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Santiago de Compostela Churches & cathedrals

Our most recommended Santiago de Compostela Churches & cathedrals

Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral & Museum, Optional Pórtico

1. Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral & Museum, Optional Pórtico

Skip the line and discover the Romanesque architecture of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela with a guide. Explore the Cathedral and its museum and see the last stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Admire the beautiful interiors of the cathedral on 4 floors and learn about the construction and destruction of the cathedral throughout the centuries. See notable features of the cathedral, such as the Chapel of Relics, the Royal Pantheon, the Treasury, the Chapter Library, the Botafumeiro, and the Obradoiro balcony. If you choose the Portico of Gloria option, your guide will wait for you in Plaza do Obradoiro so they can explain more about this Romanesque masterpiece and the legacy of Maestre Mateo.

Santiago de Compostela Full-Day Tour From Porto

2. Santiago de Compostela Full-Day Tour From Porto

Discover 2 charming southern Europe on a full-day sightseeing tour from Porto. Cross the border into Spain to explore the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia and stop to see Valença do Minho on the way back to Porto.  Board a comfortable van or bus and embark on a journey to one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world, Santiago. See the Caminhos de Santiago (St. James Way) pilgrim trail and visit a magnificent 11th-centuty cathedral. Admire the architecture that was originally built in a Romanesque style, today the cathedral is an amalgam of harmonious influences. Have the opportunity to attend mass and enjoy free time to go for a stroll in the UNESCO World Heritage city center. Begin the drive back to Porto, stopping at Valença do Minho, a historical village in the north of Portugal, located right on the border between Portugal and Spain. Valença was important during the middle ages and it was part of "Caminhos de Santiago".  See how the city is dominated by a fortress of two towers and a double wall before returning to your meeting point in Porto. 

Guided tour Cathedral, Museum and Old town tickets included

3. Guided tour Cathedral, Museum and Old town tickets included

Experience everything Santiago has to offer on this combination guided walking tour. Explore the historic center, learn about the city's fascinating history, and visit the iconic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Begin your tour of Santiago with a guided tour of the city center. From Praza do Obradoiro, follow your guide throughout the city, seeing the top sights and learning about the area's fascinating history. Enjoy a short break and the second part of the tour will begin, visiting the Cathedral Museum and the interior of the Santiago Cathedral. Learn about its Romanesque past and see works of art dating from the 13th century. Underneath the cathedral, see archeological excavations of an ancient Roman city.

Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral & Museum Private Tour

4. Santiago de Compostela: Cathedral & Museum Private Tour

Uncover the art inside the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela on this guided tour. See religious iconography and the reputed burial place of the apostle Saint James. Visit the library where the Codex Calixtinus (the main witness for the Book of Saint James) is held.  Meet your guide and begin at the ground floor of the Cathedral's Museum which has four rooms where you can see the remains that were found in different archaeological excavations. View a map to determine what was standing on this site before the Cathedral.  Admire the spectacular stone choir of Master Mateo and various examples of religious iconography such as busts, statues or wooden carvings. See depictions of both of the Apostle Santiago in his three versions (pilgrim, soldier, and saint). Listen as your guide tells you about each version and hear about different biblical characters. Upon reaching the second floor, will leave the cloister to focus on the library where the famous Codex Calixtinus is kept.  Arrive at the third a floors which is dedicated to different tapestries from both the Flanders school, as well as the so-called Goya Tapestries made in the Royal Tapestry Factory of Madrid. Head to the the balcony for views from above the Plaza do Obradoiro. Afterwards go back to the second floor to visit the cloister and access the Cathedral without having to wait in line.  Enter the temple to enjoy its different chapels. Follow your guide to the main altar, the holy door, and see what is said to be the tomb of the apostle Saint James. 

