You hear a lot about the essential things to do in Santiago de Compostela. Here are the top things you won't want to miss and a few little extra tips you might not have heard before if it's your first time!
1. Join a Pilgrims Mass
The Pilgrims Mass at the Cathedral is essential. Regardless of your religious beliefs or non beliefs it will be a moving ceremony with hundreds of other pilgrims. You might even be lucky enough to see the Botafumeiro in action!
Tip: There is often conflicting information online about mass times. To find the times of the mass, there was a sign on the gates of the Cathedral in the main square. This will give you the most up to date times as websites can be confusing.
2. Collect your Compostela (and a secret third certificate!)
Collecting your Compostela will be essential! We opted for both the distance certificate and the Compostela.
Tip: Pre registering whilst on the way makes it a lot easier and quicker too! You simply arrive, tell them you have pre-registered and you can enter the Pilgrims office right away (there still might be a line inside). You can also purchase a certificate holder for a few euro that will keep them protected until you get home. Pre register here to skip the line!: https://oficinadelperegrino.com/en/
Tip: There is another spot you can collect a third certificate! This is inside the Iglesia de San Francisco. You head right down the back and into a room on the left side and there you will be greeted by another Father. We had to write our own details on our certificates which I personally didn't love doing (I don't want to see my own writing!) but it was great to get this certificate regardless. You will also receive another stamp here on your credential.
3. Attend English Mass with Father Manny
When you enter the Pilgrims Office, on the left is a small chapel. Here is where they have English Mass each day, kindly delivered by Father Manny.
This was possibly the most moving mass of the whole Camino and it was soooo nice to finally be able to understand what was said! Father Manny really wrapped up the true meaning of the Camino
Tip: Allow extra time after the English mass. We were invited to attend a morning tea with the Camino Companions; where you can reflect on your time on the Camino and meet other great people from around the world. Further detail available on their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/CaminoCompanions/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
4. Have a dance!
Every night in summer the band Tuna de Derecho Santiago plays from 10pm til midnight at the back of the Praza do Obradoiro (the main square of Santiago de Compostela). There was such a vibe when we were there, with plenty of people dancing to many famous Spanish songs and beyond. Don't miss this!
5. Find the Hidden Pilgrim
At the back of the Cathedral in Plaza de la Quintana you will find a special hidden pilgrim that only appears at night!
According to local legend, the pilgrim is a local priest, who had fallen in love with a nun of the convent of San Paio, across the plaza. They met every night secretly, traveling through a secret passage under the Quintana stairs that join the convent to the cathedral. The two lovers planned to elope, and he promised to meet her in the plaza dressed as a pilgrim to conceal his identity. On the appointed evening, he waited in the shadows, but she never came. Since then, every night he returns, hoping to see her.
6. Get on top of the Cathedral!
The rooftop tour of the Cathedral was a real highlight of our time in Santiago, despite it being raining and windy.
While the tour was in Spanish, the tour guide was kind enough to translate some key points for us. Regardless it's a great spot to view the city and the Plaza below of pilgrims arriving and celebrating!
You can book directly on the official Cathedral website here: https://visitas.catedraldesantiago.es/es-ES/venta-de-entradas
7. Visit Mercado de Abastos (Food Market)
The city’s second-most visited site after the Cathedral, is the “Mercado de Abastos” is a place for shopping and for amazing food!
The market has been supplying the people of Santiago with quality food and other popular items since 1873. You will find an incredible selection of the best Galician produce such as fish and shellfish; fruit and vegetables, meats and cheeses, local wines and liquors, honey, sweets etc…
Further details and visiting hours are available here: https://www.santiagoturismo.com/gastronomia-mercado-abastos
Let me know of any other tips you'd suggest!
Comments