Baroque medieval Catholic church & monastery, with mass & a museum of historic art.
Address: Rúa de San Paio de Antealtares, 23, Santiago de Compostela
Phone: 981 56 06 23
Website: http://www.santiagoturismo.com/monumentos/mosteiro-e-igrexa-de-san-paio-de-antealtares-11
Turn this route data into a practical day plan with live maps, elevation profiles, and stay planning.
The monastery is just steps from Santiago de Compostela Cathedral but not as crowded. There is a small entrance fee (discount for pilgrims and seniors). You first visit the church with its incredible golden altar and the intricate carved wooden choir behind the altar. Then there is a museum accessible by stairs. You will have some beautiful views down onto the church below from the museum spaces. It is well worth climbing the stairs to see all the exhibits. Visiting the monastery is a very peaceful way to spend a couple hours as you gain insight into the history and lives of the people in this city
You can buy typical cakes and local sweets, it's a real treasure, which not many tourists discover. I would recommend it!
Facade was really beautiful and impressive but inside was a bit disappointing as it just looked so ordinary. It was a pity, really. Because it was raining, there were not too many people, which was definitely great for those like to take picture with minimum number of people
A must do on finishing your Camino.
We didn't go to the monastery itself, but we bought very tasty cookies. Very interesting experience, lacks instructions, preferably in English.
