Plaza da Inmaculada (Immaculada Square), Santiago de Compostela
Immaculata Square holds historical and architectural significance in Santiago de Compostela. It is situated between the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario and the Azabachería façade of the Cathedral, which derives its name from the traditional presence of jet-stone workshops.
The square serves as a significant landmark, marking the endpoint of the French, English, and North Ways of St. James. These routes lead pilgrims into the old town through the "Puerta del Camino," the Door of the Way. Thus, Immaculata Square holds a special place in the journey of pilgrims who have completed these routes.
The original North façade of the Cathedral, as described in the 12th-century Codex Calixtinus, was referred to as the "Door of Paradise." This title was bestowed not only for its aesthetic beauty but also for its depiction of the biblical story of Adam and Eve, symbolizing the concept of original sin and redemption. In front of the North façade, there used to be the Fons Mirabilis, a fountain where pilgrims would cleanse themselves before entering the Cathedral.
During the medieval period, Immaculata Square buzzed with activity. It featured moneychangers' tables, sellers offering footwear, leather goods, spices, and innkeepers providing accommodation. This lively atmosphere added to the vibrant ambiance of the square, creating a bustling hub for travelers and merchants.
The square serves as a significant landmark, marking the endpoint of the French, English, and North Ways of St. James. These routes lead pilgrims into the old town through the "Puerta del Camino," the Door of the Way. Thus, Immaculata Square holds a special place in the journey of pilgrims who have completed these routes.
The original North façade of the Cathedral, as described in the 12th-century Codex Calixtinus, was referred to as the "Door of Paradise." This title was bestowed not only for its aesthetic beauty but also for its depiction of the biblical story of Adam and Eve, symbolizing the concept of original sin and redemption. In front of the North façade, there used to be the Fons Mirabilis, a fountain where pilgrims would cleanse themselves before entering the Cathedral.
During the medieval period, Immaculata Square buzzed with activity. It featured moneychangers' tables, sellers offering footwear, leather goods, spices, and innkeepers providing accommodation. This lively atmosphere added to the vibrant ambiance of the square, creating a bustling hub for travelers and merchants.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Santiago de Compostela. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: 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.
Plaza da Inmaculada (Immaculada Square) on Map
Sight Name: Plaza da Inmaculada (Immaculada Square)
Sight Location: Santiago de Compostela, Spain (See walking tours in Santiago de Compostela)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Santiago de Compostela, Spain (See walking tours in Santiago de Compostela)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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



