Santiago de Compostela

Overview

Situated in the south of the La Coruna province in Galicia, Northwest Spain is the monumental town of Santiago de Compostela. The town is actually the capital of the Galicia region and is recognised through legend as the final resting-place of the Apostle James - the first of the Twelve Apostles to suffer martyrdom at the hands of Herod. For centuries, the town has been the centre of European pilgrimage and is an awe-inspiring place in which to go on holidays. Not surprisingly, given its history, Santiago de Compostela is the most popular tourist destination in Northwest Spain. People travel from all over the world to pay homage to the Apostle James, and to view the historic sites in honour of the Saint. But Santiago de Compostela is not just about history - the city is home to one of the most famous universities in Europe, so ensuring that the streets of Santiago de Compostela are humming with the culture of youth.

Santiago de Compostella is - of course - the city of pilgrims. Since the ninth century they have been coming from all over Europe to touch the relics of St James. He was the first christian martyr and the patron saint of Spain. Legend has it that his disciples brought his remains to Santiago to be buried. After Jerusalem and Rome, Santiago de Compostella is the third most holy city in Christendom.

Santiago's population is around 90,000 and most locals live in the outer reaches of town, suburbs...more

History