Santiago and the best green areas
Table of Contents
The best green areas in Santiago
Today we will talk about the best green spaces in Santiago de Compostela, perfect for nature lovers seeking to experience the most natural side of this wonderful city. Santiago offers a wide variety of such spaces, starting, without a doubt, with Alameda Park, located right in the heart of the city.
The Alameda Park is one of the most important green areas of Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia. This urban park combines history, nature and culture, being a place of great importance for both locals and visitors.
The park dates back to the 16th century, although its current configuration was developed mainly in the 19th and 20th centuries.
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Three main areas:
The Alameda itself encompasses several notable areas, including the Carballeira de Santa Susana—a grove of centuries-old oak trees surrounding the Hermitage of Santa Susana—and El Paseo de la Herradura, which offers panoramic views of the city, especially of the Cathedral of Santiago.
Historically, the park has been a place of recreation, strolling, and celebration for the inhabitants of Santiago.
It is home to several monuments and statues, each of great significance to the history and culture of Santiago. For example:
- The Two Marías: One of the most iconic features of the park, this bronze statue represents the sisters Maruxa and Coralia Fandiño Ricart, women known in the city for their story during the Franco regime.
- The Monument to Rosalía de Castro: A tribute to the Galician poet, featuring a bust surrounded by lush vegetation.
- The Statue of Ramón María del Valle-Inclán: Honoring one of the most important playwrights in Galician literature.
The Alameda is also an ideal place to enjoy the lush vegetation, including species such as oaks and camellias. It is part of the Galician Camellia Route, making it a key destination for nature enthusiasts.
The park’s gardens feature tree-lined paths, as well as vibrant flower and shrub beds, creating a picturesque and tranquil environment.
Alameda Park is more than just a green space—it is a symbol of Santiago. Its paths, benches, and sculptures invite visitors to reflect on Galician history and identity. Its proximity to the historic center makes it a bridge between the urban and the natural.
For those visiting Santiago de Compostela, the Alameda is an essential stop. It offers a harmonious blend of tranquility, natural beauty, and cultural significance, all imbued with the unique charm of this World Heritage city.
Belvis Park
We can also find Belvís Park on the outskirts of Santiago’s Old Town:
Another of the most emblematic green spaces in this city. This park, located just a few minutes’ walk from the historic centre, combines natural landscapes with architectural elements, creating an area that invites rest, leisurely strolls, and quiet contemplation.
It is located in the Belvís neighborhood, on the outskirts of the old town of Santiago.
From its hills and paths, you can enjoy beautiful views of the cathedral and other points of the city.
The area where the park is now located was linked to agricultural and conventual activities, as it is located near the Belvís Convent, founded in the 13th century.
Today, it has been transformed into a modern space designed to foster a connection with nature. Its design combines large meadows, winding paths, and wooded areas with native trees.
It is a perfect space for those looking for a green break during their tour of Santiago de Compostela.
Its proximity to the Belvís Convent and the possibility of exploring its surroundings make it a point of cultural interest.
Belvís Park is ideal for both locals and tourists, as it combines nature, history and tranquility in one place.’
Read also: 7 THINGS TO SEE IN SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Bonaval Park
Finally, near Belvís, we find Bonaval Park. This park, designed by the renowed Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira in collaboration with the Galician landscaper Isabel Aguirre, stands out for its balance between nature, architecture and the historical-cultural legacy of its location.
It is located on the slopes of Monte de Bonaval, next to the Convent of Santo Domingo de Bonaval and the Museo do Pobo Galego, which makes it a cultural landmark.
The park occupies land that formerly belonged to the convent of Santo Domingo de Bonaval, including its orchard and the old cemetery.
It was transformed into a public space in the 1990s, preserving historical elements while adding contemporary touches.
Its design combines natural topography with modern architectural elements, respecting the historic environment.
The paths are designed with gentle slopes and terraces that take advantage of the hillside, offering panoramic views of Santiago de Compostela.
The vegetation includes a mix of native and ornamental species, which enhances its integration with the Galician landscape.
Read also: WEEKEND IN SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Bonaval Cemetery
One of the most striking areas of the park is the Bonaval Cemetery, which preserves remnants of the former convent cemetery. Its melancholic and serene atmosphere is ideal for reflection.
The Terraced Gardens create a sense of visual dynamism, with wide spaces for walking and resting. Additionally, from certain points in the park, it is possible to enjoy stunning views of the cathedral and the historic center.
Its proximity to the Museo do Pobo Galego, dedicated to the culture and traditions of Galicia, adds a unique cultural component to the park.
It is also located near the Centro Galego de Arte Contemporánea (CGAC), which integrates it into a cultural route.
The Bonaval Park is a place where modernity and history converge, offering a green respite in the heart of Santiago de Compostela. It is a space full of cultural and natural significance, ideal for those seeking a more relaxed and reflective experience during their visit to the city.
These green spaces are among the most recommended for escaping the hustle and bustle of Santiago de Compostela, offering a peaceful haven amidst the hectic day-to-day life of the Galician capital