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Parador of Santiago De Compostela
By Gary Bumpas
The Parador of Santiago De Compostela is one of the world's finest
hotels - and its oldest! This building has been operating as a hostelery
since 1499. In its still-existing 'foundation document' from that same
year, it states that the building was to be dedicated, "as a hostelry for
pilgrims and to house comfortably and suitably all devout people, both
sick and in good health, who come to the city."
It became a place for weary pilgrims to sleep and get medical attention
after their long ordeal of traversing the Camino de Santiago - "The Way
of St. James." For centuries, millions of the faithful have trekked here
from all parts of Europe.
The Parador Santiago De Compostela has all the fine touches and
attention to detail that distinguish world-class hotels. Your quarters will
have marble bathrooms, and heated towel racks add to the elegant
feel. The public areas of the hotel include four cloisters of immense
beauty and a dining room that can be described in no other way than
regal. The 'signature' of the building is the intricate Plateresque entry
which was added in 1678.
The city of Santiago De Compostela is a beautiful repository of the
history of Spain. Wandering the old quarter never ceases to fascinate.
Interesting sites near Parador Santiago De Compostela:
- Just across the Plaza do Obradoiro is the awesome Cathedral Del
Apostol. The Cathedral has two facades completed in different
centuries - one Baroque, and one Romanesque. No matter your
religion, you must attend a mass and observe the incredible ritual
swinging of the 'Botafumeiro.' This is a giant incense burner that is
hoisted, by eight friars, onto ropes the size of a man's thigh - and
swung in awesome swooping arcs from one side of the church to the
other - really quite a unique spectacle!
- Also right near the Parador of Santiago De Compostela is the Palacio
de Gelmirez (open daily for viewing).
- On the western side of the same square is the French Neoclassical
Pazo de Raxoi.
- Be sure and walk through the old quarter that surrounds the Plaza do
Obradoiro - especially to the south and east. You'll come upon the
Praza das Praterias with its Fuente de los Caballos, and Praza da
Quintana and Praza da Azabacheria which fronts the Benedictine
Monasterio de San Martina Pinario.
Interesting day trips:
- Drive out to the nearby "rias." These are deep jagged inlets - fjiords
of great natural beauty. You'll discover many hidden coves and
beaches where you can stop and picnic, or swim if you have a bit of
polar bear in you!
As you roam around on your excursions out from Santiago De
Compostela Parador, stop in any one of the dozens of quaint and
"tipico" restaurants you'll encounter and try the national dish of Galica -
'pulpo' - octopus. It is prepared in several different ways and, if you've
never had it, may surprise you with its delicious flavor.
Whether you consider yourself a pilgrim or not - for dedicated travelers,
Santiago De Compostela is one of the world's few destinations that you
must try to see at least once in your lifetime.
About the Author
SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty. Go to: http://www.SpainParador.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/17495.html
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