The most special place in Santiago is the Obradoiro Square. The city’s life seems to revolve around this place, where the Cathedral, the Raxoi Palace, and the luxurious Hostal de los Reyes Católicos (“Hostel of the Catholic Monarchs”) stand—according to some reports, the oldest hotel in the world. On this square, one can often see sitting pilgrims with their inseparable companions—staffs and shells. Then comes the moment to discover the Cathedral: admire the Portico of Glory, traditionally embrace the figure of Saint James at the main altar, descend into the crypt, climb to the roof for magnificent views, and—if you are lucky—see the action of the huge Botafumeiro censer, which is swung only on certain holidays or by prior request.
In the vicinity of the Cathedral, discoveries await you at every step. There are other squares here, also full of charm: Platerías with a beautiful view of the Berenguela bell tower, Quintana with its beautiful staircase, as well as other monumental buildings, such as the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario.
Curiously, even more distant points of the city seem to have been designed in such a way that one can admire the Cathedral from there. These include, for example, the peaceful Alameda Park and the viewpoint on Monte do Gozo hill with sculptures depicting pilgrims, which can be seen in many photographs.
Gastronomy and Modernity
To fully experience the magnetic pull of wonderful aromas and flavors, as well as to understand why Galicia is famous for its excellent gastronomy, it is worth taking a stroll through the Mercado de Abastos, which is the second most visited attraction in the city. Here you can buy and taste fresh seafood caught in local bays, as well as various types of cheese and small green Padrón peppers. Another option is to try the famous “cuisine in miniature.” The authentic atmosphere of Santiago is especially well-felt on the streets of Franco and Raiña, in the heart of the city’s historic district. There, not only guests but also Galicians themselves enjoy tasting typical “tapas” in numerous restaurants. You can try pulpo a feira (boiled octopus with paprika), scallops, the almond Santiago cake, or wines such as Albariño, which is considered one of the best varieties of white wine in the world.
Beyond the narrow streets, stone houses, and palaces, a more modern side of Santiago opens up: the university atmosphere, art galleries and, above all, two places such as the Galician Center for Contemporary Art and the City of Culture, designed by New York architect Peter Eisenman—one of the most amazing examples of modern Galician architecture.
Many say that walking the entire Way of Saint James and finally arriving in Santiago is an adventure that changes a person’s life. Certainly, there is something extraordinarily magnetic about this city.
