Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the capital of Galicia with nearly 100,000 inhabitants and 40,000 students. It is also a lively university town, where Romanesque and Baroque granite monuments follow one another through the alleys, even more beautiful at night when they are illuminated.

Baroque and granite
In Santiago de Compostela (Santiago in VO), all walks start on the immense Obradoiro square of the cathedral, opposite the portico of Glory of the Master Mateo in the 12th century, enriched with Baroque additions in the 18th century century. Entering preferably between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. (free entry) to avoid the crowds, admire the gigantic altarpiece of gold and silver, the organs, the chapels and descend into the crypt where the relics of Saint James rest.

Exit through the Holy Door on Da Quintana Square, framed by the facade of the Monastery of San Paio, to go up to the superb Monastery of San Martiño Pinario (museum and pharmacy, € 2.50). The climb to the Museum of Pilgrimages(free) well worth the effort. The Cathedral Museums (pl. Das Praterias) and of Sacred Art (under the cathedral) are home to rich religious treasures.

Back on the Obradoiro square, you can have a coffee in the lounges of the sumptuous Parador de los Reyes Catolicos or on its panoramic terrace. Continuing towards Das Praterias square and its horse fountain surrounded by goldsmith shops, and the cloister of Fonseca square, several parallel axes make the visitor hesitate.

Along the alleys
With a plan, we will sink into the interlacing of alleys and countless squares. The Rúa do Franco is that of small restaurants. There are many temptations, but under the guise of “local color”, so are the taverns. Inquire.

The arches of the Rúa do Vilar house the tourist offices. The Rúa Nova is close to the shopping axis of the Compostellans where the pilgrimage is finally a little forgotten. From Cervantes square, you descend to the Pobo Galego museum (free) to discover Galician art. In summer, the neighboring shades of Bonaval Park are welcome.

Towards the market (Thursday and Saturday) and the prettyPlace De Mazarelos, we reach Alameda Park. Under the camellias and century-old oaks, you will discover the surprising popular statues of the Dos Marias, before admiring, finally seated, one of the most beautiful panoramas of the city and its cathedral.

Seafood and other delicacies
Now is the time for a fish cure. The mariscos, seafood, are kings. Leaving the pig ears to the initiates, we recommend the octopus, pulp with garlic or Galician (10 € approx.), Accompanied by an excellent peasant bread.

Let us also mention the clams almendras, the small and delicious zamburinas scallops, the berberechos cockles and other seafood prepared with Padrón pepper, in sauce or marinated.

The famous almond Santiago pie is always welcome (€ 3). To go back up, a gallego cabbage soup (€ 3) is effective. Arzúa tetilla cheese, teat-shaped, is soft and creamy. Ribeiro wine, tangy, is served in a bowl (€ 6). More expensive, the Albarino (12 €), the Godello or the Mencia are worth a little effort. Saude! Health!

Spain Visa for Singapore citizens and foreign nationals living there.