Santiago de Compostela Private Walking Tour: Explore UNESCO Heritage Site with Cathedral Entry
4.9
24 Ratings
Santiago de Compostela
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Santiago de Compostela on a private walking tour. Explore the city's history, legends, and secrets with a local licensed tour guide.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
-
Plaza del Obradoiro - This expansive plaza is the heart of Santiago de Compostela and home to several of the city’s most important buildings, including the cathedral, the Palacio de Raxoi (seat of the regional government), and the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos (a former hospital that now serves as a luxury hotel). The plaza is a popular gathering place for pilgrims and visitors alike, and its size and grandeur make it an impressive sight to behold.
Your guide will explain you the origin of the city, the cathedral and what does Obradoiro means. -
Cathedral De Santiago de Compostela - This grand cathedral is the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and a breathtaking example of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. Inside, visitors can admire the Pórtico de la Gloria, a stunning masterpiece of medieval sculpture, and the Botafumeiro, a giant incense burner that swings through the nave during special ceremonies.
Around the Cathedral retains a valuable historic centre worthy of one of the greatest holy cities of Christianity. - Praza das Praterias - This square is one of the main symbols of Santiago, and is named after the many shops of silver articles in its arcades. You will see a 19th Century Fountain, Casa del Cabildo and Casa de los Canónigos.
- Praza da Quintana de Vivos - Here is located the oldest convent in the city: San Paio de Antealtares. From here you can also see the Portico Real of the Cathedral, the towers Berenguela and Torre del Reloj and the Puerta del Perdon (which opens only in a Holy Year)
- Monasterio de San Martin Pinario - This massive baroque monastery was once one of the wealthiest and most powerful institutions in Spain, with extensive lands and properties across Galicia. Today, visitors can tour the monastery’s ornate chapel, library, and refectory, as well as its beautiful cloisters and gardens.
- Parroquia de Nosa Señora a Antiga da Corticela - Located in Plaza de Azabachería
- Mercado de Abastos de Santiago - This lively indoor market is a food lover’s paradise, with dozens of stalls selling fresh seafood, meat, cheese, produce, and other local specialties. Visitors can sample some of Galicia’s famous octopus, enjoy a glass of wine or vermouth, and soak up the bustling atmosphere of the market.
- Parque de la Alameda - This picturesque park offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside, as well as plenty of green space for walking, picnicking, and relaxing. The park is home to several monuments and sculptures, including the Monumento a los Héroes de la Guerra de Independencia (a tribute to Galician soldiers who fought in the War of Independence), and is a popular spot for watching the sunset over Santiago de Compostela.
What's Included
- Personal official tour guide
- Convenient hotel/apartment pickup and drop-off
- Exclusive skip-the-line access to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Transportation
Additional Information
Join a certified local tour guide on a journey through Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO world heritage site. Delve into the rich history, fascinating legends, and hidden mysteries of this magnificent city.
Known as a prominent pilgrimage destination in the northwest of Spain, it served as a beacon for Spanish Christians during their conflict with Islam. In spite of being devastated by Muslims in the late 10th century, the city made a remarkable recovery in the century that followed. Santiago’s Old Town, with its mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture, ranks among the most captivating urban landscapes around the globe. The city’s most ancient monuments are situated near St James’s tomb and the cathedral, home to the striking Pórtico de la Gloria.
Your guide will enrich your tour with intriguing details and cultural nuances tied to every landmark, bringing to light the city’s unseen treasures.
Location
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Praza do Obradoiro
Hotel must be in the heart of the city center for walking pick up, otherwise meeting point in front of the cathedral.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(24 Ratings)
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Santiago_e
Oct 9, 2023
Stellar! - Amazing experience!! Very good tour specially with my mom she is very catholic and out tour guide Sandra was very knows
Review provided by Viator
Samuel_s
Sep 20, 2023
Our private guide,... - Our private guide, Cristina Garcia was very knowledgeable and experienced. We learned so much from her about Santiago de Compostela. The 3-hour walking tour was superb. This tour is recommendable to our Aussie friends and relatives.
Review provided by Viator
Eddam_b
Sep 10, 2023
She’s very knowledgeable... - She’s very knowledgeable of the History behind
Compostela and the surrounding.
Her presentation unique.
Review provided by Viator
Gerardo_c
Aug 25, 2023
Unique experience - The guide ! Knowledge an experience and education on the matter is second to none!! Wow ! The personal touch of a private tour is incredible
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Ignacio_f
Jun 11, 2023
Excellent guide Carlos Iglesias - Excellent guide, with a lot of knowledge about Santiago de Compostela history, the cathedral and Santiago Apostol background, great visit with Carlos.
Short visit but enough to what we were looking for.
Review provided by Viator
Maria_c
Apr 22, 2023
exellend tour - Our tour guide arrived on time at our hotel, she was very knowlegable and considerated of some health issues we had for the walk, it was a pleasure to walk wth her anh hear her explanations, this tour was worth every penny and we recomend it.
Review provided by Viator
Susan_w
Nov 21, 2022
Absolutely fantastic tour of Santiago de Compostela! - Our tour guide, Dolores, was FANTASTIC! She was knowledgeable and really tailored the experience to meet our interests!
Review provided by Viator
Stewarttodd_b
Oct 28, 2022
Best way to see Santiago - Carlos was an amazing guide, lots of Local knowledge and insight. Made the city come alive with details we would not have noticed on our own.
Review provided by Viator
Pamela_c
Sep 13, 2022
Five star treatment from local tour guide - Our tour guide Dolores is
fantastic!! She is originally from this town and she knows a lot about history, local food, and culture. She knows all the other tour guides and we were given special attention and “skip the line” tickets to the cathedral. She is a true professional and took a lot of time to explain everything. Awesome experience!
Review provided by Viator
Susan_m
May 14, 2023
An intro to Santiago de Compostela - Valuable to understand the history behind the cathedral and St James himself! We only had the time to do this activity, but a worthwhile introduction to what could be a memorable experience… if one decides to do the Camino walk!
Review provided by Viator
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