Christian Compostela Tours

Why Choose Santiago de Compostela for A Christian Tour?

With a population of about 100,000 inhabitants, Santiago de Compostela, considered the holiest city in Spain, is tucked away in the far end of northwest Spain. Most travellers to Spain have long heard about the Camino de Santiago, the medieval pilgrimage route that ends at that town’s cathedral. The route is technically called the Way of Saint James, or the Camino de Santiago.

Santiago de Compostela is perhaps the most popular destination in Galicia, attracting people from all corners of the world with its magnificent cathedral and prestigious Christian reputation. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and boasts a beautiful historic center and a university which was founded in the 16th century.

The Cathedral

Inside the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is said to be the burial place of Saint James the Great, one of the 12 apostles, who (legend says) came to the Iberian Peninsula preaching the gospel before being killed in Jerusalem in 44 AD. The legend continues that his remains were brought back to Galicia and a church at Santiago de Compostela was constructed to hold the holy relics in the 9th century. The present-day cathedral dates from 1075, and the holiness of the relics interred there has been debated – a Papal Bull in the 1880s gave them the official seal of approval, but the Vatican today doesn’t sound as convinced. That doesn’t stop tens of thousands of people from making the pilgrimage to the cathedral every year. You can enjoy a noon mass for pilgrims held every day in the cathedral.

Besides the Cathedral, the city’s old town is worth spending some time exploring. The entire historical centre is packed with treasure troves and testaments from yesteryears. Every street corner offers something for the curious traveller – from ancient chapels to charming fountains and vintage taverns.

The climate of Santiago is typical of the Spanish Atlantic coast: wet winters with frequent rains which, in light or heavy bursts, lasts from September to June. The summers are slightly less rainy than the rest of the Cantabrian coast. Temperatures remain mild throughout the whole year with a yearly average of 19ºC. They drop down to about 8ºC in January, the coldest month of the year.