Santiago de Compostela - Do & See
The 40,000 students make the city what it is today, a lively and modern metropolis guaranteeing a youthful atmosphere among the antique city walls.
Botafumeiro
The Cathedral has one of the world’s biggest incense burners used at the pilgrim’s mass held most midday’s. It was first installed as the odor of the pilgrim crowds sometimes was too unbearable. Priests tie the "botafumeiro" censer to ropes at the end of the mass and lift it all the way up to the ceiling with burning incense.
The Food Market
The market is one of Santiago’s main places to buy fresh products. When walking among the stalls in the traditional food market you get a sense of the Galician gastronomy with fresh fish, seafood, fruits, flowers and cheeses. Thursdays and Saturdays are the main days.
Audiowalks
Take a guided tour of Compostela’s old streets and buildings at your own pace by renting an MP3 player at the tourism office.
Museo Das Pergrinacións
The Pilgrimage Museum offers an insight into the city’s history as it evolved over centuries as a consequence of the pilgrimages. The museum is closed on Mondays.
The Alameda Park
Located in the centre, the Alameda Park is one of the city’s oldest and most loved parks. Inside it, you will find monuments and some of the best views of the historic town centre offering an excellent photo opportunity of the Cathedral, rising over the city skyline.
The Tourist Train
Every day from Easter to September, a tourist train takes visitors from Praza do Obradoiro or from Avenida Xoán XXIII through the old town and the gardens and shows panoramic views of the monumental quarter and the Cathedral.
Organised Tours Out Of Town
Santiago de Compostela is surrounded by lush green nature, which is well worth a visit. If you don’t want to wander out in the wilderness on your own, organised day tours are available from the tourist office.
The Cathedral
The final destination of the Santiago pilgrims is the Cathedral with the tomb said to contain the remains of the apostle James.
