The highlight of Santiago de Compostela is without doubt its spectacular cathedral. A stroll through this lovely, historic town will take you through plazas lined with magnificent palaces, churches and monuments and past the many mansions lining Rua del Villar and Rua Nueva.

Guelmírez Palace
Located on the north side of the cathedral, the Episcopal palace faces the Plaza del Obradorio. The palace was built during the 12^th and 13^th centuries, and is considered the finest example of Romanesque architecture in the country. The exterior is somewhat somber, but the interior boasts superb Romanesque detail including refectory vaults which are adorned with medieval banquet scenes. A third floor was added during the 18^th century, which is not a match with the earlier, more primitive Romanesque style. Access to the building is gained through a gate facing the Plaza del Obradoiro. Interior highlights include a medieval kitchen and ballroom dating from the 13^th century.

Hostal de los Reyes Católicos
The current structure dates from 1501, when it was erected by order of the Spanish monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, to provide medical care to ailing pilgrims. The plans for its construction were decided some years before, however, in 1492, coinciding with Columbus’s discovery of America. Today it serves as a historic parador de turismo, or state-owned hotel.

Plaza de las Platerias
Named for the many arcade shops selling silver goods, this plaza boasts a number of historic buildings and monuments of interest to visitors. There are views of the cathedral’s Gothic portal and its original Romanesque façade from here. Also of interest is the 19^th century fountain in the centre of the square (Fuente de los Caballos), the 18^th century Casa del Cabildo, and a palace called Casa de los Canónigos.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
Construction of the present cathedral began in 1077 by order of Alfonso VII. The remains of Apostle Santiago (St James) are buried beneath the altar on the eastern side of the church. The portico at the west entrance dates from 1188, and is considered an architectural masterpiece, created by Master Mateo. The south portico is the only one of the remaining Romanesque originals from the 11^th century. The original incense chalice, or botafumeiro, dates from the 14^th century, and hangs from a 30-metre long rope. It measures 1.6-meters high and weighs 80kgs.

Santo Domingo de Bonaval Church and Convent
One of the city’s earliest buildings, the convent dates from the early 13^th century, and was named after Santo Domingo in the 15^th century. The style of the building is transitional, spanning the Romanesque and Gothic periods.It features a main chapel with a ribbed vault and three naves separated by semicircular arches. The church can be accessed from the convent. The Panteón de Gallegos Ilustres is located in one of the church’s lateral chapels which is the final resting place of Francisco Asorey, Alfredo Brañas, Ramón Cabanillas, Castelao and Rosalía de Castro.

Santa Maria Real del Sar Collegiate Church
This church sits on the banks of the Sar River, and dates from the 12^th century. The church, along with the cathedral, is a fine example of the ancient Romanesque style. Several additions and renovations have been carried out over the years, such as flying buttresses added in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. The main ornamentation follows a plant and leaf motif, and the main lighting for the church is provided by natural light that passes through the rose window above the entrance.

Don’t miss the Praza do Obradoiro. Spending time exploring this plaza is an absolute must, as most of the top attractions in Santiago de Compostela are located in this area. Life in the city revolves around the plaza—a monumental square as grand as any of the world’s other great historic plazas. The four sides of the plaza represent four great styles of architecture: Baroque, Gothic, Neoclassical and Renaissance. They also represent the four main arenas of civic life, in the Town Hall (politics), the Cathedral (religion), the Rectorate of Santiago University (culture) and the Hotel dos Reis Católicos (the economy).

Explore the quintessentially Galician town of Pontevedra. A daytrip will take you to this distinctly Galician town characterised by a maze of alleyways that end in colonnaded squares. Pontevedra is located 117kms (73 miles) southwest of Santiago, and provides an opportunity for visitors to explore an ancient town that is also lively and thriving. The Museo Provincial is worth a visit to see its collection of works by Spanish masters such as Murillo, Ribera and Zurbarán.

Follow the route of Santiago's many parks and gardens. Children will enjoy following a route that incorporates a visit to a number of gardens and parks in the city. There’s information and a route plan for this walk available at the Compostela Parks and Gardens Visitor Centre which is found in Alameda Park. You can begin your explorations in Alameda and then continue on to Belvís and Bonaval parks and to the San Lorenzo oak wood. You’ll discover monuments that are hidden from view, stunning modern buildings and many spectacular views of the architecture of the old city.

Go shopping. If you’re searching for a souvenir or are interested in quality, locally-made handicrafts, there are stores throughout Santiago that are a delight to visit. There are some good buys to be had in local fashions, jewellery and handmade lace. City markets have plenty to offer as well including small curio and local food products, and the markets are atmospheric, making for an interesting cultural excursion.

Take a daytrip to A Coruña. A Coruña, the provincial capital, is only 60kms (38 miles) from Santiago de Compostela and is typically on the itinerary of most visitors to the area. There are some fine sandy beaches here and a number of historic attractions such as the Tower of Hercules (Torre de Hércules), a restored Roman lighthouse, and the city’s old quarter, which rivals that of Santiago.

Take a drive to Finisterre. Finisterre is a historically significant and delightful Galician fishing village only 50kms (30 miles) from Santiago de Compostela, situated on a cape that marks the western-most point on the Spanish coast. For Christian pilgrims in medieval times this spot was considered the ‘end of the earth’, which is the translation of ‘finisterre.’ It was also an important site for the Druids and Romans before Christian times. South of the cape, the Coast of Death (Costa da Morte) features a dramatic landscape of cliffs rising from sandy beaches, and is worth seeing. Sardiñadas, or open-air sardine grills, are set up south of the harbour, where a tasty assortment of fresh fish and shellfish is on offer.