Major Attractions at Santiago de Compostela & its Surroundings

The long name of Santiago de Compostela in Spain is a good reflection of the long list of attractions it offers. There is no lack of places of interest for the tourist especially with its famous pilgrimage destination identification. Santiago de Compostela is Galicia’s capital which is also one of Spain’s more beautiful cities. Town of Apostle Saint James Santiago is rightly named the “Town of the Saint James Apostle” where it stations as the last and important destination of the Way of St. James which is a legendary medieval pilgrimage that is attended by tens of thousands every year. The solemn Camino de Santiago fiesta is participated by locals and visitors from here and far. The ancient monuments, service and flow of events in this revered pilgrimage has set Santiago on the international stage as a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site. Santiago was named after its highly revered patron the Saint James Apostle or “Santiago” who was buried here. Ancient monuments fill Santiago with various architectonical styles. Historical town walls are obvious sights in this city with plenty of vibrancy as it houses a well known university. The large student population provides the youthful ambience in the city. Gastronomy The city is also abuzz with plenty of tasty regional cuisine from its many restaurants, cafés and pubs. These serve tantalizing fresh seafood than anywhere in Galicia. Santiago is well known as a great cuisine and cultural center in Europe. Its regional gastronomical delights include the excellent fish dish, Empanada Gallega, which is a typical regional pie with fish. Santiago also serves many traditional sweets which are prepared mainly in monasteries; these recipes are well guarded and passed down from generation to generation. Most local cuisine in Santiago is enjoyed with the locally produced Ribeiro wine. rnSurrounding treasures There are many interesting towns and cities around Santiago which make a good visit; these include A Coruña which is of important economical status. There are many ancient monuments in the city such as Romanesque churches, old quarters and synagogue. There are many interesting contrasts in A Coruña like massive stone palaces and fragile buildings Barcelona. Vigo is another city near Santiago with an important port with a charming old quarter that is worth exploring while Lugo has well preserved Roman walls and a beautiful cathedral that is of Romanesque style which another similar one is also found in Ourense. Pontevedra boasts of the beautiful Rías Baixas landscapes with impressive monuments.