There are a variety of activities in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Whether you are a history buff or are interested in the arts, there are plenty of activities to enjoy while you are in town. The city is also home to some wonderful cafes, restaurants, and shops. It is also home to a world-class art gallery, the Galician Contemporary Art Centre, which was designed by Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza. The building was awarded the Pritzker Prize and the Mies Van der Rohen Prize in 1992.
La Mercado de Abastos
A visit to La Mercado de Abatos in Santiago de Compostela is a must when visiting the region. There are lots of wonderful cafes, restaurants, shops, and museums. You can also visit the Galician Contemporary Art Centre, designed by the Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza, which won the Pritzker and Mies Van der Rohen prizes in 1992.
Another thing to do in Santiago is to visit the city's cathedral. It has a striking Gothic-style façade and a rich history. The cathedral is located in a beautiful square, known locally as the Platerias. The square is surrounded by a park designed by Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza. Here, you can take a break from the busy streets and enjoy the stunning views of the historic quarter.
The Abastos market has been in business since 1873, but is now a bustling place of activity in the community. You can buy fresh seafood, Mexican tacos, and Galician crepes, or just sit back and relax.
La Casa da Troia Museum
One of the best things to do in Santiago de Compostelle is to visit the modern art museum. Housed in a brutalist building, this museum displays contemporary works by international and Galician artists. From its rooftop, visitors can also enjoy spectacular views of the historic quarter.
Another attraction in the city is the cathedral's main gate, which is covered in Romanesque carvings. In 1168, Maestro Mateo agreed to create the carvings. By 1211, he was finished, and it would have cost him a thousand gold pieces to back out. The museum also displays temporary exhibitions, theatre plays, and workshops.
Another interesting thing to do in Santiago de Compostela is to visit the Casa da Troia Museum. The museum is housed in a former boarding house for university students. It was inspired by the novel "La Casa de la Troya" by Alejandro Perez Lugin, which was published in 1897. The museum is open daily, except for Sundays.
La Botafumerio
The Botafumeiro is a huge censer that is used for liturgical purposes. It was first installed in the cathedral of Santiago in the 11th century. The oldest book about the Camino de Santiago describes the Botafumeiro, which was hung from wooden beams in the dome. In the 1200's, the device was operated by rollers and was able to go as high as 150 centimetres.
There are many places to enjoy in Santiago de Compostela. The city is filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops. You can also visit the Galician Contemporary Art Centre, which was designed by Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza. This magnificent building was awarded the Pritzker and Mies van der Rohen prizes.
Visitors can also experience the thurible, which hangs from a system of pulleys and swings over the cathedral nave. The Botafumeiro weighs around 53 kilograms and can reach speeds of 68kms.
