San Martiño Pinario was the most influential of the Benedictine monasteries in Galicia and the second largest in Spain, together with El Escorial. The building is located in Praza da Inmaculada, a few meters from the Acibecharía façade of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and, among others, it houses an important
museum
.
The construction began in the last third of the 16th century and the works were extended throughout time, until its definitive conclusion at the end of the 18th century. It currently houses the headquarters of the Major Seminary of the Archdiocese of Santiago, the Compostela Theological Institute and the University School of Social Work, among other entities.
On the other hand, part of its facilities are used as a university residence and different administrative offices related to the Church, in addition to the guest house, which gives an image of the multidisciplinary approach that predominates in this monument.
Along with all these uses of great importance, the architectural complex of San Martiño Pinario stands out for its exhibition use which, once again, is a true reflection of the variety of fields that the institution deals with.
The historic building, recently restored, has been reorganized from the museum point of view and houses an important collection of art pieces along with others of great scientific and social value .
Visitors can take a tour of the old monastic church, which stands out for its baldachin and choir stalls. It also includes different spaces where pieces of sacred art are exhibited, or from the physics and chemistry cabinets.
In the different rooms, you can contemplate its valuable collections of pictorial art, sculpture, gold and silver work and archaeological remains.
Among the great attractions of the Museum’s activities are the exhibits dedicated to ethnographic elements, such as objects that evoke the daily routines of the monks, the printing press, the apothecary’s shop and the old natural history cabinet.
Visiting hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, except on Tuesdays, when it is open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Guided tours are also available at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm.
