Secret places in Santiago de Compostela that you should discover
Table of Contents
secret places of Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela, capital of the Galician community in northwestern Spain, is famous for being the final destination of the Camino de Santiago, an ancient Christian pilgrimage route. Although the majestic cathedral and Plaza del Obradoiro attract most tourists, Santiago has secret, lesser-known corners that reveal the hidden charm of this ancient city.
In this tour, we will explain some of these places that do not usually appear in travel guides.
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Belvís Park: A haven of peace near the center
Belvís Park is an oasis of tranquility located just a few minutes walk from the bustling historic centre of Santiago de Compostela. Less well-known than the more famous Alameda Park, this park offers a perfect retreat for those seeking a bit of calm away from the crowds.
With its green lawns, labyrinthine paths and panoramic views of the old town, Belvís Park is ideal for a relaxing stroll. It also houses a small urban garden, the grounds actually belonging to a former monastery, and an area for outdoor activities, where workshops and cultural events are often held.
The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria del Sar: The leaning church
Another crucial commercial area in this city is known as El Ensanche.
It is located in the historic center of the city and this area is characterized by a large number of commercial establishments. The Santiago Centro Open Shopping Center is located here.
Its main streets are: General Pardiñas, Doutor Teixeiro, Republic of El Salvador, Montero Ríos, Alfredo Brañas Boulevard and Roxa and Galicia squares.
Other streets full of shops are Rosalía de Castro, Fernando III el Santo, República Arxentina A Rosa and Santiago de Chile. These complement a unique and varied commercial offer.
Here you can find international brands, large Spanish franchises, Galician fashion, food stores, gift shops, jewelers, boutiques, shoe stores and leather goods.
Then, if you want to relax, you can find many bars, restaurants and cinemas.
The Collegiate Church of Santa María del Sar is one of the best kept secrets in Santiago de Compostela. Located on the banks of the River Sar, this 12th-century Romanesque church is known for the curious inclination of its interior columns, which seem to defy the laws of gravity and make it a kind of leaning tower of Pisa in Santiago de Compostela.
Despite its structural peculiarity, the building is still standing thanks to the flying buttresses added in the 17th century. Its peaceful atmosphere and the small adjacent cloister, which leads to a garden, offer a unique and mystical experience, far from the beaten track and evoking to the visitor an atmosphere of another time.
The Food Market: Gastronomy in its purest form
Although it is not a secret in itself, the Mercado de Abastos de Santiago is a place that many visitors overlook and stop visiting because they do not consider it relevant.
This market is the second most visited in Galicia after the cathedral and offers an authentic experience of local gastronomy. The stalls are filled with fresh local produce, from seafood and fish to cheeses, meats, fruit and vegetables. Strolling through the market is an opportunity to discover the culinary richness of the region and, if you are lucky, even sample some of the delicacies at the food stalls that prepare fresh dishes to order. Especially the local seafood, famous throughout Spain, and many other typical products.
Read also: What to do in Santiago de Compostela in 2025
The Fonseca Palace: History and architecture
The Fonseca Palace is a Renaissance palace located a few steps from the cathedral. Although its façade is known to many, few go inside to discover its beautiful cloister and the general library of the University of Santiago de Compostela. This place is a gem for lovers of history and architecture, with its inner courtyard where there is a statue of Bishop Fonseca, founder of the Santiago University in 1495. The palace also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events, and has in one of its rooms the only preserved Mudejar ceiling in Galicia. Without a doubt, a place worth visiting.
The Convent of San Francisco: A hidden gem
The Convent of San Francisco, located near the Plaza del Obradoiro, is another of the lesser-known places in Santiago.
This Franciscan convent, founded in the 13th century, has a fascinating museum that tells the history of the order in Santiago and an impressive church with Baroque and Gothic architectural details. The convent also offers accommodation in its guesthouse, giving visitors the unique opportunity to stay in a historic setting. It should be noted that this convent was founded by Saint Francis of Assisi himself after his pilgrimage to Santiago with the help of Cotolay, a young charcoal burner who became his disciple, whose tomb is still preserved inside. A place full of history and religiosity.
Rúa de San Pedro: The essence of old Santiago
Rúa de San Pedro is one of the most charming and authentic streets in Santiago de Compostela. Located off the beaten tourist track, this pedestrian thoroughfare is lined with craft shops, bookstores, cafés and local taverns. Walking down this street is like travelling back in time, as it retains much of the charm of old Santiago. Furthermore, during local festivals, Rúa de San Pedro becomes the setting for various cultural activities and traditional events that reflect the essence of life in Compostela. It is the example of an authentic popular street in the city.
Read also: 5 THINGS TO DO IN SANTIAGO
FINAL CONCLUSIONS
In short, Santiago de Compostela is much more than its famous cathedral and its large and famous squares, it is a living city that is worth knowing even in its most hidden corners. These very special places offer visitors a different and more intimate view of the city, which often goes unnoticed by most people.
There are also alternatives to get to know the city better. Agencies such as Galicia Travels offer the possibility of exploring the city guided by professionals, as well as many other trips through Galicia. Without a doubt, an experience worth taking advantage of.