Top Places for Art and Cultural Activities in Santiago De Compostela

A trip to Santiago De Compostela cannot be complete without understanding its rich heritage. The art and cultural activities in Santiago De Compostela will give you an insight into the city's history, traditions, and artwork. While visiting the cultural attractions in Santiago De Compostela would prove to be informative, attending its artsy events will leave you entertained. From cultural performances to historical monuments that give you a glimpse of the past, take a look at this list to know Santiago De Compostela better. Include these in attractions in your itinerary for Santiago De Compostela and have a great vacation.

Check the list of top places for art and culture in Santiago De Compostela:

  1. Cathedral Of Santiago Of Compostela Or Catedral De Santiago De Compostela

    Church, Religious Site, Museum, Architecture

    It is one of the finest examples of Romanesque art in Spain. The church was build just above the tomb of St. James (that was discovered in 819 AD). The construction of this church began in 1060 in the reign of Alfonso VI and was completed in 1211. With the passing times, various elements were added leading to a dramatic change of the exterior in the 16th -18th century. So, in the architectural ...Read more
  2. Praza Das Praterias

    Religious Site, Square, Shopping Center, Cathedral

    When it comes to tourist attractions, the first thing people think is about the Catedral del Apostolo. But the fact is the surrounding areas do deserve a visit. Each door of this huge cathedral opens to a plaza. Similarly, the south door opens to Prazas das Praterias. It is also popularly known as Plaza de las Platerias. The primary attraction of this square is the centerpiece that is a large f...Read more
  3. Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos Or Catholic Kings Hostal

    Hotel, Religious Site, Leisure, Cathedral

    Also known as the Hospital dos Reis Catolicos is now a 5-star Parador hotel, located in Santiago de Compostela. It was built in 1499 with the aim of serving as a hostal for pilgrims who slept on the streets of the city. It was like a shelter for them. This hostal is situated at the end of the Pilgrimage trail, leading to the way to Saint James. It is said to be the oldest refuge in the world. T...Read more
  4. Plaza Del Obradoiro Or Plaza De Espana

    Hotel, Church, Landmark, Walking Area

    This is the massive square of Santiago de Compostela. It is also said to be the monumental center as the square is surrounded by important buildings and monuments of Santiago. For instance, the frontal side of the square has Santiago cathedral, and in another side other important buildings like Palacio de Raxoi, the Reyes Catholics hotel and college building of Santiago’s University are s...Read more
  5. Praza De Abastos Or City Market

    Food And Drinks, Market, Architecture

    It is the market of Santiago where you can just dig into freshly prepared food that tastes like a heaven. The moment you step into the market, the aroma of food, especially the sea foods are bound to awake your sense and make you feel hungry. You get to buy fresh fish, meat, vegetables and cheese that are recently brought from the sea and the farm. Apart from the food, the architecture of the m...Read more
  6. Monasterio De San Martin Pinario Or San Martin Pinario Monastery

    Religious Site, Landmark, Historical Site, Architecture

    It is the former Benedictine monastery of the city, situated in Plaza de la Inmaculada. At present, the monastery works as the Major Seminary student residence and headquarters of the School of Social work and also functions as the headquarters of the Theological institute of Compostela. The architectural design is a mixture of Baroque and neoclassical element. The facade has an altarpiece stru...Read more
  7. Cathedral Museum Or Museo Catedralicio

    Library, Museum, Statue, Cathedral

    This museum is located within the Cathedral of Santiago and houses various archeological works and arts belonging to this city. It was founded in 1930. The most treasured belonging of this museum is the Apostle’s Tomb. The museum exhibits the history of the Sanctuary where the tomb is placed. At present, the museum spreads over 4 floors, including the 16th century large Gothic cloister of...Read more
  8. Museo Das Peregrinacions E De Santiago

    Museum, Architecture , Arts And Crafts

    It is the museum of Santiago, constructed in 1951 and was opened in 1996. It is now house in the Gothic House. This house has some of the significant architectural feature of 14th century. However, with times, it has faced lot of renovation. At present, the museum has 8 rooms, highlighting the importance of European culture and Hispanic America, the pilgrimage and worship of St. James. The deta...Read more
  9. Museum Of Santiago And The Pilgrimages Or Museo De Las Peregrinaciones

    Museum, Landmark, Statue, Arts And Crafts

    The museum is said to be a tribute to Saint James, the Apostles and the pilgrims who came to visit his relics. It has been divided into three floors. The museum highlights the importance of devotion towards Saint James and the pilgrimage route that starts from the Saint James tomb. You get to see examples belonging to this pilgrimage route. The museum also has eight other rooms that include ima...Read more
  10. Convento De San Francesco

    Church, Religious Site, Historical Site, Monument

    It is a early 13th century old Franciscan monastery, located in the old town and it was declared as the Historic-Artistic monument. According to the history, San Francisco of Assisi was welcomed by a family of Compostela during his pilgrimage to Santiago. During this journey, he decided to built the convent. However, in the early 18th century the building collapsed, leaving behind five arches. ...Read more
  11. The Holy Land Museum

    Museum, Architecture , Monastery

    This museum is part of Convento de san francisco santiago de compostela, holding permanent exhibition for the monastery. Apart from seeing the architectural design of the building, made in Baroque style, you also get to see Near East’s material culture. Guided tours are there to guide you around the museum. The museum’s collection offers information on unknown periods like Palaeolit...Read more
  12. Galician Centre Of Contemporary Art Or CGAC Or Centro Galego De Arte Contemporanea

    Art Gallery, Museum, Architecture

    Opened in 1993 and has been holding exhibition since 1995, CGAC is situated in the old town of Santiago. The first important feature of CGAC is its architecture. The building is said to be designed by a Portuguese architect, named Alvaro Siza. Feature to look out for is the terrace has it let you get the most stunning view of the historical part of Santiago de Compostela. Today, in the museum t...Read more
  13. Colegiata Del Sar Or The Collegiate Church Of Sar In Santiago De Compostela

    Church, Religious Site, Historical Site, Cathedral

    This collegiate church was built in 12th century in the outskirt region of the city, next to river Sar. The overall architectural design follows Romanesque style. It has three basilical structures and three naïve divide by pillars. On the exterior portion, you can see small tower on the facade and the strong flying buttresses that was built in 17th and 18th century. Such architectural desi...Read more
  14. Palacio De Raxoi Or Pazo De Raxoi

    Landmark, Historical Site, Palace, Architecture

    Palacio de Raxoi or Pazo de Raxoi or Rajoy Palace is located in the western side of Plaza del Obradoiro, opposite the main facade of the Cathedral of Santiago. It is an 18th century neoclassical building, constructed under the order of Bartolome Rajoy Losada (the archbishop of Santiago). Carlos Lemaur, the French engineer is responsible for the constructional work of the building. On the exteri...Read more
  15. Botafumeiro

    Church, Religious Site, Performance

    The name ‘Botafumeiro’ in English means ‘smoke expeller’. It was more in use before in the Galician churches but now is only regularly used in The Tui Church. It is an instrument for burning incense that was later carried by men and swung during church activities. History gives evidences of many fatal accidents with this and so these are now hung from the dome with sailo...Read more