Santiago de Compostela Travel Guide

Santiago Cathedral is the ultimate destination of the Camino, said to hold the tomb of St James, one of Christ's apostles; its Portico of Glory is the pinnacle of Romanesque sculpture. Built and enlarged from the 11th century in Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque, its golden Botafumeiro censer swings during mass — the climax of a millennium of pilgrimage.

Praza das Praterías sits just below the main facade of Santiago Cathedral, a medieval gathering place of silversmiths, now known for two Baroque fountains and a superb angle on the cathedral. Linking the old town's stone lanes and the pilgrims' route, it is the most moving stop before gazing up at the Portico of Glory.

The City of Culture sits on Monte Gaiás outside Santiago, a modern complex by architect Peter Eisenman whose stone terraces echo the surrounding hills. With a library, museums and interactive exhibitions, it tells Galicia's language, sea and identity in contemporary language — a forward-looking stroke beyond the ancient city.

This poplar-shaded park lies in the centre of O Porrino in the Pontevedra province of Galicia. Judging from its address and coordinates, it is not in Santiago de Compostela but the Alameda of this small town east of Vigo. Broad walkways run among tall poplars, giving dense shade, with benches and a small square. It is a daily spot for locals to stroll, cool off, walk children and hold market events. Close to the town centre and easy to reach, it suits a short break on the way between Vigo and Santiago. It is a quiet, everyday urban green rather than a major sight.

The Monastery of San Martino Pinario stands in the old town (Cidade Vella) of Santiago de Compostela, close to Rua da Moeda Vella. The complex combines a church, a cloister and the Major Seminary, all built from local granite with plain, solid facades. Inside, arcaded cloisters and altar decoration are preserved. Today much of it serves as the seminary residence, with some areas open to visitors. Only a few minutes' walk from the Cathedral, it is often included in old-town walking routes and is best visited together with the surrounding lanes and squares.