What happens when you reach Santiago?
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On arriving at the cathedral in Santiago, there are a number of special rituals which pilgrims choose to perform as part of the 'closing ceremony' of their walk. These are all described in detail in many of the publications, and include obtaining the compostela, visiting the cathedral to place a hand in the beautiful carving of the tree of Jesse at the main entrance and hugging the 13th century statue of Santiago before giving thanks at the tomb. The special pilgrim mass is a wonderful spiritual opportunity with hundreds of pilgrims still in their travel stained clothes all gathering to offer prayers, and if lucky to observe the spectacular botafumeiro (huge incenser). Though it's mostly in Spanish it is a truly moving experience. And of course it's a chance to reconnect with people met along the way. This is when the celebrating begins as you share the achievements before heading back home to plan your next Camino!
Be aware that after completing the pilgrimage, very often people have a bit of a downer - either exhaustion or a feeling of depression or anti-climax. You'll just need to be gentle with yourself, and try to ease back into your normal life slowly, enjoying those never ending memories and flashbacks to the Camino.
| Accommodation and Eating in Santiago: | |
| The following recommendations were received during 2005 | |
| Hostal la Estella | Just off the main Cathedral square (at the foot of the stairs off Praza do Obradoiro) and not too expensive. However it is necessary to book in advance or you might not get a room, as they are not strictly geared for pilgrims. Address Avenida de Raxoi 1. Tel: 981 58 27 96 |
| Hotel Pazo de Agra | In R.C. Paya - it is attached to the restaurant Zingara which is round the corner in Rua dos Orfas. (32 € per room per night) and the people running it are charming - also it is only about 3 minutes walk from the Cathedral, more or less en route to the refugio |
| Hostal Fornos | On the outskirts of the Old Town. Very convenient for Cathedral and bus |
| Suso's | Ask for the third floor where one can look out over the old city |
| Bar Latita | In Rua Nova. A good, clean room with bathroom across corridor 15 €. Breakfast (6€ for coffee, toast and orange juice) and lunch (12€ or R90 for calamari, salad, water and coffee) in the bar |
| Hotel Pombal or Hotel San Clement |
10 minutes from the old city, are very good and priced around 80€ per night for a double room. The tourist info will give you the addresses or the internet |
| Flats | Often ladies renting out their flats hang around the pilgrim office in Santiago (where you get your certificate) - their flats are cheap, clean and convenient (if in a group) |
| Pensions/hostals | Range from 20 - 45€ |
| Hotels | Range from 60 - 120€ |
| See also Where can I find out more about the Camino? | |
| Casa Manolo | In Via Traversa is recommended for meals - but queues at peak times can put one off! |
| And don't forget the free meals at Hotel de los Reyes Catolicos for pilgrims who can present a compostela, are an experience not to be missed!! Limited numbers per meal. | |
| Side Trips | |
| Finisterre | There is a bus service from Santiago to Finisterre (Fisterre) every day. Also you could hire a car for the day. It takes about 3 hours by the coastal road to get there and it is a very long walk from the bus to the cape itself. There are two per day from the Bus Station in Santiago. |
| Getting home from Santiago | |
| From Santiago |
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| At the Oficina del Peregrino near the cathedral you can make travel reservations and also get a city map. | |
| From Finisterre |
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