Since the main Catedral was being spruced up and closed, came here after completing the Camino…read moreFrances to reflect. I'm normally not a big crier, but I guess spending 30+ days on the trail brought out my inner chillona. This beautiful church sure did bring out the waterworks. Built between 1754-1765, this impressive church with the marvelous dome was a sight to behold. It was quiet,fairly empty, and just the perfect place to contemplate. Additionally, the chiaroscuro effects were just brilliant. I could go on and on. Overall, just a great church to spend some time alone, let everything you went through sink in, and just plain be. Buen Camino, Peregrinos!

Amazing place! To…read morepreface, we were just your average tourists, unlike those who "pilgrim" their way here (hats off to those hardcore hikers). Nevertheless, breathtaking! Maybe not as grand as the Vatican, but after being to both, I love this cathedral much more... Great views, great vibe, great mass (if you're into such a Catholic thing), and a great cobblestone surrounding city to get your walk on... It's amazing! If you've never, you should! Prost!

Clearly this is a must-see site if you visit Santiago de Compostela. I believe the cathedral is one…read moreof the largest in Europe and probably the largest in Spain (don't quote me on that last bit). Since it is a must see site, you might face long lines. However, during our trip in early September, it only took us about 15 minutes to enter around 4 pm. So, it might be worth it to visit later in the day. In addition to viewing the wonderful Romanesque interior, you can also visit the tomb of St. James. Be aware that there is another line to view the tomb. Also, it's set up where you are not really allowed to linger around the tomb because it's pretty much a walk in, walk out situation. Admission is free for both the cathedral and tomb. Also, are not allowed to bring large rucksack; however, you can bring smaller bags.

This is an intimate little church with a courtyard that has something to see - all around are over…read more300 stone slabs from medieval gremios or guilds, from XIV to XVI centuries. One can spend some time studying the symbols for tailors, leather-workers, and more. The church itself dates from 1327 when it was consecrated by Archbishop Berenguel and is set on the Quintana dos Mortos (square of the dead), with earth supposedly brought from Palestine (there are many such legends in Galicia - this might be true). The style is Romanesque. Noia itself has the legendary origin of having found named for a granddaughter of Noah's son Jafet. Pliny describes the fortress of Noela, which may have been the source of this legend. There were Celtic settlements in the area of Noia. Youtube has this video in Spanish, which explains the guilds as represented on the granite slabs. Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYKLE3YXxFM

Yelp won't allow me not to rate and still post my comment so I'm giving my stars based on…read morehospitality and potential. I did not stay the night, though I'm thinking I may have missed out on a unique experience and some good food. Some of these photos I came upon their Facebook page. I felt they captured something spirited about the place and an important perspective to share. As we entered the monastery gate we met Gerald who offered us tea and showed us around the property. It was once a monastery, now a Refugio for Peregrinos and a few semi-permanent residents living a rustic communal lifestyle with a collective purpose of preserving this important historical monastery. There is a forge, workshop, and a church next to it. https://susanstar.pixieset.com/sanmartino/ I like what they've got going on here, but it's not for everyone. As one pilgrim put it, "It is relaxing here, but at the same one feels a bit on the outside." It was beyond my travel partners comfort zone so we headed on to Muxia from Coiumbra. It made for a 22mile day

One word of advice: Get there early! They open at 8, so be sure to start queueing by 7, at latest…read more You'll be glad you did! Not only will you meet fantastic Peregrinos from all over the globe, you'll also get the chance of scoring a free lunch at the Parador if you're one of the first ten in line. I got one! The people manning desks were friendly, but be ready to answer questions about your journey and provide your documents. They mean serious business! After all was said and done, we got our certificates (with our names in Latin), received our final sello on our credenciales, and took some fantastic pics. Oh yeah, they also sell certificate scrolls so you can bring them home safely. It was a Buen Camino!

After hiking 11 days I arrived in Santiago de Compostela in the afternoon and decided to avoid the…read morerush and get my Compostela (finisher certificate) when they opened the next morning. Located a block below the cathedral, at 730am there was already a long line outside. I waited about 45 min but after that it went pretty fast. You go downstairs past the courtyard pictured and pull your number. Highly recommend downloading the QR reader to monitor when your number is approaching. This allows you to leave and do something else vs waiting there. It took about 2 hours for my number so I had breakfast and explored the village. Watch out that the volunteer spells your name correctly. They often times Latinize it i.e. Michael = Miguel.