The
Galeras Park
is a large green area of more than 30,000 square meters in the vicinity of the Finca do Espiño and Monte Pío, where the residence of the President of the Xunta de Galicia is located.
Inaugurated in 1999, it extends along the Sarela River and borders both the Old Town of Compostela and the urban expansion, forming a route that connects with the South University Campus and the Alameda itself.
The Galeras neighborhood was born as the washing place of the Galician capital, due to its strategic position next to the Corgo and Sarela rivers.
Despite experiencing a period of neglect, the area grew progressively, especially after the construction of the Xeral Hospital, and underwent a total renovation to become a point of reference for residential, quality of life and green areas.
The neighborhood hostedbetween the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, most of the leather factories in Santiago, Franco Foundries, o Fábrica da Luzalso known as Casa das MáquinasThe building, designed by Jesús López de Rego in 1919, became the property of Unión Fenosa and was finally ceded to the City Council of Santiago.
As far as the park is concerned, it is a well-kept green plain with large grassy areas. This enclosure, which connects with the Finca do Espiño, is also an access route to other large areas and itineraries of Compostela, such as Monte Pedroso, the Granxa do Xesto and the Sarela River promenade.
After the transfer of the Pilgrim’s Office to the vicinity, the Galeras Park has become, in turn, an area of great affluence of tourists and visitors arriving to Santiago through the Camino.
In fact, it is very close to points of high tourist and architectural interest, such as the Cathedral, the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario or the Faculty of Medicine.
In this green area, tree species such as cypresses stand out, which are more abundant in this point than in other areas of the city and can be found both on the river bank and isolated or in small groups.
Galeras Park is known for its possibilities for walking and resting, due to its abundant flat terrain and shaded areas. In addition, there are parking areas in close proximity and other services, such as restaurants and playgrounds for children.
It is also a perfect place for sports, with specific areas for soccer, petanque or basketball.
