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Destination

How to get to Santiago de Compostela

By Air: Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ) is about 12 km from the city. It has frequent flights from Madrid, Barcelona, Porto, and London, plus other European cities. Other airports which could also be considered are A Coruna, Vigo and Porto.
By Train: RENFE runs direct trains from Madrid (≈3 h), A Coruña (≈ 30 minutes), and Vigo (≈1.5 h).
By Bus: Alsa and Monbus connect Santiago with major Spanish cities and Galician towns.

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia, in northwestern Spain. It’s world-famous as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James), a pilgrimage route that has drawn travellers from across Europe for over a thousand years.

Some key facts and highlights:

Historical & Cultural Overview

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela: The city’s centrepiece, built over the tomb believed to hold the remains of St. James the Apostle. The cathedral is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, with later Gothic and Baroque additions.
Old Town (Casco Histórico): A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, with winding stone streets, medieval buildings, and lively squares.
University of Santiago de Compostela: Founded in 1495, it’s one of Spain’s oldest and most prestigious universities, giving the city a vibrant student atmosphere.

The Camino de Santiago

Pilgrims from all over the world walk or cycle hundreds of kilometres along routes like the Camino Francés, Camino Portugués, and Camino del Norte to reach the cathedral.
The journey traditionally ends with attending the Pilgrim’s Mass and seeing the Botafumeiro, a giant incense burner swung dramatically across the cathedral’s nave.

Cuisine

Galician cuisine features seafood (especially octopus, pulpo a la gallega), empanadas, and Albariño wine.

Useful Tips

Weather: Pack a light rain jacket – Santiago is lush because it rains often!
Footwear: Cobbled streets + potential rain = sturdy, non-slip shoes.
Language: Galician (Galego) and Spanish are both spoken. English is understood in tourist areas.
Taxi Transfer from the Airport: approximate price: € 23.00

VISAS

Please check with your local Spanish Embassy regarding any visa requirements to enter Spain.

Letters of Invitation for visa applications:
Please email secretariat@rsv2027.org if you require a letter of invitation for your visa application. This can only provided once you have registered for the conference as your registration and passport number will be required for the letter.