And since now I already had taken my booster and also even recovered from covid, I feel more secure that I won't be the cause of anyone getting covid from me!
I was warmly welcomed by Marcos in his beautiful penthouse apartment with an amazing view.
There was just one challenge... Climbing up 6 floors (a total of 99 steps!) with my luggage!
Shortly after my arrival, Marcos prepared some tapas and wine for me, and gave me a quick tour of the city. How lovely!
My original plan in Santiago was more ambitious, aiming to visit the city centre and also exploring the nearby coast of Finisterre and Muxia. But it's one of those travel periods where I am feeling more exhausted than usual and I just decided to take it easy.
I even had to go look for a place to get a massage because I was just extremely exhausted and sore.
The first day was spent seeing the key sites in the old town, and the 2nd day was more on museums and exhibitions (since museums are mostly close on Mondays in Santiago).
As for things to see within Santiago, there's said to be over 100 churches / cathedral in Santiago.
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
One of the most famous cathedral in the world. Anyone who does the Camino de Santiago will end up here.
Shortly after my arrival, Marcos prepared some tapas and wine for me, and gave me a quick tour of the city. How lovely!
My original plan in Santiago was more ambitious, aiming to visit the city centre and also exploring the nearby coast of Finisterre and Muxia. But it's one of those travel periods where I am feeling more exhausted than usual and I just decided to take it easy.
I even had to go look for a place to get a massage because I was just extremely exhausted and sore.
The first day was spent seeing the key sites in the old town, and the 2nd day was more on museums and exhibitions (since museums are mostly close on Mondays in Santiago).
As for things to see within Santiago, there's said to be over 100 churches / cathedral in Santiago.
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
One of the most famous cathedral in the world. Anyone who does the Camino de Santiago will end up here.
In the 10 mins I have been at the square, I've seen people arriving with different reactions - cheering, hugging each other, collapsing on the ground and even crying.
Located on the same square are the City Hall, a hotel (I was told it's the world oldest hotel) and the University's Rector office.
As the Cathedral is a huge building, there are different sides to the building.
Located on the same square are the City Hall, a hotel (I was told it's the world oldest hotel) and the University's Rector office.
As the Cathedral is a huge building, there are different sides to the building.
This is my preferred side. Just look at all those details.
And of course the inside of the Cathedral.. Not as impressive as I thought it might be, but I really like the pipe organ, not just 1 but 2!
And of course the inside of the Cathedral.. Not as impressive as I thought it might be, but I really like the pipe organ, not just 1 but 2!
Monastery of San Martiño Pinario
A 16th century Benedictine monastery located right next to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. This is the second largest monastery in Spain after the Monastery of El Escorial outside Madrid.
Igrexa de Santo Agostiño- Xesuítas
This cathedral was built after the Santiago Cathedral and the plans had it to be taller, but because it was going to end up being taller than Santiago Cathedral, they had to cut the building shorter.
Convento de San Francisco de Santiago
I don't know much of the history of this church, but I thought it looked nice.
Casa do Cabido
This building located on Praza das Praterias (Silver Square) and next to the Cathedral of Santiago has a really beautiful façade, however I was told the inside is only 2m deep!
It's now mostly used as an exhibition space, and truly very narrow passages.
The exhibition on at the time of viewing was on an artist's abstract art, which was just OK.
The exhibition on at the time of viewing was on an artist's abstract art, which was just OK.
The view of the Santiago Cathedral from here is great though!
Pazo of Fonseca
A building which used to be a monastery, but now used as an exhibition space.
Igrexa da Universidade - USC
Another exhibition space. I didn't quite understand the type of exhibits that were on when I was there, but it was a really small space with still the religious alters on the main walls. It was a quick in and out for me.
Parque da Alameda
Offers great views of the city center and the Cathedral, and a quiet oasis just within the city. Lots of pretty flowers opening up when I was there.
