Make the the Camino de Santiago It is an experience that many people want to live. Everything is planned very carefully, from the route that we will take to the stages, the places we will pass and the places to sleep. But what happens when we get to Santiago de Compostela?
This city is a place full of history and above all a lot of charm. A perfect space to get lost for a few days, after all the hustle and bustle in the stages of the road. Discovering its most special corners and seeing everything that is worth seeing and should not be missed is something we are going to talk about here. Because not only the path taken matters, but also the enjoyment of the goal.
When we arrived in Santiago de Compostela
Just when we arrive we want to enjoy the Cathedral and the historic area, but there are also details that must be taken into account. The find accommodation It is one of them, since in high seasons it can even be somewhat difficult. In the city there are some hostels for pilgrims. There is a public hostel in San Lázaro, and two private ones, one in Monte do Gozo and the other in Fogar de Teodomiro. If we do not find space in them, although they are very cheap, there is always the possibility of staying in hotels and hostels in the city. It is better to book in advance, especially on designated dates.
Another detail that must be carried out is that of get the Compostela. This is a diploma that is issued at the Pilgrim's Office to certify the route made with a Christian sense. It is awarded to those who have completed the last 100 kilometers on foot or on horseback, or the last 200 kilometers by bicycle. To be granted, you must have the pilgrim's official credential, with one or two daily stamps that are placed in designated places in hostels and other establishments. As we cover this, it will be recorded that they can grant us the Compostela.
The Cathedral of Santiago
This is the end point of every pilgrim when he arrives in the city. Get to the Plaza del Obradoiro and enjoying the baroque facade of the cathedral is a luxury. But it is necessary to spend a few hours in the cathedral to discover its history and its corners. The route must be done both in the exterior and interior areas. And it even looks different at night than during the day.
This cathedral started in the year 1075 under the reign of Alfonso VI. Due to different historical issues, its construction was delayed, until the completion of the work was entrusted to the famous Mestre Mateo, in 1168. However, later more modifications were made, so today it is a mixture of styles. Its façade and cross plan are the result of the Romanesque, but the façade of the Obradoiro, the main chapel and the organs are Baroque. The façade of the Azabachería has a Neoclassic style.
Visiting the inside of the cathedral means enjoying not only the common areas, but also other areas where you need to take a guided tour, such as the Museum, with which you can learn about the history of the Cathedral, the Archive, where it is located. the famous Calixtino Codex, or the Libraries. As soon as we enter we will delight ourselves with the famous Porch of Glory, with stone carvings full of detail. Already in the central nave we will be astonished with the incredible Baroque organs, and also with the Botafumeiro, which is in the center and is only used on designated dates, such as Christmas, January 6 in the Epiphany of the Lord or in Pentecost. It is a huge censer that moves from the central dome to accompany the liturgies, and which has become a symbol of Santiago.
Neither can we leave without embracing the Apostle, a figure that is on the altar, and which is accessed by stairs. Below this figure is the tomb of the Apostle of which the walls are preserved. Both for the hug and to see the crypt there are usually long queues, so patience is recommended. The Cathedral is open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 20:30 p.m.
Other things to see and do
Santiago de Compostela is much more than the Cathedral. There are many pilgrims who wish enjoy the famous Galician gastronomy, and in the winding streets of the old town you can find countless restaurants serving the best seafood dishes, Galician cheeses and local wines. In those same areas are the bars where the wine areas are to enjoy a good nightlife.
There are also others important monuments, such as the Church of San Martiño Pinario or the Convent of Santa Clara. For those who want a little rest, in this city there are also large gardens full of greenery, not in vain it rains so much, such as the Santo Domingo de Bonaval Park or the Belvís Park.