Santiago de Compostela: Discover the pilgrimage – From Porto.

About this tour in Santiago de Compostela

• CrewEnglish, Portuguese, Spanish, French
• Duration9 hours
• CancellationPrivate Day Trips Cancellation Policy.
• Pick-upHotel pick-up available

Itinerary

1. Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

   The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain is a major Roman Catholic pilgrimage destination, built to house the tomb of Saint James the Great, one of Jesus' apostles. Its construction began in 1075 and was largely completed in 1211, forming a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture that has since been modified with Gothic and Baroque elements. The cathedral is the final stop of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

   • Religious significance: It is the reputed burial place of Saint James the Great, making it a vital pilgrimage site for centuries. It is one of the few churches in the world built over an apostle's tomb.
   • Architectural features: The cathedral's original design is Romanesque, featuring a Latin cross floor plan, round arches, and thick walls. Over time, it has been enhanced with Gothic and Baroque additions, creating a rich blend of styles. A key feature is the Romanesque Pórtico da Gloria, a grand entryway with over 200 sculpted figures.
   • Pilgrimage destination: It is the final destination for pilgrims on the many routes of the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James).
   • Location: It is located in the city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.
   • History: Construction began in 1075 under Bishop Diego Peláez and concluded in 1211. Since then, numerous extensions and modifications have been made, including work during the Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassic periods.

2. Santiago de Compostela.

   Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Spain's autonomous community of Galicia, a city celebrated as one of the world's most significant Christian pilgrimage sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the final destination of the Camino de Santiago, or "Way of St. James," which has drawn pilgrims from across Europe for centuries. The city is also a vibrant university town with a rich history and distinct culture

3. Medieval City of Valenca do Minho.

   The medieval city of Valença do Minho is a historic fortified town in northern Portugal, situated on the border with Spain. It is most famous for its star-shaped, 17th-century fortress, which encloses the charming historic center and overlooks the Minho River and the Spanish town of Tui.

   History and strategic importance

   • A border stronghold: Valença do Minho was established as a strategic military stronghold to protect Portugal from Spanish incursions. Its name was changed from Contrasta (meaning "across from Tui") to Valença in 1262.
   • Long history of fortification: Though its walls have been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the centuries, the fortress's origins date to the early 13th century.
   • 17th-century redesign: The impressive defenses seen today were largely constructed during the 17th-century Restoration War. The fortification was rebuilt in the Vauban style, a series of defensive layers and star-shaped bastions designed to withstand artillery attacks.
   • Changing relationships: The town's military function ended with improved relations between Spain and Portugal. Today, the town is a peaceful place where Spanish tourists cross the border to shop

What’s included

Good to know before you go

• Dress accordingly.
• Not wheelchair accessible.

Frequently asked questions