Hostal dos Reis Catolicos (Hospital Real de Santiago de Compostela), Santiago de Compostela (must see)
The Hospital Real de Santiago de Compostela, a prestigious five-star hotel in Santiago de Compostela, is renowned as one of the world's oldest continuously operating hotels. Its location in the heart of the city adds to its historical and cultural significance. Recognized as the "most beautiful hotel in Europe," it captivates visitors with its stunning architecture.
Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, known as the Catholic Monarchs, founded the Hostal dos Reis Cat贸licos in 1486. Their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela inspired them to establish a hostelry and hospital to assist weary pilgrims. Funding was secured in 1499, and construction commenced in 1501, lasting over a decade. For four centuries, it served as a sanctuary for pilgrims.
In 1953, the hospital was relocated to a new site, and in 1954, the building underwent an extensive renovation to become a hotel. Since 1986, it has been part of the prestigious Paradores network, which transforms historic structures into luxury accommodations. With 137 rooms, it stands as the largest and one of the finest establishments in the Paradores network. The hotel continues to offer free services to a limited number of pilgrims daily, upholding its hospitable tradition.
The Hospital Real de Santiago de Compostela holds a privileged position at the end of the Way of St. James, adjacent to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Its construction, initiated in 1501, required the expertise of skilled craftsmen from across Europe. Architect Enrique Egas oversaw the project, resulting in a magnificent Plateresque fa莽ade. In 1526, King Carlos V completed the Plaza Obradoiro, connecting the Hostal to the grand Cathedral, creating a vast open plaza.
Featuring four interconnected courtyards, the building exudes charm and elegance. Two of the courtyards originate from the 1800s, while the earlier pair dates back to the 16th century, adorned with delightful water fountains. The Baroque-style remodeling added the later courtyards, further enhancing the hotel's allure.
Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon, known as the Catholic Monarchs, founded the Hostal dos Reis Cat贸licos in 1486. Their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela inspired them to establish a hostelry and hospital to assist weary pilgrims. Funding was secured in 1499, and construction commenced in 1501, lasting over a decade. For four centuries, it served as a sanctuary for pilgrims.
In 1953, the hospital was relocated to a new site, and in 1954, the building underwent an extensive renovation to become a hotel. Since 1986, it has been part of the prestigious Paradores network, which transforms historic structures into luxury accommodations. With 137 rooms, it stands as the largest and one of the finest establishments in the Paradores network. The hotel continues to offer free services to a limited number of pilgrims daily, upholding its hospitable tradition.
The Hospital Real de Santiago de Compostela holds a privileged position at the end of the Way of St. James, adjacent to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Its construction, initiated in 1501, required the expertise of skilled craftsmen from across Europe. Architect Enrique Egas oversaw the project, resulting in a magnificent Plateresque fa莽ade. In 1526, King Carlos V completed the Plaza Obradoiro, connecting the Hostal to the grand Cathedral, creating a vast open plaza.
Featuring four interconnected courtyards, the building exudes charm and elegance. Two of the courtyards originate from the 1800s, while the earlier pair dates back to the 16th century, adorned with delightful water fountains. The Baroque-style remodeling added the later courtyards, further enhancing the hotel's allure.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Santiago de Compostela. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Hostal dos Reis Catolicos (Hospital Real de Santiago de Compostela) on Map
Sight Name: Hostal dos Reis Catolicos (Hospital Real de Santiago de Compostela)
Sight Location: Santiago de Compostela, Spain (See walking tours in Santiago de Compostela)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Santiago de Compostela, Spain (See walking tours in Santiago de Compostela)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Santiago de Compostela
Creating your own self-guided walk in Santiago de Compostela is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Santiago de Compostela Introduction Walking Tour
Legend has it that after Saint James, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, was martyred in Jerusalem in 44 AD, his followers carried his decapitated body by sea to Spain. Others claim that the saintly remains were miraculously taken up by angels and sailed to the coast of Galicia, where a massive rock closed around it and was later moved to its final resting place.
Either way, during the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Either way, during the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles