Santiago de Compostela is a city full of places worth visiting. So much so that it is sometimes difficult to choose which one to go to. Therefore, we have left this decision in the hands of our supporters. In this article, we tell you which are the must-see places in Compostela according to users.
The Alameda’s Banco dos namorados (the Alameda’s bench of lovers)
One of the most popular secrets of the
Alameda of Santiago de Compostela
is the so-called ‘banco dos namorados‘ or lovers‘bench. As its name indicates, this is a stone bench that has a semicircular shape and a length of fourteen meters.
It was created by architect Mariano Fernández Rangel to be a kind of stone auditorium for the performances of the Quiosco de la Música, which is right across the street.
But it has a special feature: despite its size, if two people stand at either end, they will be able to hear each other perfectly, even whispering.
Therefore, legend has it that since its creation back in 1916, it became the meeting place for many lovers who could not be seen in public to talk and declare their feelings.
This place has become a favorite of locals and tourists alike. We encourage you to come and see for yourself the effect of this special bench.
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The tree of lovers
And speaking of lovers, next on this list is the tree of lovers in the Alameda and, more specifically, its incredible views of the Cathedral.
The name comes from a tradition that tells that whoever wants to get married, has to go to this tree and go for a walk. Therefore, this place is frequented by couples who want to make this wish come true or to declare their love.
This eucalyptus tree is more than 170 years old and, from the bench that surrounds it, you can see an incredible panoramic view of the Basilica of the Apostle and the old town. This is a must-see for anyone visiting the city for the first time.
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The Park of San Domingos de Bonaval
Another public favorite is the
Park of San Domingos de Bonaval
located next to the San Pedro neighborhood. This is a natural space of almost 40,000 square meters perfect for a stroll or a picnic overlooking the city.
It is in the old estate and cemetery of the Convent of Bonaval (now Museo do Pobo Galego), which were rehabilitated to create this place by Álvaro Siza and Isabel Aguirre.
Along the park, you can enjoy a complete panoramic view of the entire city, its rooftops, chimneys and even the Cathedral.
It is not surprising that this site has become one of the favorite places for its inhabitants to enjoy the good weather in the city.
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The Cidade da Cultura de Galicia
One of the symbols of Compostela, along with the Cathedral, is the Cidade da Cultura de Galicia, which stands at the top of Monte Gaiás.
It is an architectural complex designed by American architect Peter Eisenman and was inaugurated in 2011. It contains a series of modern and avant-garde buildings that house various cultural institutions and leisure spaces.
Among its most outstanding buildings are the Library and Archives of Galicia, the Fontán Building, the Cultural Innovation Center (CINC) and the Gaiás Center Museum. The Hedjuk Towers also stand out.
The Cidade da Cultura organizes many activities throughout the year, so it is normal that many consider its existence in Compostela as essential. It is also a perfect place to stroll and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Galeras Park
Galeras Park is a large green area of more than 30,000 square meters located in the Galeras neighborhood, near Finca do Espiño and Monte Pío.
This park borders the historic center and extends along the Sarela River. Formerly, the site was a laundry and during the 18th and 19th centuries it housed Santiago’s leather factories.
The park has different leisure facilities and even an exclusive area for dogs, which attracts many Compostelanos who want to spend time with their pets without worrying. It also has a parking area.
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Mount Pedroso
We end this list with an emblematic enclave, Monte Pedroso.
Mount Pedroso
. This place has been protected for years so that no one can build on it and compete in height with the Cathedral of Santiago.
Its viewpoint is the ideal place to contemplate the views of the Galician capital and the basilica of the Apostle, with an unparalleled panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.
This site is linked to the
legend of Cotolay
The story goes that it was here that the charcoal burner met St. Francis of Assisi, who ordered him to build the Convent of St. Francis.
There are also several petroglyphs in the area, a Stations of the Cross and the so-called Monumento a la Cruz. All this has made Monte Pedroso a favorite place for many citizens to reconnect with nature.
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