Parador de Santiago de Compostela

In 1486, after a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, the Catholic Monarchs, decided to build an inn and hospital for pilgrims at the end of the Camino de Santiago. They provided the necessary funds in 1499, construction began in 1501 and lasted more than ten years. The Hospital of 1499 was planned in the form of a Latin cross with two cloisters. Male pilgrims were housed on the left, with a refectory, kitchen and apothecary. The female pilgrims had similar accommodations on the right side of the building, where there was also a prison and an orphanage. It continued in this function for four centuries. In 1953, the hospital service was moved to a new location nearby, and in 1954 the inn reopened as a luxury hotel after renovation. In 1986 it joined the Paradores network.

The project was supervised by the architect Enrique Egas, with a Plateresque façade. The architectural style is plateresque with gothic influences in its main façade, a masterpiece of the French Martín de Blas and Guille Colás from 1520. Masons, engineers and sculptors from all over Europe were summoned to work on the project. Its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque design make it a monument of great interest. Two of the cloisters date from the 18th century, but the two earlier ones are from the 16th century and have water fountains in their centers. The later courtyards are of baroque design and were built during an extensive remodeling. In 1526, King Charles V completed the work on the Plaza del Obradoiro, creating a large open square linking the Hostal with the great Cathedral.

The Parador is located in the Plaza del Obradoiro, the heart of Santiago de Compostela and the end point of the Camino de Santiago. The Cathedral of Santiago, with the Portico de la Gloria and the tomb of the Apostle, is directly opposite. The historic center of Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounds the square with its medieval streets, markets and taverns. The pilgrimage atmosphere fills the streets throughout the year.