Although Santiago de Compostela (“Santiago”) has become quite touristy, I enjoyed meandering around the old town, taking in the culture, seeing the sights, and doing photography. 

Tourism has become an important part of Santiago’s economy, and the city has the Way of St. James (El Camino de Santiago) to thank for that, especially in Holy Compostelan Years when the Feast of Saint James falls on a Sunday.  When it was a holy year in 1993, the city launched a very successful advertising campaign, and there has been a steady annual increase in pilgrims completing the route ever since.  In 2010, the total was more than 272,000, and in 2024, there were 499,234 pilgrims who completed the route, according to the Pilgrim’s Office, in Santiago.  This total includes only pilgrims who request a certificate for walking 75 miles of the route or more.  There are many more who travel to Santiago to walk the route, but complete less of it.

The culture surrounding the Way of St. James is vibrant in the old town.  I especially enjoyed visiting the Museum of Pilgrimage and just hanging out in Plaza del Obradoiro, the cathedral square, watching pilgrims as they entered the square and celebrated their accomplishment.  (See my post #16 for photos.)

Mercado de Abastos de Santiago, the city market, was another favorite spot.  We enjoy visiting city markets everywhere we travel, and this one was well worth the visit.  The highlight was having lunch in the market with our group.  The region is famous for its seafood, and the market had the freshest and most expertly prepared seafood I have ever had.  Delicious!

Scenes from around Santiago:

(For all photos, click on the image for a full screen view.)

Next up: SOUTHWEST FRANCE, NORTHERN SPAIN & PORTUGAL #19: PONTEVEDRA & COMBARRO