Monuments in Santiago de Compostela

Casa do Cabildo House – is an 18th century noble house and was built in 1758 during the period of Baroque. Its Baroque façade is seen prominently. The architect for this building was Clemente Fernández Sarela and the objective of doing this was more for ornamental purposes. The story ‘Mi hermana Antonia’ was written by Valle-Inclán after seeing the house.

Rajoy Palace – is an 18th century palace having Neo-classic façade. This was an old seminary for people to confess. This palace is situated opposite to the cathedral situated in Plaza del Obradoiro. In 1766, the archbishop inaugurated this palace which the French architect Carlos Lemaur designed. The Neoclassic façade looks elegant and beautiful and is supported by a group of columns with 14 half moon arches. At present this is used as the city hall by the Galician government.

University of Santiago de Compostela – is an 18th century University building and has impressive rooms. It was built in the 18th century but has undergone lots of changes over a period of time with a number of additional buildings. At present Geography and History faculty and the Institute of Galician language are housed here. Some of the elegant buildings at present are – Compostelana University, the Rector-ship and the Libraries.

Mazarelos Arch – is an 11th century arch in the neo-classical period and this medieval wall entrance is the only one remaining in this city. The wine from Orense came to the city through this entrance. The arch is situated between Plaza de Mazarelos and Calle del Cardenal Payá.

San Martín Pinario Monastery – is a religious monument that is the second largest after the Cathedral. A major part of this monastery is built in Baroque style. The main façade is 100 M long and is in the Baroque style. The old church was dated 12th century whereas the current one is dated 17th century. The façade of the church is Plateresque and belongs to the 16th century. The architects for this building were – Melchor de Velasco, Peña y Toro and Domingo de Andrade.

Santa María la Real de Sar Collegiate Church – is a collegiate church built in the 12th century during Romanesque period and was located in the city’s outskirts. The salient features of this building are the façade tower and flying buttresses that were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. As per the basilica plan there are three naves that are separated by pillars.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral – is an 11th century Cathedral whose construction started in 1075 during Alfonso VI reign. People end their pilgrimage in this Cathedral and they believe that this is well worth it. There are 3 naves and a plan of Latin cross. It is a combination of various architectures – Gothic, Romanesque, Plateresque, Baroque and Neoclassical.