Apartments in Santiago de Compostela -- Cheap Accommodation
The medieval streets of Santiago de Compostela are heavy with history, with the clatter of cobblestones that date back centuries and centuries. Today, the capital of Galicia hosts a festive spirit, brought about by the pilgrims that flock to it every year. But whether you're joining the journey or not, there's still plenty to get up to, from trying tapas in cosy taverns and enjoying the views from the cathedral, to simply wandering around the age-old streets. In the Old Town, authentic restaurants rub shoulders with rustic architecture, whilst the newer part of the city is home to boutique shops and modern houses. Our apartments in Santiago de Compostela offer a great base from which you can explore the city and its surrounding regions.
Religious Remnants - Best Things to do in Santiago de Compostela
- University of Santiago de Compostela -- This is one of the world's oldest universities that is still in operation, and it features a picturesque campus that harks back to yesteryear.
- Santiago de Compostela Cathedral -- A beautiful jutting Romanesque cathedral that's a hugely important pilgrimage site. It is well-known for its carved portico by Master Mateo.
- San Francisco and Holy Land Museum -- Once home to Franciscan friars, this 13th century edifice is now a 4-star hotel. The on-site museum exhibits an impressive model of the Holy Sepulchre amongst other things.
- Cathedral Museum -- Opened in 1930, this cathedral museum is home to the cloisters and the remains of the Archbishop's palace. You can also wander around the large tapestry collection and other fascinating church artefacts.
- Church and Museum of San Martin Pinario -- Originally a 10th century Benedictine monastery, this church and museum combo boasts a treasury and a beautiful collection of portrait paintings.
- Museum of Galician People -- Situated towards the entrance of the city, this museum displays work by local artists as well as those from further afield.
- Eugenio Granell Foundation -- Home to the works of Eugenio Granell, a famed Galician surrealist painter, as well as numerous theatre shows, performances, and workshops that are held throughout the year.
- Casa da Troia Museum -- Highlighting the importance of student life in the city, this museum showcases the famous boarding house run by Dona Generosa towards the close of the 19th century.
- Church of Santa Maria de Sar -- The oldest parish church in Santiago which sports incredible cloisters and an in-house museum. It was built back in the 12th century and remains an important landmark in Santiago de Compostela.
- Alameda Park -- Head to Paseo da Ferradura in Alameda Park where you can marvel at the impressive views of the cathedral and the rest of the city.
- Monte de Gozo -- Translated as 'Mountain of Joy', this hilltop is the go-to area for pilgrims who want to catch a glimpse of Santiago's cathedral. At some points throughout the year there are concerts that take place here.
As you can see, Santiago de Compostela isn't just a place for pilgrims, though its history is decidedly religious. Explore the fascinating monuments and incredible architecture with our Santiago de Compostela apartments which can be found all around the city.
The History of Santiago de Compostela
Galicians of faith believe that Santiago Apostol (also known as St James the Apostle) spent his life preaching in Galicia before dying in Palestine. Later, he was buried in Santiago de Compostela after being delivered back by a stone boat. His tomb was thought to be found in 814 by Pelayo, a religious hermit who was following the path of a guiding star.
After the discovery, King Alfonso II of Asturia had a church built on top of the holy remains and immediately pilgrims began to flock to the site. By the 11th century the pilgrimage route along the Camino de Santiago was a huge phenomenon that swathed Europe, bringing added funds to the city. During this time, Bishop Gelmirez managed to secure archbishop status for Santiago and began erecting several churches around the city in the 12th century.
A Pilgrim's Guide to Eating and Drinking in Santiago de Compostela
As well as a rich history, Santiago de Compostela boasts a burgeoning foodie scene made up of traditional Spanish cuisine with age-old local delicacies. You can't leave the city without trying octopus, the region's most iconic dish. Known locally as 'pulpo a feira', it was traditionally eaten on market day but you can find it in most places throughout the city.
To pick up some nibbles as you explore head to the Mercado de Abastos, the city's main food market that has a rustic, rural atmosphere. Farmers from surrounding regions flock to the market to sell their homemade goods, but there are also plenty of up-and-coming restaurants that have opened up in recent years. You can always grab a few ingredients and head back to our Santiago de Compostela apartments and cook up a storm in the kitchen, Galician style.
Thirsty yet? Head out onto De Vinos, the wine trail. Spanning the length of Rua do Franco, this is Santiago's main street for nightlife. Many of the authentic bars show off their foodie treats from the window, where you'll be party to displays of octopus, shellfish, and other local delicacies. Most places provide a bite to eat with each drink ordered; expect traditional Spanish dishes like croquettes and tortillas.
Santiago de Compostela Accommodation
As a popular pilgrim hotspot, Santiago de Compostela accommodation has lots of choice. Whether you want to get back to the city's roots and stay in a traditional guesthouse or homestay, or whether you're looking to live it up in style in a luxury hotel, there are plenty of places to stay.
Getting to Santiago de Compostela -- Starting Your Pilgrimage
Santiago Airport is located just 10km outside of the city centre. From there, you can either hop in a taxi, which takes about 20 minutes depending on the traffic, or grab a bus. The route takes you directly to the central bus station in Santiago de Compostela and buses depart every half an hour throughout the day.