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour

5. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Museum Guided Tour

Explore the history and art of Santiago de Compostela on a guided tour of the cathedral and its museum. One of the 3 most important centers for Catholic pilgrims in the Christian world, Santiago de Compostela Cathedral has historically been a place of pilgrimage on the "Way of St. James" (Camino de Santiago) since the early Middle Ages. Enter the magnificent monument to discover why, as your guide takes you to see the tomb of Saint James and much more. Look at the resplendent main altar and the intricate chapels surrounding it, and learn about the rituals and traditions. Hear about the historical and architectural importance of the cathedral, and further your knowledge in the museum where permanent collections are complemented by temporary exhibitions.

Santiago de Compostela: Private Walking Tour

6. Santiago de Compostela: Private Walking Tour

Explore Santiago de Compostela with a private guide and learn more about its history and religious significance. Discover the final stop of the Caminos of Santiago. Meet your guide at your hotel and embark on your private walking tour. First stop in the Plaza del Obradorio, where you will find the Palacio de Rajoy, the Hostal of the Catholic Monarchs, and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Enter the Cathedral with included admission tickets, and see known for being one of the most famous centers of Christianity in Europe. After you can visit the cathedral museum where you can admire religious treasures and artifacts. Once we leave behind the cathedral, visit the charming city squares such as Quintana de los Vivos and Quintana de Los Muertos. After, you will also visit Plaza de Platerías where you can admire the Fuente de los Caballos. Finally make your way to the final stop will be in Calle del Franco. Finish the tour in a local tapas bar, popular with the locals.

From Porto: Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Private Tour

7. From Porto: Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Private Tour

After a pick-up from your hotel in Porto, meet your private guide and sit aboard a comfortable vehicle. With exclusivity and complete privacy, go to the north of Portugal through the north of Portugal to Galicia. Enjoy the impressive views of the Minho region and if you want do a stop in Valença do Minho, an historical village in the north of Portugal, located on the border between Portugal and Spain. Also known by its "Caminhos de Santiago" Valença do Minho is dominated with a fortress of two towers and a double great wall projected in the Vouban Style. An Engineer and an military architect from the XVII e XVIII centuries. Arriving in Santiago de Compostela, let yourself be enveloped by a unique atmosphere as you tour the historic center and visit the Cathedral. Follow in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims on St James Way, one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world. Holy seekers have been traversing this path since the early Middle Ages, and the tradition continues on today. At the end of your walk along the trail, your reward is confronting the Gothic, housing the remains of the apostle St James. Listen to your guide illuminate this holy site with its history. Then, explore the cathedral, admiring its majestic interior, stately bell towers, golden altar and Romanesque sculptures. Refuel with an authentic local lunch consisting of octopus or seafood in Santiago (own expense), then head to Santiago's UNESCO World-Heritage-listed old town district.

From Porto: Santiago de Compostela Full Day Tour

8. From Porto: Santiago de Compostela Full Day Tour

Depart immediately for Santiago de Compostela. At 11:00 AM you will experience the famous Pilgrim Mass. This special mass is held each day to recognize the pilgrims who have travelled along the Way of St. James to arrive at Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. You will have the chance to be a part of a historical ceremony that has been taking place since the 9th Century. At the beginning of the mass it is traditional for the home country and starting point of all the pilgrims to be announced. Following the mass you will get a chance to learn more about the historic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela which is dedicated to St James, one of Jesus’ apostles, and is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site.

Frequently asked questions about Santiago de Compostela

What top attractions are a must-see in Santiago de Compostela?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Santiago de Compostela?

The best day trips and excursions from Santiago de Compostela are:

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Other Sightseeing Options in Santiago de Compostela

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What people are saying about Santiago de Compostela

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 124 reviews

We made the visit with Silvia the whole family and we really enjoyed it. Despite having visited the Cathedral on other occasions, he told us curious and interesting details that we did not know in a super entertaining way. Totally recommended

Christian was a great tour guide. Very kind, polite and patient. He had great stories and kept us entertained on our way to Spain. I loved his language lessons.

We had Silvia, very friendly and very well explained everything. It flew past us. 100% recommended

The visit was guided, Silvia was very nice, attentive, pleasant and gave us good information.

The Silva guide was exceptional, 100% recommended.