The best museums in Santiago de Compostela to visit
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The best museums in Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela, the famous city located in the northwest of Spain and the destination of the Camino de Santiago, is not only famous for being the final destination of the Jacobean route, but also for its rich history and culture, which are reflected in an interesting list of museums.
From medieval sacred art to the latest avant-garde, Santiago has something different for all its visitors depending on their interests.
Below, we present an interesting selection of the most notable museums that you cannot miss during your stay in this interesting city, a World Heritage Site.
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CATHEDRAL MUSEUM
One of the most emblematic museums in Santiago is the Cathedral Museum, located on one side of the imposing Compostela Cathedral, it is perhaps a relatively unknown museum in the city.
This museum houses an impressive collection of religious art, including sculptures, paintings and liturgical objects, spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day, including the great Compostela Era, the period of the heyday of the city of the Apostle. Visitors can marvel at the beauty and history of these works while exploring the various rooms of the museum, which although small is extremely interesting.
CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER (CGAC)
Another place of interest for lovers of more recent art is the Galician Center of Contemporary Art (CGAC), which is located very close to the heart of the old town of Santiago. This museum houses a permanent collection of works by prominent contemporary Galician and Spanish artists in general, as well as international ones, as well as temporary exhibitions that explore various artistic currents and topics of current cultural relevance.
Visitors who decide to go to this center can enjoy a very interesting tour visiting different rooms and discovering some works by painters of the stature of Picasso or Dalí.
At the same time, the building that houses the center, built between 1988 and 1993 and designed by the Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza, marks an important contrast with its surroundings since it is a construction that, although it uses traditional materials from the city of Santiago continues to be an “island of modernity” compared to the buildings that surround it. In fact, Siza tried to adapt the center to the space it had since it was built on the old orchards of the monastery of San Domingos de Bonaval, hence the staggered shape of the complex. Without a doubt a very interesting place
POBO GALEGO MUSEUM
Right next to the CGAC we find another museum of a completely different nature, the Museo do Pobo Galego.
For those interested in the most typical regional traditions of the autonomous community of Galicia this is your place, without a doubt a must visit. It is a museum of ethnology or anthropology founded in 1976 with the aim of maintaining the memory of the typical customs of life in Galicia , trades, clothing, etc.
This museum, located in an old convent of medieval origin, offers a fascinating insight into the culture and traditions of the Galician people over the centuries, hence its name. From prehistoric artifacts to everyday objects of rural life, the museum presents a wide range of exhibits illustrating the rich history and cultural diversity of this region of northern Spain.
MUSEUM OF PILGRIMAGES AND SANTIAGO
Fans of the Jacobean world have this museum as the one that may interest them the most. It is a museum dedicated exclusively to the pilgrim universe in Santiago and other parts of the world. Located in the building of the old Bank of Spain, it houses numerous historical pieces that span more than a thousand years of pilgrimage to Santiago. It offers in some way a deep look at the history of the Camino de Santiago and its impact on Galician, Spanish and European society and culture.
Visitors to this museum will be able to discover old historical maps and religious art related to the pilgrimage, as well as interactive exhibitions that explore pilgrimages on other continents such as America or Asia and their relationship or resemblance to Santiago and the Camino de Santiago.
Read also: HIKING ROUTES THROUGH SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
USC NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Last but not least, the Natural History Museum of the University of Santiago de Compostela is an ideal destination for nature lovers.
This museum houses an extensive collection of flora and fauna specimens, as well as exhibits on geology, paleontology and ecology. Visitors can learn about the rich natural diversity of Galicia , from Spain and around the world as they explore the museum’s various galleries and exhibits. It is the most recent on the list and is located in the vicinity of the Casa de Europa located on the old Simeón estate.
A CITY WHERE YOU CAN CARRY OUT MULTIPLE MORE ACTIVITIES
Likewise, in addition to having interesting museums, Santiago de Compostela offers a wide variety of other activities. Who is interested in continuing to know other places in Galicia, or physically the city itself and its history, there are agencies such as Galicia Travelsthat organize trips, tours and experiences that allow the visitor to delve in depth into the culture and places of Santiago and Galicia.
Undoubtedly, an opportunity to continue discovering the magnificent surroundings of the local culture.
If you’re looking for more information about the city, we invite you to explore this travel guide to Santiago de Compostela for more ideas.