Santiago de Compostela is a city filled with magic, legends, and traditions, but it also hides secrets that not everyone knows about. Beyond the Cathedral of Santiago and the Botafumeiro, the Plaza de la Quintana and the Shadow of the Pilgrim, the Abastos Market, and the Alameda Park, Santiago de Compostela conceals corners and details that any good guide should share with you. Wondering what to see in Santiago de Compostela? In this tour, we invite you to uncover those unique spots—10 hidden secrets of Santiago de Compostela designed to help pilgrims of the Camino de Santiago and tourists enjoy the city even more.

Arcades of Santiago's Streets

In Santiago’s historic center, as well as beyond it, you will find many hidden secrets

San Domingos de Bonaval Park and Its Ghostly Cemetery

We begin our route outside the ancient walled perimeter of the historic center with Bonaval Park, a green space brimming with history and tranquility. It is home to an old cemetery, relocated here from its original site in Praza da Quintana in 1780, likely due to space constraints and perhaps health concerns. The cemetery remained in use until the 1960s, when it was closed and abandoned. In the 1990s, it was restored and transformed into the park we know today, incorporating elements of the former San Domingos convent.

Located next to the Museo do Pobo Galego and the Centro Galego de Arte Contemporánea—two of the city’s main museums—the park blends nature and history. Its winding paths weave through tall trees and ancient architectural remnants, creating a unique atmosphere filled with details that connect to Santiago’s past.

cemetery bonaval santiago

The Bonaval Cemetery is a peaceful and beautiful place for a stroll

Some Curious Streets in the Historic Center

Rúa do Franco is the gastronomic heart of the historic center. In medieval times, this street was home to tavern keepers and cathedral builders, known as “francos.” These could be free men, pilgrims who had crossed the Pyrenees, or citizens from a Frankish nation. In modern times, it became the epicenter of student nightlife with the legendary “París-Dakar rally,” a citywide “pilgrimage” through all the bars, starting at París and ending at Dakar. Participants had to drink a glass of wine at each stop, and whoever reached the final bar “in good shape” won—earning more wine as their prize!

Rúa Entrerrúas, which literally means “between streets,” is one of the narrowest streets in Santiago, measuring just 90 centimeters wide. It connects Rúa do Vilar with Rúa Nova, and its tight passage makes it a popular curiosity for visitors. However, Rúa Oliveira takes the record, measuring only 70 centimeters wide, claiming the title of the narrowest street in the city. Rúa Oliveira also hides a particularly intriguing spot—the alley known as Ruela Sae Se Podes, or “Get Out If You Can Alley.”

entrerrúas Street Narrow Lane Santiago

If you’re with company, you’ll need to walk single file when passing through Rúa Entrerrúas

The Oldest Houses in Santiago de Compostela

Number 29 on Rúa Algalia de Abaixo is considered the oldest house in the historic center. Dating back to the late 12th century, it stands next to the now-vanished San Roque Gate, one of Santiago’s seven historic city gates. Its structure showcases typical medieval architecture, with prominent overhangs on its façade—a common feature of buildings from that era. The upper floor is wider than the lower ones, creating balconies that face the majestic Pazo de Amarante.

On Rúa Nova, there are two other significant medieval homes—the parish houses of Santa María Salomé. Built a century after the Algalia house, these 13th-century residences offer a glimpse into what Santiago looked like during the Middle Ages.

Old Houses Santiago Rúa Nova Santa Salomé

The houses on Rúa Nova, or those of Santa Salomé, are currently undergoing restoration

Property Marks

In the historic center of Santiago de Compostela, symbols carved into the façades of many houses can be found. These marks, used since the Middle Ages, identified building owners and prevented confusion in the rental system. They emerged during the boom of the Camino de Santiago, when the city expanded rapidly, reflecting the power of religious institutions such as the Cathedral Chapter or the monasteries, which controlled much of the property.

Among the most common symbols are the scallop shell of the Cathedral Chapter, the pine tree of the Monastery of San Martín Pinario, the five stars of the University of Santiago, and the cross of the Hospital of the Catholic Monarchs. These marks, visible on lintels and walls, are a legacy of Compostela’s urban and ecclesiastical history, inviting curious visitors to spot them during their walks.

Scallop Shell Property Mark Santiago

The scallop shell is one of the most common property marks

Board Games Carved into Stones

More than 200 Baroque game boards, carved into stone, can be found scattered throughout the streets of Santiago. Dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, these engravings were used by locals to play the popular game of tic-tac-toe, especially during festivals or while waiting for alms at the entrances of churches. Places like San Martiño Pinario and Santa Clara have a high concentration of these boards, serving as reminders of the social inequalities of the time.

Although municipal ordinances restricted such games, locals continued carving them into stone or using perishable materials like wood to avoid fines. Santiago boasts the largest collection of urban Baroque game boards in Spain, though their preservation poses a challenge due to erosion and modern restorations. Exploring these streets to find them offers a glimpse into daily life in historic Compostela.

