonious style. Next to the Cathedral tourists will find the Plaza do Obradoiro embraced with architectural monuments and constructions of different epochs. Tourists are greatly attracted to the historical center of the city which keeps dozens of ancient churches, majestic palaces and nice squares.

Engaging tours’ fans should necessarily pay a visit to the Raxoi’s Palace being a genuine example of Neo-classic style. The palace is located just opposite to the Cathedral. Today the palace houses the city hall. The palace was erected in the middle of the 18th century and initially was purposed to host a school of theology. The Raxoi’s Palace is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Its foreside is decorated with an original statuary group. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Another remarkable architectural object of tourist interest is the Animas Chapel which construction was finished in 1784. The tourists should necessarily look into the chapel and estimate its marvelous inner decoration. The walls of this chapel keep various ancient icons, statues and several remarkable artifacts. The city also hosts one of the oldest educational institutions in Europe being the University of Santiago de Compostela. The university was established in 1495 and at present it educates more than 40 thousands of students from all over the world. A building with marvelous arches and graceful columns housing the university is of great architectural significance.

Tourists will surely be invited to estimate its inner court of breathtaking beauty and to enjoy a marvelous parkland embracing the building. A symbolic historical object is the Porch of the Glory of Santiago de Compostela. The construction is located not far from the central square of the city. The building of the Porch was started as far back as in 1168 and lasted for 20 years. After a scale reconstruction the Porch has significantly changed its look. A part of the Porch’s elements was moved to the cathedral museum however the walls of the porch have still preserved some elements of ancient fresco paintings and plenty of other ancient decorations.

Many pilgrims prefer to spend the night in a historical place with the aim of experiencing an incomparable sensation in which all the cells in their body tend to shudder – it seems that history is super close to us here. The former hospital which once hosted kings and pilgrims (Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos), will serve its original purpose – becoming the Parador de Santiago de Compostela hotel, as was the original plan when it was constructed in the 14th century according to the project of the royal architect, Enrique Egas. Those who do not put up at the hotel will still get to appreciate its magnificent view and the equally striking courtyard, which is without a doubt worth taking a walk along, enjoying every moment of touching history. It is worthwhile to point out that the building of the former hospital is an excellent example of Plateresque.

Nearby is situated another beautiful historical monument – the Monasterio de San Martin Pinario, which is impressive primarily with its eclectic architecture (here you will find elements of Baroque, Neo-Renaissance and Classicism). The structure was founded in the 10th century, and overtime was constantly expanding. At the end of the 15th century, it acquired the status of the richest and most powerful monastery in all of Galicia. The building underwent a grand restructuring in the 16th century, and it was then that the religious object acquired its present look. Inside the monastery, you can find exhibition halls with magnificent collections of sacred art and literature.

Another impressive religious site which you should not attempt to bypass is the Convento de San Francisco (this is, however, impossible, as both attractions are located nearby). The first building which was erected on the site of a modern building dates back to the 13th century. The change in the monastery happened in the middle of the 18th century, thanks to which tourists can behold a wonderful example of Baroque architecture with some elements of neoclassicism. Yet another notable religious building is the 18th-century baroque style church Igreja de San Fructuoso, which is attractive on the inside thanks to the beautiful interior decoration and magnificent sculptures.

The well-preserved ramparts of the Muralla de Santiago de Compostela are also a landmark among tourists. The city was surrounded by a wall in the year 968 when it enclosed an area from the Catedral de Santiago de Bilbao to its nearest borders. The “core” of the medieval walled city is called Locus Sancti Iacobi, and it is surrounded by three arches: Puerta Francígena o del Camino, Puerta Faxeira, and Puerta de Mazarelos. The construction of the fortification was deemed necessary due to the ever-increasing role Santiago de Compostela plays among the pilgrims. This at the same time made it a “tidbit” among the Arabs or Normans. Faithfully and loyally, the fortification functioned until the 19th century, protecting not only the city but also its suburbs.

The Museo do Pobo Galego whose exhibition halls are located within the walls of the former Convento de San Domingos de Bonaval monastery is best suited for acquaintance with local culture and traditions. The cultural attraction impresses not only with its magnificent collection which is related to various sectors of local life (craft, music, architecture, agriculture, costumes) but also with its beautiful interior (particularly the spiral staircases that became its hallmark). You can find out everything about the main reason people go on a trip to the city – pilgrimage – in the beautiful cultural site Museo das Peregrinacions e de Santiago. The Museo de Historia Natural will delight you with its collection of inhabitants of the local flora and fauna.

The city also has modern buildings. There is, for example, the cultural center on Mount Gaiás, Cidade da Cultura, which today hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, as well as thematic events. The building was constructed in the year 2013 according to the project of a group of architects led by Peter Eisenman. With all its appearance, the structure should bring to mind the hilly terrain of Monte do Gozo – which was what the creators had in mind and succeeded in achieving. As for places for walking, the picturesque San Domingos de Bonaval Park should definitely be highlighted. The place is suitable for a secluded vacation. For connoisseurs of art, are advised to have a walk along the green zone Parque de la Alameda. Then again, walking along the Plaza de Platerías, which adjoins the southern facade of the Catedral de Santiago, you should pay attention to the beautiful baroque building – the fountain Fuente de Los Caballos. And, of course, do not forget to toss a coin to be sure to return to the city.