What to do in Santiago de Compastella?
 

Hi all, I just found out that I will be visiting a customer in Santiago de Compastella in July. I am very excited and I am sure he will be a willing tour guide (he's is expecting me to stay with him), but I am curious if anyone of you Fodorites have personal experiences in this part of Spain.

I should mention that with this customer, I normally have one very long day of business and at least 2 days of fun! Even when I visit him in Miami! So, of course I want to have an idea of what to do & see.

Thanks.

You must check out the cathedral, of course, and there are other beautiful churches in the area as well. The university is an interesting place to visit and there are narrow streets full of shops and restuarants. The square is usually full of pilgrims, and there are often musicians, mimes and live human statues. It is a very colorful place. I just loved it.

The architecture of this city is amazing. Just wander the streets and look at the cathedral from every angle. Lots of shops to enjoy as well. There is a pilgrim mass every day at noon and just to see the performance of lighting and swinging the incensor is worth it! It is a great city to just walk and watch. It was my favorite stop in Spain. Have fun.

Lucky you! I was somewhat apprehensive about spending 3 days there a few summers ago (being a Jewish girl in a pilgrimmage town), but absolutely loved it! After exploring Spain and Portugal in the heat, it was so nice to have pleasant, cool weather. The wines are wonderful, the restaurants great, and much to enjoy. We stayed at the pousada started by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Really terrific- our rooms ahd beds with canopies, the public areas are gorgeous. Go for a drink or meal if you're not staying there. There is always a lot to watch in the square with pilgrims arriving, musicians, etc.

As you are probably aware, 25 July is SANTIAGO, the feast day of Spain's Patron Saint. As that day draws nearer the crowds around the Basilica become larger and larger.

Beware of pickpockets; they are everywhere! When I was there in 1999 an Italian man had his billfold stolen inside the Basilica. And a man with a 3-year-old child tried to pick my pocket as I watched Tuna Universitaria performing near Plaza de Platerias.

Try to make it to the Pilgrims Mass on Saturday AM (24 Jul). The Botafumeiro will 'swing' at that Mass as it will at the High Mass Sunday, 25 July. 2004 is a Jubilee year (Anho Xacobeo Jubilar) so it will be especially active. Last time I was there for Santiago, the King and Queen were there also. They stayed at Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos and it was impossible to get to the High Mass.

They put a false front on the Basilica (made of fireworks) and it is set off the night of the 25th along with the Fallas (large papier mache figures). It's a great show!

Try to get your host to take you to the coast (I like Vigo) and enjoy some fabulous seafood.
P.S.
Even if you're not there for Santiago, the Pilgrims Mass is still a 'Go.'

Hi Lily,

if your customer is anything similar to my friends in Santiago, you are in for a treat. Santiago is a great place to visit, specially with a local.

Ned has given you good advice regarding the pickpockets. My sister has spent last Easter there, and they opted for not to go into the cathedral due to the huge crowds (but you must get in there, it is pretty amazing).

Two interesting museums in Santiago are the Museo do Pobo Galego, a folks museum not too far away from the cathedral (check the spiral staircase there), and the Museo de Arte Moderno, created by Alvaro Siza. Maybe modern architecture is not your cup of tea, but nevertheless it's interesting (including the park).

Rgds, Cova

Thank you all so much for the wonderful advice! I am making lists for Jose! He was actually raised on a little nearby farm and I have only visited him in Barcelona previously (and Miami) but he and his brothers have recently added a new factory close to their hometown, so I am lucky indeed!

All suggestions are welcome!

Hi Lily,

check the Santiago de Compostela website :
http://www.santiagoturismo.com/

You will get plenty of info before meeting your friends ...

Cova

The bus to Noya and Muros goes through coastal scenery that is still unspoilt.