Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a highlight of Spain and well worth a detour if you are anywhere in the northwestern part of the country. According to legend, Saint James’s grave was found by simple shepherds guided to the site by a field of stars, and his remains reside in a shrine in Santiago’s magnificent cathedral. Since the 11th century, the city has been the destination of millions of pilgrims who have made the perilous journey by foot across Europe to worship at the shrine. The first travel guide ever written was printed to help these pilgrims along their way. To ease their journey, hospices sprang up along the route, several of which are now paradors featured in this book. Santiago’s cathedral faces onto a stunning plaza, still bustling with pilgrims. Facing onto the same plaza is one of the original hospices, now housing one of Spain’s most deluxe hotels, Parador Hotel Dos Reis Católicos.