Pilgrims used to trek from all over Europe on foot for months to reach the Tomb of Saint James, which is now preserved in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. During the Middle Ages, this ancient city was regarded as a pilgrimage destination on par with Jerusalem and Rome.
The “Way of Saint James” or “Camino de Santiago” is the name given to the pilgrimage route taken by medieval pilgrims. Santiago de Compostela, one of Christendom’s most treasured sites, continues to attract modern-day spiritual pilgrims. The city, on the other hand, has a plethora of attractive museums, a picturesque Old Town, and a lavish park with botanical gardens that regular tourists will appreciate. Santiago has its foot in the Pacific Ocean and its head in the Andes.
It’s a cultural crossroads and the nerve center of the continent’s longest country. You might easily spend weeks in Chile’s capital, taking in the city’s modern ambiance, cultural offerings, and security. But it is Santiago’s accessibility to a truly diversified range of landscapes and activities that appeals to both tourists and Chileans.
Santiago de Compostela is a delightful destination in the heart of the gorgeous Galicia area. If you really love adventure trips, you should definitely choose Chile as a tour destination. Excited enough? Without any doubt, book air canada reservations online and save up to 40% off on every flight till the last minute. With our list of the top attractions and things to do in Santiago de Compostela, you can make the most of your stay in this interesting medieval city and discover the best locations to visit.
Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino
The Chilean Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, or Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, houses artifacts dating back 10,000 years. It includes Pre-Columbian art forms not only in Chile but also in the rest of South and Central America. It began as a small private collection and has now grown to include over 5,000 items of art and antiquities. Metal, fabrics, porcelain, bone, and leather are among the materials used to create these objects.
Museum of Memory and Human Rights
Chile’s human rights record hasn’t always been outstanding, which is why the Museum of Memory and Human Rights exists. The museum, which has only been open for a few years, is a tribute to Chileans whose rights were abused during the Pinochet administration (1973– 1990). In an ironic twist, Chile’s then-President Michelle Bachelet, who was tortured by Pinochet, placed the foundation stone for the museum in 2008.
Mercado Central
While Mercado Central sells a variety of foods, the fish is the main draw. Fish, oysters, mussels, scallops, clams, and a whole lot more may be found here, all fresh from Chile’s vast coastline. There are plenty of eateries at the market if you’d prefer to eat fish than browse for it. The Mercado Central has been a landmark in Santiago since 1872. It’s housed in a huge structure with wrought iron accents – even the roof is wrought iron. In central Santiago, Mercado Central is close to Plaza de Armas.
La Chascona
The eccentric nature of Neruda is mirrored in this home. His mistress’s unruly curly red hair inspired his name, La Chascona. Tourists go to the ship-shaped house to witness the kitchen, which is modeled after a ship’s cabin, and the living room, which is modeled after a lighthouse. (Neruda was a big fan of the sea.) In the back, there’s also a fairy tale garden.
Centro Galego de Arte Contemporánea
The Galician Centre of Contemporary Art offers an insight into the modern-day culture in the region. The center is dedicated to contemporary Galician art, which is on show in the elegant exhibition rooms of a structure constructed by Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the old neighborhood from the building’s terraces.
Valparaiso
Valparaiso, Chile’s largest harbor and one of the country’s trendiest cities, has a lot to offer. It would undoubtedly be worthy of its own post and more than one visit. However, it is so close to Santiago that you can easily travel and return on the same day, as the bus route is only 2 hours long. Valparaiso, dubbed “the City of 1000 Colors,” is a vibrant town perched on a ridge directly overlooking the sea.
Conclusion
The Parador Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos, located on the Praza Obradoiro, opposite the Catedral de Santiago, in the center of the Old Town, is one of the most historically significant hotels in the world. So, it is recommended to plan a trip with AirlinesMap and personalize your travel package to South America and also enjoy the attractions.
