Curious things to see in Santiago de Compostela

Project Manager

Ricardo González Raposo

2 Ene, 2026 · 4 min

Santiago de Compostela has a special energy that captivates you from the very first moment. It is the end of the Camino de Santiago, but also a place full of history, curiosities, and surprising details that make it unique.

If you prefer everything to be ready in advance, Tubuencamino takes care of organizing your route and stay so you can simply enjoy the experience.

The Portico of Glory, the jewel of the city

The Portico of Glory is a Romanesque masterpiece that surprises with the expressiveness of its sculptures. Take a moment to look at the worn feet of the figure of the Apostle James, marked by centuries of pilgrims who touched them at the end of their journey. On the back, you will find the statue of Master Mateo, which students used to touch for good luck before an exam.

Quick tip: a guided tour will help you understand the hidden messages in this sculptural ensemble, something that Tubuencamino can arrange as part of your arrival in the city.

The pilgrim's shadow

A unique light effect

At nightfall, in Praza da Quintana, the famous pilgrim's shadow appears, a silhouette projected onto the cathedral's tower. The image looks like that of a walker holding his staff, as if to remind us that the spirit of the Camino is still alive in Santiago.

"The pilgrim's shadow is one of those images that stays in your memory, as if the city wanted to give the traveler a farewell gift."

Botafumeiro: tradition in motion

• It weighs more than 50 kilos and measures 1.5 meters.
• It reaches speeds of up to 68 km/h when swinging.
• It was originally used to purify the air in the cathedral.

Seeing it in action is impressive both for its size and the precision with which it is handled. It is not active every day, so it is worth planning your visit.

Alameda Park, nature next to the cathedral

Alameda Park is the perfect spot to admire the cathedral from a different perspective. Its tree-lined avenues invite you to stroll, and the statues of "The Two Marías" bring a curious story: two sisters who became famous in the 1950s for their way of dressing and their cheerful personality.

Reasons to visit

1. Unforgettable panoramic view of the cathedral, especially at sunset.
2. Peaceful space to rest after exploring the city.
3. A photogenic place, perfect for capturing a memory of your trip.

Streets with history and legends of the Galician capital

Santiago hides surprises around every corner. Some examples:

• In Rúa do Franco you can still see medieval marks that were used as bread measurements.
• The Fountain of the Horses in Praza das Praterías recalls old knights’ oaths.
• The manor houses and hidden convents tell stories from centuries past.

Traveler’s tip: a night guided tour can be an entertaining way to learn these stories in a different atmosphere.

After the Camino, what to do?

Experiences to savor Santiago

Finishing the Camino de Santiago is just the beginning of another stage: discovering the city at a leisurely pace. The Mercado de Abastos is a place where you can taste fresh Galician products, such as seafood, cheeses, or empanadas, and even ask them to cook what you buy right there.

If you want everything ready upon arrival, from accommodation to the most interesting activities, Tubuencamino can arrange it so you can focus only on enjoying yourself.

Tips to be prepared for Santiago de Compostela

• Stroll without rushing through the historic center and let the streets surprise you.
• Enjoy a coffee with a slice of Tarta de Santiago at a terrace in the city center.
• Go to Alameda Park at sunset to see how the sun lights up the cathedral towers.

With a bit of preparation, you can enjoy an unforgettable visit. Tubuencamino is at your disposal to create a trip tailored to you, with all the details organized so you just have to live the moment.