Some say that Disneyland is the ‘happiest place on earth’. And for many it is. I’ve been fortunate to have spent several days in Santiago de Compostela over the past few years and being there just makes my heart sing. Watching the joy – and often tears – on the faces of the pilgrims as they enter Obradoiro Square, watching the joyous reunions, joining in meals with fellow pilgrims and sharing stories and experiences, running into pilgrims you last saw weeks and weeks ago…
I overheard one pilgrim sitting and observing in the square ‘If we could just bottle this goodwill and joy wouldn’t that be great.’
For many, time in Santiago is brief due to time constraints. But if you are able to spend more time there after getting your Compostela here are some of the things I’ve discovered and enjoyed doing.
- Attend the pilgrims mass and if you are lucky enough you might see the Botafumeiro swing. I always go into the cathedral at least an hour before mass starts and sit on one of the sides of the altar
- Just sit in Obradoira Square, look – and soak up the atmosphere.
- Wander the back streets
- Visit the tapas bars – on the same street as Correos
- Just sit at an outside table and enjoy the atmosphere
- Coffee and Cake at Café Casino – a grand old tea room
- Buy a picnic lunch and sit in Alameda Park overlooking the Cathedral. While there, visit the statue of the Two Marias and wander around the park.
- Join a ‘free’ walking tour. I learnt lots of little facts!
- Visit some of the museums. Among them are the Pilgrims Museum and the Cathedral Museum
- Book a roof top tour of the cathedral. Book online at least two days before
- Wander into and around San Martin Pinario – Monasterio Mayor they also have a good value Menu del Dia
- The produce market has a good variety of food and eateries (and you discover that yes – Spain does have vegetables besides potatoes).
- Visit the Information Centre – they have some walking guides
- Using a guide from the Information Centre, walk up to the City of Culture – those modern buildings up on the hill. I think you can also get a bus. It’s very quiet up there – almost like a ghost town. But the views are good and the architecture is interesting. There’s a museum and cafeteria there
- And for some pampering – visit a hairdresser, get a massage and/or a manicure/pedicure and even visit the podiatrist (my feet loved that!)
- Try a different restaurant every meal – there are so many to choose from and if there are two of you, you can order a paella
Words and Photos Jenny A
If you would like to add to Jenny’s list please send us an email and a photo to info@bluemountainscamino.au.