Santiago de Compostela (Galicia) Spain is one
of the most beautiful cities in Spain. The city is full of historic
sites of interest. Due to its religious importance, most of the
sites of interest in Santiago de Compostela are related to the
Church and the pilgrims who visit this majestic city. You will
find an abundance of chapels, churches, monasteries, museums,
and palaces to visit.
The following are just some of the many things
you can see when studying Spanish at our Spanish language school
in Santiago de Compostela. Most if not all of the sites listed
below have a religious history. Santiago de Compostela however
has plenty of other interesting sites and/or things to do: museums,
markets, shops, restaurants, etc. It is a city that will keep
you very entertained.
The Cathedral
The most prominent historical building in Santiago
de Compostela. Construction began in 1075 during the period when
the city was very important. A second stage of construction began
after the marraige of Dona Urraca to Raimunde de Bourgogne. The
construction during this phase shows both French Romanesque and
Romanico Compostelano styles. The Cathedral has a rich history
and is well worth the time to both look at and explore.
Hospital Real
Construction started in 1492 with the purpose
of providing shelter to the many pilgrims who came to Santiago
de Compostela. The architectural style is a combination of Plateresque
and Renaissance.
Palacio Rajoy
A elegant building located just opposite to
the Cathedral. Neo-classical in style, this building was erected
during the 18th Century.
The Colegio de San Jerónimo and Colegio de Fonseca
Both of these buildings where built in the 15th
century and originally were monasteries. Today both are libraries
which house important historical documents.
Palacio Gelmirez
Located near the Cathedral, this building is
a great example of Romanesque architecture.
Plaza de las Platerias
The area around the square is home to many shops
which specialize in silver. The plaza is named after this activity.
From the plaza one has a beautiful view of the facade of the Cathedral.
In the area of the Plaza de las Plateries you
can also see a beautiful 19th century fountain called the Fuente
de los Caballos, the Casa del Cabildo and the Casa de los Canonigos
(both 18th century palaces).
Plaza de la Quintana
Great view of the Portico Real, the Berenguela
Torres and the Torre del Reloj. The Portico Real is only opened
during a Holy Year during the Festival for the Apostle.
The Monastery of San Pelayo de Antealtares
This is one of the oldest buildings in Santiago
de Compostela. The monastery was founded by Alphonse II in the
11th century to house the remains of the Apostle James.
The Monastery of San Martin Pinario
Construction began in the 16th century on this
monastery. It is considered to be an excellent example of the
architectural style known as Barroco Compostelano. The monastery
itself was built on the remains of an older Romanesque church.
Walking down Rua Nueva: An
interesting street full of historical building such as: The 12th
century Romanesque church Santa María Salomé, the
Palacio de Ramirans, the Palacio de los Condes de Gimonde, the
Casa de las Pomas, and the Palacio de Mondragón.
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