London Stansted to Santiago de Compostela Airport.
The city of Santiago de Compostela in the north-west of Spain has long been the destination for Christian pilgrimages. It began in the 9th century when a hermit discovered the tomb of Santiago (the Apostle St James). The news spread quickly and shortly afterwards the kings of Galicia and Asturias paid their respects. Alfonso IX built a basilica on the site of the tomb and this was enlarged considerably in the Middle Ages due to the increasing number of pilgrims travelling to Santiago from throughout Europe.
Santiago has a number of magnificent buildings, all concentrated within the city’s old quarter.
Flights between London Stansted and Santiago de Compostela are operated by Ryanair. The airport is 10km (6 miles) from the centre of Santiago. Buses, operated by Freire on behalf of Ryanair, connect the airport to Plaza de Galicia in the centre stopping at Avenida de Lugo, the main bus station and San Lazaro. Taxis from the airport to Santiago cost around 18 euros.
Places of interest in Santiago de Compostela include:
- Santiago Cathedral. Most of the cathedral’s architecture is Baroque, although its oldest parts, dating from 1075, are Romanesque. The sheer beauty of the cathedral is best appreciated from the Praza do Obradeiro square. On this side is the magnificent 18th century facade which shares its name with the square. The lower levels of the cathedral’s two towers, Torre de la Carraca and Torre de la Campanas, date from the 12th century although the upper parts are ‘only’ around 300 years old. The towers are 70 metres tall and combine Romanesque and Baroque styles. On the Praza da Quintata side of the cathedral is the eastern facade which houses the holy door, opened only during a holy year. This facade is baroque in style and dates from the 18th century. The interior of Santiago’s cathedral is no less spectacular. Most of the inside can be viewed for free, including the casket which contains the remains of St James, but you can also purchase a pass for around 7 euros which allows you to see much more. The pass gives you access to the basement, the high-level balcony which offers superb views over the square, and many museum exhibits.
- Cathedral Museum and Treasury. Within the cathedral’s 16th century cloisters is this museum housing relics from Santiago’s long history. Exhibits include fragments from the origianl cathedral, the botafumeiro incense box and a selection of French and Spanish tapestries.
- Old Quarter. Santiago’s old quarter is centred around four squares – the Praza da Inmaculada, Praza da Quintata, Praza das Praterias and the Praza do Obradeiro – with most of the city’s main attractions, dominated by the magnificent cathedral, located in this area.
- Hostel de los Reyes Catolicos. Next to the main facade of the cathedral is this building, now a state-run parador. It was originally comissioned in the 15th century by the Spanish king as a hostel for visiting pilgrims and is a fantastic example of Galician architecture.
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