McGunnMedia and Tupan Tours join forces again to show you a bit of Santiago de Compostela.

Last summer we had the pleasure of teaming up with Tupan Tours for a couple of short trips. The stories of those trips ran as part of our “Summer in Portugal” post series. If you haven’t read those before, here they are:

Fátima com Tupan Tours
Aveiro – Ilha dos Puxadoiros

As we said back then, Andreana and Guilherme are two of the nicest tour guides you could ever hope to find. So when our phone rang earlier this week and they asked us if we wanted to join them on their new itinerary, we just couldn’t say no.
This year’s new addition to their catalog of personalized tours is Santiago de Compostela, in the North of Spain, and here’s our quick tourist’s view of what you can find there.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia, and its “Old Town” was awarded the distinction of World Heritage Site in 1985 by the UNESCO. The main attraction is the Cathedral, around which the rest of the Old Town was developed, with doors facing each of 4 squares (plazas).
The first clue you are even close to Santiago de Compostela is the sight of pilgrims making their way to the Cathedral, either on foot or by push bike. This can be seen all year round, and you can expect the area to be quite busy…

Pilgrimage made by foot.

The pilgrims follow the “Camino de Santiago” (Way of St. James) to Santiago de Compostela, and even though there are dozens of possible routes throughout Europe, all of them end in front of the Cathedral, at the Praza do Obradoiro. The Way of St. James holds its own World Heritage Site classification, awarded in 1993.

Pilgrims resting after the long walk, admiring the Cathedral’s facade

Plaza del Obradoiro

The Cathedral itself is an impressive display of the Roman Catholic prowess of the 18th Century.

Plaza del Obradoiro. Currently the towers are undergoing reconstruction.

This façade, containing the main entrance, is located in the Plaza do Obradoiro, the main square. In the other sides of the square can also be found the Hotel “Hostal dos Reyes Catolicos” (currently the Parador de Santiago), the Town Hall, and the University of Santiago de Compostela – showing many diverse philosophy all in one place.

After the pilgrims have completed their journey, they are able to have their “pilgrim passport” stamped, and collect a certificate as evidence – the “Compostela”.

The queue for the “Compostela”

The “Compostela” is a certificate of accomplishment given to pilgrims on completing the Way of St. James.

Plaza de la Quintana

The eastern façade of the cathedral, overlooking Plaza de la Quintana, contains the Holy Door (Porta Santa) and the Royal Gate (Porta Real). The Kings of Spain entered the cathedral through this door.

The Porta Real (royal gate) and The Porta Santa (holy gate

The so-called Holy Door (Porta Santa), or Door of Forgiveness (Porta do Perdón), is usually closed with a fence and opens only in Jubilee Years (when St James’s Day falls on a Sunday). According to Christian tradition, it is said that whoever passes through this door will be given forgiveness.

Plaza de las Platerías

This square owes its name to the silversmiths who came here to sell their wares. It is also the  home to the most famous fountain in Santiago, the Fuente de los Caballos (Fountain of the Horses).

Fuente de los Caballos (Fountain of the Horses)

This view of the Bell Tower can also be seen from this plaza.

Bell Towers (Torres das Campás)

“O Poder”

Whilst we were there we were lucky enough to be able to see the exhibition “O Poder” (The Power) from the acclaimed artist Ramón Conde. This exhibition will run until the end of September.

“O Poder” exhibition by Ramón Conde

“O Poder” exhibition by Ramón Conde

On the streets you will find yourself entertained by talented musicians and artisans, not to mention delightful art works everywhere, and a lovely, family friendly atmosphere, filled with typical outdoor cafés and bars.

Street musician

Artisan displaying her works

Street art display

The symbolic nature of the area underpins the architecture – the scallop being the most famous symbolism that you will see in this area.

Scallop symbol

You see this symbol being worn by pretty much all of the pilgrims on the Way. And of course, you’ll be able to purchase one in any of the shops in the area.

Souvenir shop with scallops, walking sticks and hats.

The North entrance of the Cathedral showcases the scallop above the main door, and you can see it featured predominately in the brickwork every-where you look.

The North facing door of the Cathedral, showcasing the Scallop.

Plaza de la Inmaculada

The first entrance to the cathedral, after first having walked through a tunnel and serenaded with bag pipes you find yourself in a rather impressive square .

Monastery Of San Martin Pinário

Whilst this side of the Cathedral is impressive it is slightly over shadowed by the opposite side where former monastery of San Martin Pinario stands with its stunning garden.

Monastery of San Martin Pinário

Just when you thought that Santiago de Compostela had given all its secrets up, this monastery is delightfully surprising – and worth a day in itself to explore and see the amazing details that it holds.

Inside the Monastery of San Martin Pinario

Inside showcases impressive display of carvings and exhibitions.

The Choir room behind the altar

And here ends our quick preview of what you can find in Santiago de Compostela. If you’d like to see all of this (and more) for yourself, while experimenting the amazing atmosphere of the place, book your trip today.

P.S.: There are a few webcams running 24/7 around the squares in Santiago – don’t forget to check if you’ve been caught on camera after your visit! 🙂