Sanitago de Compostela
To know Santiago de Compostela is to catch a brief glimpse of one of the nodes of Man’s spirituality.
The city is located in a land crossed by a thousand rivers and is surrounded by a delicate tracery of water.
The fame of Santiago de Compostela became assured by the discovery of the tomb of St. James by Bishop Teodomiro and, since time immemorial, the square in which his bones rest has been the epicentre for an untold number of pilgrimages.
Now the site of an awe-inspiring cathedral that soars above the resting place of the Apostle, this magnificent place has engendered both immense peace and blinding inspiration in many generations of visitors that have walked to its walls from all over Europe.
Because of its unique origins, Santiago de Compostela has grown to become one of Spain’s great monumental cities.
There is much to see in its narrow medieval streets and, as city boasts a rich and succulent gastronomic tradition, there are many places in which hungry travellers can experience unequalled local fare.
The streets and squares of old city of Santiago are notable for the constant traffic. Jealously preserving ancient techniques that created them, stone-embellished highways lead pilgrims and tourists alike through a labyrinth of seemingly undiscovered yet uniquely charming corners.
Here the visitor can walk on the same stones as hundreds of thousands of earlier visitors whose fleeting presence spans the centuries: these include the Praza de Cervantes, which because of its earlier mercantile character, is also known as the Plaza de Pan, the Rúa Preguntoiro with its noble palaces dating from the XIX and early XX centuries, the Rúa do Franco, the most visited street of the city.
The street derived its name from the many pilgrims that thronged it; independently of their origin they were classed as Franks, ‘Francos’ and all of them were eager to visit the many monuments that grace its length and sample the excellent food to be sourced in the many bars and restaurants.
The Cathedral, located in the Plaza del Obradoiro is one of the most impressive romanic buildings of Galicia. Its overwhelming façade is only a prelude of what can be seen on the interior of the building and is a more that fit to house the last mortal remains of one of Jesus’ Disciples. The ornate Portico of Glory leads the pilgrim into an immense interior where thoughts seem to dissipate to silence.
In the centre of the cathedral the immense baroque alter reveals a beautiful image of the Apostle and, below its soaring tracery, the crypt of Santiago houses the stone cask in which the remains of Santiago rest.
Living Santiago de Compostela
1. Every day at midday Mass is celebrated in the Cathedral to a mixed audience of tourists, tired yet triumphant pilgrims and faithful Compostelians. 2010 is Holy Year, in which Santiago de Compostela will be the focus of the religious calendar. There are people out there walking already…
2. Visit the cathedral roof. From here you can see the whole city laying before your feet. A must for any visitor.
3. Santiago is a great place to go shopping. It is particularly known for its amber and jet jewellery. In the old town there are many quirky shops selling these semi-precious goods. Also in the old town are shops that sell the distinctive local cheeses and wines.
4. November sees the famous Santiago film festival. There are no juries judging anything and no prizes to yearn for. This is a time of great cinema.
5. In September the famous local rock festival is held. Known as Santi Rock, the music festival is known for its eclectic mix of world-renowned as well as home-grown Galician bands.
6. Tapas in the Rúa Franco. A must for anyone in Santiago. This is the gastronomic street par excellence of the city. There is a huge range of local as well as national dishes on offer. Tuna prepared in compostelian style is one of the favourite ways to kick a gastronomic journey off
More information: http://www.santiago-compostela.net/
