The essence of this area is explained, to a large degree, by all the meaning that the different Caminos entail. The immense artistic and monumental patrimony is outstanding and it leaves its marks throughout the whole extension of this destination. But, as we shall see, that marks do not only generate interest in the patrimonial side of this territory but also in the gastronomic and festive fields.
Definetely Santiago de Compostela, as the final destination of all the caminos in which lasts the mark of pilgrims of all times, offers to those who visit it, art, culture, beauty and history in a city recognized as World Cultural Heritage.
The destination Terras de Santiago covers the municipalities of Ames, A Baña, Boqueixón, Brión, Negreira, Padrón, Rois, Santa Comba, Santiago de Compostela, Teo, Val do Dubra and Vedra.
«It is an Ideal place for rural tourism and hiking trails». Due to its condition of interior land, the water of the rivers and springs is a very important lement in the lands of Santiago. This reality is perceived in the spectacular images that the Tambre River has in all its extension, for example in the rivers Mendo and Mandeo from its birth, the Mira river waterfall in Santa Comba or the Portomouro waterfall in Val do Dubra, among many other attractions.
Antiquity: It is a rich area on all type of prehistoric demonstrations, hence arises the Park Compostela Rupestre, where can find distinct samples as the Stone of the Man (Dubra Valley) or the multiple petroglyph of Ames.
Historical heritage: The patrimonial theme referred to above is reflected in the city of Santiago de Compostela itself, in terms of its cathedral, the Praza do Obradoiro, the City of Culture, the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario, the Pazo de Xelmirez, the Hostal dos Reis Católicos ...it is true that, in addition, in Santiago de Compostela, the usual becomes art. Thus, the mere fact of visiting its historical center or walking its cobbled streets, takes in consideration and turns out to be an experience of enormous artistic value.Moreover, in the surrounding municipalities, there are also interesting examples of historical value: Pontevea de Teo or the Church of Páramo in Val do Dubra ... are just a few examples, distributed over the territory.
ESSENTIALS
Santiago de Compostela: The cathedral, one of the most important monuments in the world, the Praza do Obradoiro, the Cidade da Cultura, the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario, the Pazo de Xelmirez, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos and its many 'corners' in the streets of the historical area such as Rúa do Vilar or Rúa Nova will make you capture unforgettable images of a unique city.
Rosalía de Castro House-Museum: In the autumn of 1947 the Rosalía de Castro Patronage was created, in order to fix Casa da Matanza, in Padrón, a house in which Rosalía de Castro lived the last years of her life. It was restored in 1971 and became House-Museum in 1972. It is an essential visit for the approach to the figure of a unique and indispensable writer.
Pontemaceira: Pontemaceira is a unique place that the pilgrims find on their way to Fisterra. Located between the town councils of Negreira and Ames, this bridge crosses the Tambre River and preserves a singular beauty and a historical artistic set of great relevance.
Tarta de Santiago: This traditional tart of Galician gastronomy can be obtained in almost any establishment on the Camino. Its origin is unknown, but we know that, being the almond a scarce product in the Middle Ages, this food was a luxury reserved to few.
Aguardiente del Ulla: The aguardiente is a liquor obtained from the distillation of the remains of the grape called orujo, and it is a very common drink throughout the rural areas. In the Municipality of Vedra, in the district of San Mamede de Ribadulla, the Festa da augardente do Ulla is celebrated every year with a wide variety of activities.
Pemento de Herbón: Herbón peppers, also known as Pementos de Padrón, can be spicy and have a Protected Denomination of Origin since 2009. The origin of this product is associated with the Mexican seeds brought by the Franciscan monks to the convent of Herbon. It should be noted that Herbón's authentic peppers are only available between May and October.