Ciudad de Cultura
This building is my view every morning when I wake up and before I sleep, so I was highly curious what it looks like close up.
The buildings here were supposed to form the shape of a scallop shell that will be visible from the sky.
But unfortunately half way while this was being built, they ran out of funds 😂
I think they are short of 2 buildings.
I find it a huge waste of space as a lot of the area isn't very well utilised.
There were only 2 exhibitions on when I was there - one about how the Camino came about and the different routes, which unfortunately explanation were solely in Spanish, so it was a quick in and out.
The 2nd exhibition was also related to Camino, but was more focus on scenes one can see when taking the Portugal route towards Santiago. I found the picture of Porto when the bridge was midway to be built very interesting.
Throughout the entire time, I was the only person in the exhibition hall.
Mercado de Abastos de Santiago de Compostela
Market which sells seafood and meat and other produce. Not many things were opened on a Monday when I was first there, but on Tuesday morning it was bustling.
Percebus, also known as gooseneck barnacles is supposedly a local delicacy.
Originally planning to get a meal here, it felt somewhat intimidating as the menu prices were rather on the steep side for 1 person and also I didn't quite know what some of the items were.
Now I know why some travellers seek to going to fast food chains, as I had to do it once in Santiago, but more because I wasn't sure what and how to order.
I did have a nice lunch at Restaurante Abellá on one of the days, as it was a set meal with clearly listed options.
Starters - Pulpo con Cachelos (Octopus with Potatoes), Veal steak with fries, Santiago Almond Cake and a glass of wine. The wine was really good! All for just €15, which is a good deal.
Another day I had a Bocadillo Iberico, since it was just easy to point at what I wanted.
And Chocolate con Churros. This was disappointing as the chocolate quality wasn't very good nor was the way the churro was made.
Pazo of Fonseca
A building which used to be a monastery, but now used as an exhibition space.
Igrexa da Universidade - USC
Another exhibition space. I didn't quite understand the type of exhibits that were on when I was there, but it was a really small space with still the religious alters on the main walls. It was a quick in and out for me.
Parque da Alameda
Offers great views of the city center and the Cathedral, and a quiet oasis just within the city. Lots of pretty flowers opening up when I was there.
Ciudad de Cultura
This building is my view every morning when I wake up and before I sleep, so I was highly curious what it looks like close up.
The buildings here were supposed to form the shape of a scallop shell that will be visible from the sky.
But unfortunately half way while this was being built, they ran out of funds 😂
I think they are short of 2 buildings.
I find it a huge waste of space as a lot of the area isn't very well utilised.
There were only 2 exhibitions on when I was there - one about how the Camino came about and the different routes, which unfortunately explanation were solely in Spanish, so it was a quick in and out.
The 2nd exhibition was also related to Camino, but was more focus on scenes one can see when taking the Portugal route towards Santiago. I found the picture of Porto when the bridge was midway to be built very interesting.
Throughout the entire time, I was the only person in the exhibition hall.
Mercado de Abastos de Santiago de Compostela
Market which sells seafood and meat and other produce. Not many things were opened on a Monday when I was first there, but on Tuesday morning it was bustling.
Percebus, also known as gooseneck barnacles is supposedly a local delicacy.
Originally planning to get a meal here, it felt somewhat intimidating as the menu prices were rather on the steep side for 1 person and also I didn't quite know what some of the items were.
Now I know why some travellers seek to going to fast food chains, as I had to do it once in Santiago, but more because I wasn't sure what and how to order.
I did have a nice lunch at Restaurante Abellá on one of the days, as it was a set meal with clearly listed options.
Starters - Pulpo con Cachelos (Octopus with Potatoes), Veal steak with fries, Santiago Almond Cake and a glass of wine. The wine was really good! All for just €15, which is a good deal.
Another day I had a Bocadillo Iberico, since it was just easy to point at what I wanted.
And so Santiago is a wrap!
Next stop : Oviedo
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