Pazo de Xelmírez is one of the finest examples of medieval civil architecture in Santiago de Compostela, standing beside the cathedral and forming part of its monumental complex. Built in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries as the residence of the archbishops, the palace reflects the power and sophistication of the ecclesiastical administration during the height of the pilgrimage to Compostela. Its grand halls, rib‑vaulted ceilings and elegant stonework showcase the transition from Romanesque to early Gothic styles, while details such as carved capitals and large ceremonial spaces reveal its role as a centre of governance, diplomacy and celebration. The most impressive room is the Great Hall, once used for banquets and official receptions, which preserves remarkable sculptural decoration. Today, the Pazo de Xelmírez remains an essential part of the cathedral’s heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the political and cultural life that shaped medieval Santiago de Compostela.
Santiago de Compostela Spain
The Pazo de Xelmírez is located on Praza do Obradoiro in the heart of Santiago de Compostela, attached to the northern side of the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, within the city’s historic old town. It stands directly on the cathedral’s north flank, forming part of the main cathedral complex in the city centre, just steps from the Praza do Obradoiro and the main entrance to the cathedral. Nearby are the Hostal dos Reis Católicos (Parador), the Pazo de Raxoi city hall, the Praza das Praterías, and the Praza da Quintana, all within the World Heritage old town where the pilgrimage routes converge.
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Cathedral Museum
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Museo de Historia Natural-USC
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Contemporary Art Center of Galicia
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Museum of Pilgrimage
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Museo da Maxia de Galicia
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Museo Diocesano - San Martiño Pinario
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Museo Arte Sacro San Paio Antealtares
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Museo da Colexiata de Sar
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Fundación Eugenio Granell / Pazo do Marqués de Bendaña
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Museo Centro Gaiás
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Teatro Principal
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Salón Teatro‑Centro Dramático Galego‑Billeteira
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Teatro Compostela
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Auditorio de Galicia
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Auditorio Abanca Santiago
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Galería De Arte José Lorenzo
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Galeria METRO
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Castelo da Rocha Forte
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Pazo de Raxoi
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Colexiata de Santa María do Sar
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Igrexa de San Martiño Pinario
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Igrexa de San Paio de Antealtares
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Igrexa de San Fiz de Solovio
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Iglesia del Carmen de Abajo
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Iglesia de San Fructuoso
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Casa da Conga
Historical Landmark
Casa do Cabido. Sala de Exposicións
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College of San Jerónimo
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Parque de Galeras
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Parque Eugenio Granell
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Parque de Carlomagno
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Parque do Lago
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Parque de San Domingos de Bonaval
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Parque de Vista Alegre
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Parque de Belvís
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Palace of Fonseca
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Xardíns da Ferradura
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Observatorio Astronómico Ramón María Aller
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