About Plaza del Obradoiro Lifestyle and Real Estate Options

Set in Casco Histórico (historical centre), Praza do Obradoiro (workshop square) is Santiago de Compostela's largest plaza, and is considered the main plaza for the whole city. It is characterized by an expansive square whose floor is covered entirely by cobblestone, and decorated with eight rays that start at the center and extend to the corners of the plaza. A plaque placed at the center of the plaza commemorates it as a World Heritage Site, due to it being the culmination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

Praza do Obradoiro is surrounded by four important buildings meant to represent the four powers of the city: the Church, the Government, the University and the Doctors and Bourgeoisie. These buildings are the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela to the east (Church), the Pazo de Raxoi (the City Hall palace) to the west, the Colexio de San Xerome to the south (University), and the Hostal dos Reis Católicos to the north (Doctors). The cathedral is an especially well-known site, as it is the reputed burial place of Saint James, the biblical apostle of Jesus Christ.

Once a plaza that could be crossed by vehicles, Praza do Obradoiro is now mainly a pedestrian place, much like many parts of Casco Histórico. With the exception of taxis dropping-off visitors and delivery vans or trucks, the plaza can only be traversed by foot. As a result, visitors can better experience and appreciate the architectural grandeur of the Baroque and Spanish Gothic buildings surrounding the plaza, as well as the tranquil ambiance of old town Santiago de Compostela.

Since it is more of a historical landmark and attraction rather than a leisure park or commercial plaza, there are no apartment blocks or residences within Prazo do Obradoiro, or surrounding its square. There are, however, a good number of hotels and apartments in the plaza’s vicinity, as many tourists visit and prefer to stay at the heart of the city’s picturesque old town. Quaint, old-fashioned buildings around the area also offer spacious accommodations for families—especially those with children studying in the nearby universities.

Amenities and Services Nearby

Hotels: La Casita de la Catedral, Parador de Santiago de Compostela, Hotel RuaVillar, A Fonte das Hortas Residencial, Libredón, Pensión Hortas

Restaurants and Bars: Restaurante Obradoiro, A Horta d'Obradoiro, Restaurante Raxoi, O Boneco Bar, Enxebre Restaurante, Casa Marcelo Restaurante, Restaurante Casa Paredes, Restaurante San Jaime