What to see and do in Santiago: Cathedral, Obradoiro and Gaiás

What to visit in Santiago: Cathedral, Obradoiro and Gaiás

• Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
• Obradoiro Square
• City of Culture of Galicia

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in Santiago: Cathedral, Obradoiro and Gaiás

heritage

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

The basilica and its monumental surroundings bring together different artistic stages in the historical destination of the Caminos de Santiago.

Activities for your visit

• Get to know the basilica during the periods allowed for visitors.
• Observe the facades and the complex from the surrounding squares.

Tips for this place

• The basilica is free to enter; The museum, Portico and roofs are different visits.
• Respect the celebrations and consult the visitor entrance indicated by the Cathedral.

Access to the cathedral ↗

Free access to the basilica through the door indicated by the Cathedral, outside of celebrations. Museum, Pórtico de la Gloria and decks have their own entrances.

Reference sources and location

• Santiago Cathedral · Access and visits

Orientative reference of the venue in Wikidata; it does not indicate a door, ticket office or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 42.880556, -8.544444.

Wikidata · Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

heritage

Obradoiro Square

The square brings together the facades of the Cathedral, Raxoi, San Xerome and the Hostal dos Reis Católicos in the monumental center of Compostela.

Activities for your visit

• Contemplate the buildings that surround the public space.
• Observe the arrival of pilgrims and the life of the square.

Tips for this place

• Access to the square does not include the buildings on its perimeter.
• Leave the entrances free and respect those who live or work in the area.

Access ↗

Access to the public space of the square without reserving a ticket. Interior visits to buildings have separate conditions.

Reference sources and location

• Santiago Tourism · Praza do Obradoiro

Place reference; It does not indicate the entrance door to the Cathedral or the other buildings.

Reference coordinates: 42.880464, -8.545741.

Wikidata · Obradoiro Square

culture

City of Culture of Galicia

On Mount Gaiás, Peter Eisenman's architecture, exhibitions and outdoor spaces offer a different visit to the historic center of Santiago.

Activities for your visit

• Tour the public areas and observe the architecture of the complex.
• Choose the open exhibitions of the Gaiás Center Museum.

Tips for this place

• Organize the transfer to Gaiás: it is outside the monumental core.
• The exhibitions are free to enter; Guided tours and events use own reservations.

Access ↗

Free access to the exhibitions of the Gaiás Center Museum according to the official program. Check openings and transportation; Commented visits and events may require reservation.

Reference sources and location

• Cidade da Cultura de Galicia · Plan your visit

Reference of the whole of the Cidade da Cultura; It does not represent every building, trail, or transportation stop.

Reference coordinates: 42.870162, -8.52567.

Wikidata · City of Culture of Galicia

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

2-day itinerary in Santiago: Cathedral, Obradoiro and Gaiás

1. Day 1

   Cathedral and Obradoiro

   Get to know the basilica outside of celebrations and contemplate the facades of the square. Add a cultural visit only if you organize its independent entry.

2. Day 2

   Art and architecture in Gaiás

   Go to the Cidade da Cultura and choose its exhibitions and public spaces according to the program and openings.

Tips for visiting Santiago: Cathedral, Obradoiro and Gaiás

• Access to the basilica is free; Museum, Portico and roofs have different entrances.
• Check the connections to Gaiás and the activities that require reservation.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in Santiago: Cathedral, Obradoiro and Gaiás

Taste Spain through its regional cuisines: potato omelette, Valencian rice dishes, cold Andalusian soups and bites from Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia.

A classic spread throughout Spain

Spanish omelette

Potatoes and egg curdled in the pan, in a preparation that can also include onion. It is served hot or cold, as a portion or in small bites.

Reference: Tourism of Spain · Potato omelette

Santiago de Compostela · Galician tradition

Pulpo á feira

Cooked octopus cut into slices, seasoned with salt, paprika and olive oil. A preparation of Galician tradition that you can discover during your visit to Santiago.

Reference: Tourism of Spain · Pulpo á feira from Galicia