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Santiago de Compostela Religious & spiritual activities

Our most recommended Santiago de Compostela Religious & spiritual activities

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 Full-Day Tour From Porto

2. Santiago de Compostela Full-Day Tour From Porto

Discover 2 charming southern Europe on a full-day sightseeing tour from Porto. Cross the border into Spain to explore the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia and stop to see Valença do Minho on the way back to Porto.  Board a comfortable van or bus and embark on a journey to one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world, Santiago. See the Caminhos de Santiago (St. James Way) pilgrim trail and visit a magnificent 11th-centuty cathedral. Admire the architecture that was originally built in a Romanesque style, today the cathedral is an amalgam of harmonious influences. Have the opportunity to attend mass and enjoy free time to go for a stroll in the UNESCO World Heritage city center. Begin the drive back to Porto, stopping at Valença do Minho, a historical village in the north of Portugal, located right on the border between Portugal and Spain. Valença was important during the middle ages and it was part of "Caminhos de Santiago".  See how the city is dominated by a fortress of two towers and a double wall before returning to your meeting point in Porto. 

Guided tour Cathedral, Museum and Old town tickets included

3. Guided tour Cathedral, Museum and Old town tickets included

Experience everything Santiago has to offer on this combination guided walking tour. Explore the historic center, learn about the city's fascinating history, and visit the iconic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Begin your tour of Santiago with a guided tour of the city center. From Praza do Obradoiro, follow your guide throughout the city, seeing the top sights and learning about the area's fascinating history. Enjoy a short break and the second part of the tour will begin, visiting the Cathedral Museum and the interior of the Santiago Cathedral. Learn about its Romanesque past and see works of art dating from the 13th century. Underneath the cathedral, see archeological excavations of an ancient Roman city.

Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral & Museum Private Tour

4. 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 Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour

5. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour

Explore the history and art of Santiago de Compostela on a guided tour of the cathedral and its museum. One of the 3 most important centers for Catholic pilgrims in the Christian world, Santiago de Compostela Cathedral has historically been a place of pilgrimage on the "Way of St. James" (Camino de Santiago) since the early Middle Ages. Enter the magnificent monument to discover why, as your guide takes you to see the tomb of Saint James and much more. Look at the resplendent main altar and the intricate chapels surrounding it, and learn about the rituals and traditions. Hear about the historical and architectural importance of the cathedral, and further your knowledge in the museum where permanent collections are complemented by temporary exhibitions.

From Porto: Santiago de Compostela Full Day Tour

6. From Porto: Santiago de Compostela Full Day Tour

Depart immediately for Santiago de Compostela. At 11:00 AM you will experience the famous Pilgrim Mass. This special mass is held each day to recognize the pilgrims who have travelled along the Way of St. James to arrive at Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. You will have the chance to be a part of a historical ceremony that has been taking place since the 9th Century. At the beginning of the mass it is traditional for the home country and starting point of all the pilgrims to be announced. Following the mass you will get a chance to learn more about the historic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela which is dedicated to St James, one of Jesus’ apostles, and is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site.

Santiago de Compostela: Hostal de los Reyes Católicos Tour

7. Santiago de Compostela: Hostal de los Reyes Católicos Tour

Meet your art historian guide outside the main entrance and discover the Parador of Santiago de Compostela, one of the most historic and important buildings in the city. Explore the building which now functions as the 5-star Hostal dos Reis Católicos hotel, but was built in 1499 by the Catholic monarchs to serve as a pilgrim's hospital and hostel. Discover the building’s most notable features including the royal halls, the four cloisters, four courtyards, the observatory, and the Royal Chapel. Admire one of the best-preserved examples of Spanish Plateresque architecture. Learn more about the stories associated with the pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela. With the help of your expert guide, experience the history of the city in one of its most important buildings.

Santiago de Compostela: Private Walking Tour

8. 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.

From Santiago: Cape Finisterre and Muxía Full-Day Tour

9. From Santiago: Cape Finisterre and Muxía Full-Day Tour

Departing from Santiago, the first stop will be at Pontemaceira, where you will admire the medieval bridge that pilgrims cross on their way to Finisterre and Muxía. Stop in Muxía by the Sanctuary of Nosa Señora da Barca, beautifully located on the seafront. According to tradition, Our Lady appeared to the apostle St. James at this place. Enjoy the grand scenery in front of the rough Atlantic Ocean. Finisterre is the end of the ancient world: the place where pilgrims who come to Compostela meet the immensity of the ocean. Explore the area of the cape and lighthouse. Enjoy some free time for lunch at the town of Finisterre, where you will find plenty of restaurants by the port. In Ézaro, catch the spectacle of the Xallas River waterfall, the only one in Europe that runs straight into the sea. Continue to Cape Finisterre, and stop by the lighthouse, the most important landmark on the Coast of Death. Its light has guided ships along this dangerous coast. Stop by the "hórreo" of Carnota, a traditional Galician construction employed for harvesting the grain. The granary of Carnota is one of the largest in Galicia, and is part of a monumental ensemble from the 18th century. Muros, a traditional coastal village clearly influenced by the Galician culture and tradition. Explore the fascinating and picturesque old town, brimming with authentic restaurants and cafes.

From Porto: Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Private Tour

10. From Porto: Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Private Tour

After a pick-up from your hotel in Porto, meet your private guide and sit aboard a comfortable vehicle. With exclusivity and complete privacy, go to the north of Portugal through the north of Portugal to Galicia. Enjoy the impressive views of the Minho region and if you want do a stop in Valença do Minho, an historical village in the north of Portugal, located on the border between Portugal and Spain. Also known by its "Caminhos de Santiago" Valença do Minho is dominated with a fortress of two towers and a double great wall projected in the Vouban Style. An Engineer and an military architect from the XVII e XVIII centuries. Arriving in Santiago de Compostela, let yourself be enveloped by a unique atmosphere as you tour the historic center and visit the Cathedral. Follow in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims on St James Way, one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world. Holy seekers have been traversing this path since the early Middle Ages, and the tradition continues on today. At the end of your walk along the trail, your reward is confronting the Gothic, housing the remains of the apostle St James. Listen to your guide illuminate this holy site with its history. Then, explore the cathedral, admiring its majestic interior, stately bell towers, golden altar and Romanesque sculptures. Refuel with an authentic local lunch consisting of octopus or seafood in Santiago (own expense), then head to Santiago's UNESCO World-Heritage-listed old town district.

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What people are saying about Santiago de Compostela

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 287 reviews

The trip was well worth it. Our guide (Pedro) was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The stop in Valença do Minho was surprisingly interesting. This was a great option for a short trip to Santiago de Compostela. My family and I were able to get into the Cathedral by not having lunch with the rest of the group. Be aware that there can be a long line to get in the Cathedral and it could take all of your time.

Our guides Francisco and Alex were simply amazing. Francisco is like a walking Google, explaining every detail about the historical St James Cathedral. The places we visited were great and we started the tour on time.

our guide cum driver (Tiago) from Living Tour drove us safely to n from. along the way to Santiago, he also gave good information on the destination.

The trip was satisfying, though I wish we could have stayed in Galicia a little longer.

Diego was a great guide; engaging and able to answer queries very well