The Way of Sant James

The guide ‘Places Associated with St. James in Compostela and the Surrounding Area’ was presented this morning by Turismo de Galicia Director Nava Castro and Antonio Fernández, mayor of the municipality of Padrón, at an event held in that Coruña town.

At the presentation, the head of the tourism arm of the Xunta de Galicia explained that the publication includes all of the most important or unique locations associated with the pilgrimage to Santiago. ‘Monuments and spots whose special magic keeps them alive in the memory of the thousands of pilgrims who complete the pilgrimage route each year,’ she added.

According to Nava Castro, the 40-page guide is intended to provide an overview of the many locations associated with St. James which can be found in the destination of the Way of St. James and its neighbouring municipalities.

The director of Turismo de Galicia explained that the publication offers a total of sixteen itineraries, which will allow visitors to learn more about the world of St. James and the origins of the Way of St. James.

‘A well-researched guide which makes it possible to deepen our understanding of this universal phenomenon by visiting the Galician capital and its surrounding area,’ concluded Nava Castro.

Highlights

The guide begins with a visit to the ancient gates of the city of Santiago, Bonaval and Santa María do Camiño, and then continues on to Casas Reais Street , A Quintana Square and Antealtares Convent.

The third itinerary in this informative publication centres on Santiago de Compostela Cathedral itself. This is followed by the entrances and façades of the basilica, the cathedral spaces most closely linked to the pilgrimage to Santiago and Europe’s great place of assembly, Obradoiro Square. From there, it takes us to the Franciscan monastery of San Martiño Pinario and from Mazarelos Square to Solovio Church.

One of the sections is also devoted to St. James and his  pilgrims in the streets of Compostela, another to Alameda Park, and yet another to Santa María do Sar Church, Santa María de Conxo Monastery and A Rocha Vella Castle.

Moving away from the centre of Compostela, the guide explores the Jacobean connections at Monte do Gozo. The final sections delve into the importance of the surrounding area, with Mount Pedroso, Sacro Peak and Iria Flavia, ending with Santiaguiño do Monte and Padrón.