College of San Jerónimo

About

The College of San Jerónimo is one of the most historic and visually distinctive buildings surrounding Praza do Obradoiro in Santiago de Compostela. Founded in the early sixteenth century as a residence for university students of modest means, it reflects the city’s long academic tradition and its close ties to the University of Santiago. The building’s façade, originally part of a medieval hospital, is a remarkable example of late Gothic craftsmanship, adorned with finely carved figures, heraldic shields and decorative stonework that capture the artistic spirit of the period. Today, the college forms part of the university’s institutional spaces, maintaining its educational purpose while standing as an architectural treasure within the city’s most iconic square. Its presence enriches the monumental ensemble of Obradoiro, offering visitors a glimpse into the scholarly life that has shaped Santiago de Compostela for centuries.

Santiago de Compostela Spain

Location

The College of San Jerónimo (Colexio de San Xerome) is located on the southern side of Praza do Obradoiro, in the heart of Santiago de Compostela’s historic old town, just opposite the main façade of the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela. It stands as one of the four main buildings surrounding the great square, directly facing the cathedral and next to the Pazo de Raxoi city hall, forming part of the UNESCO World Heritage cathedral complex in the city centre. Nearby are the Praza das Praterías to the south, the Praza da Quintana to the north, the Hostal dos Reis Católicos (Parador), the Colexio de Fonseca (university rectorate), and the main pilgrimage routes where the Camino de Santiago arrives at the cathedral. The immediate surroundings are Santiago’s main tourist and cultural hub, with the cathedral and its museums, the Museo de las Peregrinaciones, the Mercado de Abastos food market, and the lively streets Rúa do Franco, Rúa Nova and Praza de Cervantes filled with cafés, restaurants, shops and hotels, all within a short walk from the college.