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Santiago
de Compostela
Location
It is located in the
northeast of Spain in the province of La Coruña and in the region
of Galicia. Galicia is Spain's greenest region. The galicians are believed
to be linked to the Celtic, this strong influence can be perceived in
the whole region, in some monuments (like the old Celtic cross) and also
in their music. The Celtic came to the north of Spain mainly.
The
native language
The official language
of the region is gallego and it also has some resemblance with
the Celtic and many similarities to the Portuguese language, as they are
neighbours.
Origins
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| Pilgrim's
view of the statue of St. James the apostle in the Cathedral. The
tradition is to approach and kiss him from the back |
Santiago de Compostela
is built on a hill surrounded by the river Sar. It is a World Heritage
Site. What is the origin of this town? Its origin is linked to the legend
of St. James the Apostle, beheaded in 44 AD in Palestine. His remains
were discovered in 813 AD on the site of the present Cathedral. St. James
became patron Saint of Spain and by the mid-10th century many
pilgrims were coming from all over Europe, through France and across the
north of Spain. This route became known as El Camino de Santiago (The
Way of James). The town of Santiago grew around this historic site.
The
town
The Cathedral stands
on the Obradoiro Square (Praza do Obradoiro in Gallego, Plaza del Obradoiro
in Spanish) or Square of Spain (Praza do España). The main streets
of this site are the street of Franco (Rúa do Franco, in gallego,
"rúa" means street, or "calle" in Spanish),
the street of Vilar (the Rúa do Vilar) and the street of Novar
(the Rúa Nova). Some of the historical monuments
and buildings to be admired by their architecture and beauty are: the
College of San Jerórimo in the Praza da Inmaculada; the Hostal
de Los Reyes Católicos (a five star hotel which used to be a hospital
for sick pilgrims) and the Gelmínez Palace (the Pazo de Xelmírez
in Gallego) in the Praza do Obradoiro and of course the Cathedral itself.
Santiago is a beautiful town to visit and to walk.
The
Galician cuisine
Santiago and Galicia
in general are very rich in seafood and fish as it shows their rich and
delicious cuisine. Some of the typical dishes are: Empanada (flat
pie): Pie filled with grilled fish cooked with oil, garlic and paprika.
Shellfish and pork are alternative fillings. Vieras de Santiago:
Scallops (the symbol of St. James) in the shell, covered with a tomato
and brandy sauce and grilled. Cocido gallego: A very rich and heavy
hot pot with meat and beans, ideal for the cold weather and the outside
work in winter. Pulpo: Octopus grilled with lots of garlic and
paprika. Very tasty!! Galicia also produces different soft cheeses; the
most popular is called Tetilla, name given because it has the shape
of a woman breast.
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