Posted by: Jess
Review: Wonderful Santiago de Compostela! - 06/28/05 07:45 AM
Just returned from one week in Santiago with some recommendations. There are several museums (free) worth seeing, even without understanding Spanish. The most unique is "Galiciadixital" near the Cathedral. It requires a guided tour and you may have to reserve a spot for a later time. The exhibits include a 3-D tour of some pilgrimage areas; simulated roller-coaster ride swooping into the Cathedral; aerial views of the province; etc. Very informative and fun. Another museum, Pobo Galego (folk), has exhibits on the crafts; fishing industry; music; dress; etc., of the region. Visitors can understand the exhibits even tho' the narrative is in the gallego language. Next-door is the Contemporary Art Museum which stays open all day and has a tiny cafe (lunch starts at 2 p.m.).
At night, try to hear the "tuna" (Spanish university tradition of medieval-dressed male students playing old instruments and singing)in the Cathedral square.
Regional foods/drink to try: "pimientos de Padron" (small green peppers salted and fried); octupus; Albarino wine.
There seems to be only one bus company with daily tours out of town; tours cost 43 Euros and include a large lunch. Good trips include the Rias (estuaries) and an inland tour including part of the pilgrimage route.
Lodging near the old quarter is worthwhile for the convenience. "Husa Universal" on the Plaza Galicia (one block from the historic district) is an adequate hotel; breakfast is included.
I took a train one day to the NW coastal city of La Coruna; the trip is less than one hour and the train is pleasant. I lacked the time and energy to explore much of the city, but climbing the "Torre [tower] de Hercules" (oldest lighthouse in Europe; a small entrance fee) gave a tremendous view and the nearby aquarium (10 Euros) was excellent.
The weather most certainly isn't as hot as in central and southern Spain. Be prepared for rain and cool, breezy evenings. Enjoy!
At night, try to hear the "tuna" (Spanish university tradition of medieval-dressed male students playing old instruments and singing)in the Cathedral square.
Regional foods/drink to try: "pimientos de Padron" (small green peppers salted and fried); octupus; Albarino wine.
There seems to be only one bus company with daily tours out of town; tours cost 43 Euros and include a large lunch. Good trips include the Rias (estuaries) and an inland tour including part of the pilgrimage route.
Lodging near the old quarter is worthwhile for the convenience. "Husa Universal" on the Plaza Galicia (one block from the historic district) is an adequate hotel; breakfast is included.
I took a train one day to the NW coastal city of La Coruna; the trip is less than one hour and the train is pleasant. I lacked the time and energy to explore much of the city, but climbing the "Torre [tower] de Hercules" (oldest lighthouse in Europe; a small entrance fee) gave a tremendous view and the nearby aquarium (10 Euros) was excellent.
The weather most certainly isn't as hot as in central and southern Spain. Be prepared for rain and cool, breezy evenings. Enjoy!