Games Ground Stones Santiago

There’s no room for boredom in Santiago de Compostela

Bescansa Pharmacy, the Oldest in the City

Founded in 1843 by Antonio Casares Rodríguez, Bescansa Pharmacy is a living testament to Santiago de Compostela’s pharmaceutical tradition. Casares, regarded as the father of modern chemistry in Galicia, was the first dean of the city’s Faculty of Pharmacy. In 1917, Ricardo Bescansa Castilla, a descendant of Casares, established Bescansa Laboratories alongside the pharmacy. There, he developed innovative pharmaceutical products, further cementing the family’s reputation in the field.

Located in Santiago’s old town, the pharmacy has preserved its original structure, reminiscent of 19th-century apothecaries. While its exterior may go unnoticed, its interior is a historical gem. However, it is not designed as a tourist attraction, so it’s best appreciated with respect and discretion.

Bescansa Pharmacy Santiago

Bescansa Pharmacy, located in the Cantón do Toural

The Gargoyles of Santiago de Compostela

In Santiago de Compostela, gargoyles are far more than functional elements for diverting rainwater from rooftops. These sculpted figures, perched high above, embody a blend of art, sarcasm, and historical moments, yet they often go unnoticed by those exploring the city.

While their medieval origins carried religious significance, depicting beasts and figures with moralistic purposes, the Renaissance and Baroque gargoyles were born from the creativity and humor of the craftsmen. Stonecutters, working with freedom and indulging their imagination, added ironic and whimsical details in elevated spots. Many of these figures include monstrous hybrids, classical myths, and caricatures of contemporary people. Some are amusing, while others are terrifying, making it a fun challenge to spot the most entertaining ones. It’s like an urban safari of magical creatures!

Gargoyles santiago compostela san martín pinario

Gargoyles conversing at San Martín Pinario

The Trapdoors of the Arcades

The trapdoors in the arcades of Rúa do Vilar and Rúa Nova are a unique feature that for centuries played a role in Santiago’s social life. These openings allowed residents to observe passersby without being seen and, according to writer Torrente Ballester, to gossip or comment about them from the privacy of their homes. They also served as settings for serenades, as described by Alejandro Pérez Lugín in *La Casa de la Troya*.

Beyond their social function, the trapdoors had practical uses, such as receiving messages via baskets or attending to visitors without going down to the door. In some shops, they even allowed customers to collect newspapers and leave payment. Although many have disappeared, these trapdoors remain a testament to the ingenuity and daily life of the city.

Trapdoors Rúa Vilar Santiago

The trapdoors were very practical in the daily lives of the residents

The Tree of Knowledge and Indecisive Students

In the heart of Santiago de Compostela’s historic center, between the colleges of Fonseca and San Xerome, stands the iconic Tree of Knowledge—an ironwork sculpture set into the wall that blends history, tradition, and academia. Inspired by Ramon Llull’s 13th-century work of the same name, this tree represents the different branches of knowledge as scrolls sprouting from a common trunk, symbolizing both the unity and diversity of learning.

The Tree of Knowledge is the focal point of a fascinating tradition. According to local custom, those seeking academic guidance for studies at the University of Santiago must spin three times in front of the tree, turn their back to it, and point to one of its branches. The chosen branch is said to reveal the academic discipline they should pursue. Originally created to help indecisive students select their career paths, this ritual has since evolved into a fun and magical experience for both locals and tourists. If you visit Santiago, don’t miss the chance to take part in this unique ritual and uncover what vocation might be written in your destiny.

Tree of Knowledge University Santiago de Compostela

It’s not very hidden, but many pilgrims and tourists are unaware of its purpose

The Largest Scallop Shell in Compostela: A Hidden Secret in Plain Sight

In Plaza de Platerías, you’ll find Santiago’s largest scallop shell—a monumental structure designed by Domingo de Andrade in the 17th century. This architectural feature connects the cathedral’s transept with the first floor of the northern wing of the cloister. According to legend, this shell is not just decorative but symbolically supports the entire cathedral, and removing it would cause the structure to collapse.

Often overlooked amid the grandeur of Plaza de Platerías, this shell blends the spirituality of the Camino with the brilliance of Baroque architecture. It’s a must-see stop for those looking to uncover Compostela’s best-kept secrets.

Scallop Shell at the Cathedral of Santiago

The Platerías façade is so beautiful that many fail to notice the large hidden scallop shell

Explore Santiago Like an Adventurer

Santiago de Compostela is full of secrets waiting to be uncovered—every corner and alleyway holds stories, legends, and traditions that will enrich your visit. Whether you’re a tourist or a pilgrim walking one of the Jacobean routes, if you’re wondering what to see in Santiago de Compostela, keep your eyes wide open and let this city surprise you.