Santiago de Compostela Trip Planning & Itineraries

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Apart from the undisputed splendour of its gold-tinged monuments and the charm of its medieval streets, Santiago de Compostela is a lively city with a sizable student population during term. Its story begins with Santiago Apóstol, but the region had long been inhabited by Visigoths, Romans and Celts. Once the holy site had been identified, it wasn't long before Alfonso II, the Asturian king, turned up to have the first church erected.

The Feast of Santiago

July is a fine month to be in Santiago. The Feast of Santiago is on 25 July and is simultaneously Galicia's national day. The night before, Praza do Obradoiro comes alight with the fogo do Apóstolo, a spectacular fireworks display that culminates in the incineration of a mock facade erected in front of the cathedral.