The Oldest and Finest Hotel In The World
The Parador of Santiago De Compostela is one of the world's
finest hotels - and its oldest! This building has been
operating as a hostelery since 1499. In its still-existing
'foundation document' from that same year, it states that the
building was to be dedicated, "as a hostelry for pilgrims and to
house comfortably and suitably all devout people, both sick and
in good health, who come to the city."
It became a place for weary pilgrims to sleep and get medical
attention after their long ordeal of traversing the Camino de
Santiago - "The Way of St. James." For centuries, millions of
the faithful have trekked here from all parts of Europe. The
Parador Santiago De Compostela has all the fine touches and
attention to detail that distinguish world-class hotels. Your
quarters will have marble bathrooms, and heated towel racks add
to the elegant feel. The public areas of the hotel include four
cloisters of immense beauty and a dining room that can be
described in no other way than regal. The 'signature' of the
building is the intricate Plateresque entry which was added in
1678.
The city of Santiago De Compostela is a beautiful repository of
the history of Spain. Wandering the old quarter never ceases to
fascinate.
Interesting sites near Parador Santiago De Compostela:
- Just across the Plaza do Obradoiro is the awesome Cathedral
Del Apostol. The Cathedral has two facades completed in
different centuries - one Baroque, and one Romanesque. No matter
your religion, you must attend a mass and observe the incredible
ritual swinging of the 'Botafumeiro.' This is a giant incense
burner that is hoisted, by eight friars, onto ropes the size of
a man's thigh - and swung in awesome swooping arcs from one side
of the church to the other - really quite a unique spectacle!
- Also right near the Parador of Santiago De Compostela is the
Palacio de Gelmirez (open daily for viewing).
- On the western side of the same square is the French
Neoclassical Pazo de Raxoi.
- Be sure and walk through the old quarter that surrounds the
Plaza do Obradoiro - especially to the south and east. You'll
come upon the Praza das Praterias with its Fuente de los
Caballos, and Praza da Quintana and Praza da Azabacheria which
fronts the Benedictine Monasterio de San Martina Pinario.
Interesting day trips:
- Drive out to the nearby "rias." These are deep jagged inlets -
fjiords of great natural beauty. You'll discover many hidden
coves and beaches where you can stop and picnic, or swim if you
have a bit of polar bear in you!
As you roam around on your excursions out from Santiago De
Compostela Parador, stop in any one of the dozens of quaint and
"tipico" restaurants you'll encounter and try the national dish
of Galica - 'pulpo' - octopus. It is prepared in several
different ways and, if you've never had it, may surprise you
with its delicious flavor.
Whether you consider yourself a pilgrim or not - for dedicated
travelers, Santiago De Compostela is one of the world's few
destinations that you must try to see at least once in your
lifetime.
For more on all of Spain's wonderful Paradors, go to: http://www.SpainParador.com