The cathedral rooftops, museums in historic buildings and paths through parks reveal different sides of Santiago de Compostela. The city is a famous pilgrimage destination in northwestern Spain. When planning your trip, the question is not just whether you are interested in pilgrimage history and architecture, but also whether you want green spaces and local everyday culture to be part of your itinerary.
Cathedral, Old Town and Pilgrimage Routes
The old town encompasses buildings from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical periods. The cathedral is the destination of all the Ways of St. James and is regarded as Spain’s finest example of Romanesque art. A guided tour of its rooftops and the Torre de la Carraca includes 140 steps. It crosses the tiered roofs and ends in the tower, which is about 72 metres high and offers panoramic views over the city.
The Cathedral Museum also focuses on the building’s history: a visit covers three areas in different parts of the cathedral, each with independent access, and explains their historical and artistic significance. The museum areas are therefore not all gathered in one place within the building.
Museums and Architectural History
The Pilgrimage and Santiago Museum is housed in the former Banco de España building on Plaza de PlaterĂas, a few metres from the cathedral’s south façade. A large skylight on the second floor offers a view of the Basilica of Compostela, the Torre de la Berenguela and much of the old town.
The permanent exhibitions at the Museo do Pobo Galego explore coastal life, traditional occupations, rural life, traditional dress and architecture. The Monastery of Bonaval has a different historical focus: Santo Domingo de Guzmán founded it in the 13th century, and it was rebuilt in the Baroque style in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Parks, Woodlands and Riverside Paths
The green spaces each have their own character. Alameda Park borders the old town and offers a view of its monumental west façade. In BelvĂs Park, the landscape follows the BelvĂs watercourse through long stretches of meadow watered by a small stream. From the highest part of the park, there are exceptional views across the entire city.
Bosque de Galicia lies on the slopes of Monte Gaiás and has a three-kilometre network of paths. A route to Gaiás passes through the old town and continues along woodland paths; from the summit of Monte Gaiás, it offers views of the city and the chance to watch the sunset over Santiago. Granxa do Xesto Park also has a three-kilometre network of paths. Here, woodland of eucalyptus, pine and native species sits alongside meadows and small lakes fed by natural springs.
The Sarela riverside path runs through woodland along the small River Sarela and connects the Ponte Sarela and Carme de Abaixo tanneries. The Sar riverside path is four kilometres long and passes through rural Santiago, surrounded by the city and hills. At Brañas de Sar, landscape and traditional water use come together: the area covers 33 hectares and is part of the Sar river basin. The ethnographic complex preserves five waterwheels, as well as channels, walls, washing areas and weirs.
Further park highlights include Vista Alegre Park, with features of a former private garden such as old trees, a pavilion and shaded seating areas, and Parque da Música en Compostela. There, a stream forms a large reflecting pool that mirrors the auditorium’s contemporary architecture.
Market Visit and Choosing Where to Stay
At the Mercado de Abastos market hall, the Marisco ManĂa market bar can prepare produce purchased there while you wait, so you can eat it fresh on site. A visit to the market adds a practical taste of local food to the themes of architecture, museums and green routes.
When choosing a hotel in Santiago, your travel interests can help you decide: the old town and cathedral offer architecture and pilgrimage history, while parks and riverside paths provide a different focus. This lets you plan your stay around what matters most to you, rather than trying to fit everything into a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Roxos, Formaris, Ames, Condomiña, A Capela, Boaño, Prospes, Loiba.
For the broader travel overview: Coruña.
