Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Square · Santiago de Compostela, Galicia
Praza do Obradoiro
Square in front of the cathedral's Baroque façade, flanked by the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, the Pazo de Raxoi and the Colexio de San Xerome. It is where pilgrims finish the Way.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Praza do Obradoiro
The Praza do Obradoiro is Santiago's main square and the endpoint of the Way. The name comes from the workshops, the obradoiros, of the stonemasons who worked on the cathedral's façade. The square is closed off by four buildings from different periods and styles, one on each side.
To the east stands the Baroque façade of the cathedral, with its two towers and the large double staircase. To the north, the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, an old pilgrims' hospital from 1499. To the west, the Pazo de Raxoi, an 18th-century neoclassical building topped by the figure of Santiago on horseback, housing the city council and the presidency of the Xunta de Galicia. To the south, the Colexio de San Xerome, with a Romanesque portal, seat of the university's rectorate.
In the center of the square, a stone slab with the vieira, symbol of the Way, marks the spot where pilgrims usually stop, drop their backpacks and look at the cathedral. The ground is granite, with no benches or trees, and the noise of arriving groups, with embraces and tears, is part of the scene.
On the night of July 24, the eve of the apostle's day, the square usually hosts a light and fireworks show over the façade.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 20 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
Late morning and early afternoon, when most pilgrims arrive. At sunset, the golden light hits the cathedral's façade. At night, the square is lit and quieter.
How to get there
It is in the center of the old town, a 15-minute walk from the train station via Rúa do Franco, and 5 minutes from the Mercado de Abastos.
Tip
Sit on the ground like the pilgrims, leaning against the Pazo de Raxoi, to see the whole façade. Walk through the passage under the Pazo de Xelmírez, next to the cathedral, to hear the bagpiper who often plays there.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Praza do Obradoiro
Why is the square called Obradoiro?
Because of the workshops, the obradoiros, of the stonemasons who worked on the cathedral’s façade.
Which buildings surround the Praza do Obradoiro?
The cathedral, the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, the Pazo de Raxoi, seat of the city council, and the Colexio de San Xerome, of the university.
When do pilgrims arrive at the square?
Throughout the day, but mainly late morning and early afternoon, in time for the pilgrim’s mass.