Add dates

Santiago de Compostela Museums & exhibitions

Our most recommended Santiago de Compostela Museums & exhibitions

Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral & Museum, Optional Pórtico

1. Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral & Museum, Optional Pórtico

Skip the line and discover the Romanesque architecture of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela with a guide. Explore the Cathedral and its museum and see the last stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Admire the beautiful interiors of the cathedral on 4 floors and learn about the construction and destruction of the cathedral throughout the centuries. See notable features of the cathedral, such as the Chapel of Relics, the Royal Pantheon, the Treasury, the Chapter Library, the Botafumeiro, and the Obradoiro balcony. If you choose the Portico of Gloria option, your guide will wait for you in Plaza do Obradoiro so they can explain more about this Romanesque masterpiece and the legacy of Maestre Mateo.

Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral & Museum Private Tour

2. Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral & Museum Private Tour

Uncover the art inside the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela on this guided tour. See religious iconography and the reputed burial place of the apostle Saint James. Visit the library where the Codex Calixtinus (the main witness for the Book of Saint James) is held.  Meet your guide and begin at the ground floor of the Cathedral's Museum which has four rooms where you can see the remains that were found in different archaeological excavations. View a map to determine what was standing on this site before the Cathedral.  Admire the spectacular stone choir of Master Mateo and various examples of religious iconography such as busts, statues or wooden carvings. See depictions of both of the Apostle Santiago in his three versions (pilgrim, soldier, and saint). Listen as your guide tells you about each version and hear about different biblical characters. Upon reaching the second floor, will leave the cloister to focus on the library where the famous Codex Calixtinus is kept.  Arrive at the third a floors which is dedicated to different tapestries from both the Flanders school, as well as the so-called Goya Tapestries made in the Royal Tapestry Factory of Madrid. Head to the the balcony for views from above the Plaza do Obradoiro. Afterwards go back to the second floor to visit the cloister and access the Cathedral without having to wait in line.  Enter the temple to enjoy its different chapels. Follow your guide to the main altar, the holy door, and see what is said to be the tomb of the apostle Saint James. 

Santiago de Compostela: Portico of Glory and Cathedral Tour

3. Santiago de Compostela: Portico of Glory and Cathedral Tour

Let yourself be guided by one of our guides and discover the history of the famous Portico de la Gloria, the work of Master Mateo; get to know the message of the Portico to the pilgrim, enjoy the expressiveness of each character and learn about its history and its author. A unique tour in the city, with limited places. After a short break of 20 minutes we will continue to the Cathedral Museum, experience a journey back in time to the discovery of the remains of the Apostle, visit the reconstruction of the stone choir of Master Mateo and fall in love with the wonderful Renaissance cloister. A newly restored Cathedral that shines like never before. The most complete tour of the whole city!

Santiago de Compostela: Private Walking Tour

4. Santiago de Compostela: Private Walking Tour

Explore Santiago de Compostela with a private guide and learn more about its history and religious significance. Discover the final stop of the Caminos of Santiago. Meet your guide at your hotel and embark on your private walking tour. First stop in the Plaza del Obradorio, where you will find the Palacio de Rajoy, the Hostal of the Catholic Monarchs, and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Enter the Cathedral with included admission tickets, and see known for being one of the most famous centers of Christianity in Europe. After you can visit the cathedral museum where you can admire religious treasures and artifacts. Once we leave behind the cathedral, visit the charming city squares such as Quintana de los Vivos and Quintana de Los Muertos. After, you will also visit Plaza de Platerías where you can admire the Fuente de los Caballos. Finally make your way to the final stop will be in Calle del Franco. Finish the tour in a local tapas bar, popular with the locals.

3 activities found
Sort by:

Frequently asked questions about Santiago de Compostela

What top attractions are a must-see in Santiago de Compostela?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Santiago de Compostela?

The best day trips and excursions from Santiago de Compostela are:

Fisterra

Other Sightseeing Options in Santiago de Compostela

Want to discover all there is to do in Santiago de Compostela? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Santiago de Compostela

We made the visit with Silvia the whole family and we really enjoyed it. Despite having visited the Cathedral on other occasions, he told us curious and interesting details that we did not know in a super entertaining way. Totally recommended

Nice tour of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The very friendly girl who guided us made the journey inside the Cathedral very pleasant. I recommend it

We had Silvia, very friendly and very well explained everything. It flew past us. 100% recommended

The visit was guided, Silvia was very nice, attentive, pleasant and gave us good information.

The Silva guide was exceptional, 100% recommended.