• A basilica was erected on the burial site of Saint James The Greater around 818, under the reign of Alfonso II.
• In 844, the battle of Clavijo took place; the victory of the Christians over the Muslims was attributed to the intervention of the apostle.
• In 900, the Bishop's Palace was transferred to Compostela from Iria Flavia.
• In the 10th century, the first pilgrims arrived from France.
• The town of Santiago de Compostela was destroyed by Muslim troops at the end of the 10th century. It was reconstructed in the 11th century and experienced, during both the 10th and 11th centuries, a period of great prestige. In 1164, the military and religious order of Saint James of the Sword was founded to protect the pilgrims.
• The basilica became the symbol of Christian fervour and of the Reconquest. Until the 18th century, Santiago de Compostela was the most important pilgrimage destination in the entire Christian world.

In the historic centre, which possesses many monuments, Romanesque and Baroque styling mixes with elements inspired by Gothic, Renaissance and Neo-classical eras to create a harmonious ensemble. On the Plaza de España, which is a masterpeice of urban design, each of these styles is represented.

Inscription Criteria

"Around its Cathedral which is a world renowned masterpiece of Romanesque art, Santiago de Compostela conserves a valuable historic centre which is worthy of one of Christianity's greatest holy cities." (I) "[...] During both the Romanesque and Baroque periods the Sanctuary of Santiago exerted a decisive influence on the development of architecture and art not only in Galicia but also in the north of the Iberian Peninsula." (II) "Santiago de Compostela is "associated with one of the major themes of medieval history." (VI)

Contacts

Excmo. Sr. Don Xosé Antonio Sanchez Bugallo Alcalde	Ayuntamiento de Santiago de Compostela Plaza del Obradoiro, s/n Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, España 15705	Tel: +34.981 54.23.43 Fax: +34.981 56.38.64
Sr. Bélen Mendoza Chandas técnico Relaciones Internacionales	Ayuntamiento de Santiago de Compostela Praza do Obradoiro, s/n Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, España 15705	Tel: 0034981542373 Ext. 42373 Fax: 0034981542370
Sra. Doña Mercedes Rosón Ferreiro Concejala de Urbanismo y Vivienda	Ayuntamiento de Santiago de Compostela Plaza del Obradoiro, s/n Santiago de Compostela, España 15705	Tel: +34 981 54 24 39 Fax: +34 981 54 24 21