The capital city of Galicia, World Heritage City and destination for many on the famous Route of St James (Pilgrims Route), Santiago de Compostela offers a wealth of culture, history and architecture and has a deep rooted university tradition which has allowed it to blossom as a centre for innovative business and technology.  The city is set in a region that is beautiful, green and with strong Celtic ties and is famed for its fine wines and excellent array of seafood.

See:

• Pilgrims Museum – 3 floors and 8 rooms highlighting the importance of St James through documents, objects and images and showing how the city gradually emerged due to the influence of the pilgrimages to become one of the most religious sites in the whole of Europe.
• Apostle’s Cathedral – The cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is an incredible architectural work.  It has north. east, south and west facing façades which all were constructed at different times and have different views  Its Gothic western Façade of Obradoiro is truly breathtaking and flanked by two medieval towers.

Experience:

• Parador de Santiago de Compostela – built in 1499, a magnificent 5 star deluxe Royal Hospital on the 15th century Pilgrim’s Route.  Located in the main Plaza do Obradoiro, next to the cathedral. Elegant rooms, grand bathrooms and luxury dining await you. These spectacular Paradores are a rare chance to stay in grand palaces, mansions, monasteries amongst other fine buildings and can be booked with Tempo Holidays as part of your holiday experience.

Secrets of the City:

• Chocolate con Churros (Spanish donut) – Visit the former chocolate factory of Café Metate on Travesia de San Pajo, where the current owners still make their own chocolate and indulge yourself in a favourite Spanish past time.  Original chocolate making equipment is open to public.