A June 2004 trip to Santiago de Compostela by dj_canela
Quote: You don't have to be Catholic to appreciate the final destination of the legendary medieval way of pilgrimship. Pay a visit to this university town, famed for its traditional seafood specialties and its emphasis on ancient Celtic ties. You will leave entranced by the rich cultural history.
Overview
Santiago de Compostela has been hosting visitors for so long, it boasts the oldest hotel in the world. It is considered the third holiest Catholic city after Jerusalem and Rome. The Old Quarter is full of windy, narrow streets and glistening facades from the local granite. You will find the town symbol, scallop shells (representing St James), hanging from walking sticks (symbol of the pilgrim), along with miniature versions of the gigantic botafumeiro (incense burner) that hangs in the cathedral, lining the souvenir shops. Though it's not known for it's nightlife, the university brings a youthful vibe to Santiago.
Hotel | "Hotel Husa Santiago Apostol"
I booked this hotel online with Orbitz just 2 days prior to arrival. It's located outside of town but is easy to access by public transportation (a bus stop in the hotel parking lot) or taxi. It is located on the Camino de Santiago, so you will see pilgrims on foot as they approach their final destination. There is a restaurant on-site and the front desk is noticeably helpful. The only drawback would be the noise from the highway. But this can be resolved by wearing the ear plugs and eye mask that came with your transatlantic flight!
Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 20, 2005
Husa Santiago Apostol Cuesta De San Marcos 1 Santiago De Composte 15820 34 981 557155
Restaurant
L'Incontro Rúa do Franco, 50 Santiago de Compostela , Spain 00 34 981 585 975
Story/Tip
dj_canela San Jose, California