Galicia, among history and magic. Spain travel experience

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I suggest a trip to Galicia to all those who want to get an idea of the extraordinary diversity of Spain, a nation that is much more than flamenco-and-bull, is the kingdom of the differences. Each region is a world apart and drags you into a new atmosphere. Santiago is another thing. It 'another emotion. Another reality.


From the airport follow the signs for Monte do Gozo, where we decided to stay, the road is dark and the city still seems far away, when suddenly ... the view is discovered for the first time appeared the spire of the cathedral. Modern buildings have not lost the old charm of this landscape, I can only imagine what emotion the pilgrims have come here over the centuries to finally see the long-awaited goal.

The best time to take the first entrance to Santiago de Compostela is the night, when the charm of the enchanting city is manifested completely. The streets may be crowded at times and soon deserted, as if under a spell effect, the confusion remains suddenly alone with yourself, the orange lights are reflected on wet streets and gleaming marble porticos. Really shines. For a moment I hear no noise.
And then life takes over, groups of young people crossing the road in search of a welcoming to spend time in front of a cold beer and colorful appetizers.
The solitude invades again Obradoiro Square, the Baroque facade of the cathedral Illuminated seems to fill the entire black sky without clouds, no church had ever moved me so much, I displaces its grandeur, its beauty can talk to each heart.
You do not see anyone.
For a few minutes we are the only ones to move in the square, the atmosphere is incredible to me a shiver ran down his spine.
Some tourists come closer, uncertain journey, yet they never looked up but it's like to feel that something extraordinary is waiting for them ... when for the first time turned their gaze to the cathedral, their faces remain petrified and motionless, an absence of expression that summarizes all.

A full day is not enough to enjoy the best sights of the city, just visit the cathedral takes time and is absolutely forbidden to fast. The Portico of Glory, which is the original entrance of the church before it was erected today's facade, is a true jewel of medieval art. At the foot of the sculpture of the apostle James we see the imprint of a deformed hand, the sign left by the countless visitors who have touched.
The most striking is the visit to the tomb of the saint that is preceded by the salute to the statue, an affectionate gesture has become a habit which no one escapes. I can not deny that, even if not religious, in making this gesture, I felt a deep emotion.

If you want to visit in depth the city there are many things to do, there's plenty of choice, churches, convents and museums. The most beautiful place I believe was the palace of Gelmírez is located beside the cathedral and the entrance ticket (EUR 5) is included also a visit to the museum, the crypt and cloister. The top floor gives a complete overview of square Obradoiro, so different from what I had seen the night before the day is crowded with tourists, pilgrims and folk bands.
The operators of taverns sometimes try to make known their foreign language (which is an official language and not a mere dialect) and improvise lessons using a tablecloth on which is printed translations from English into Galician.
A story would merit the kitchen that is very tasty and colorful, the specialty is octopus boiled and seasoned with olive oil and allspice with a side of potatoes. In the "pulperia we eat almost exclusively octopus along with the inevitable and astounding" raciones "small portion of dishes simple but great, that even those who are hungry can not help but to order. I love Spain because there are the tapas, are a new way of understanding a meal, you start to play while drinking a beer and after a while, 'if you decide to stop an aperitif or continue to eat like a real dinner.

The Atlantic coast between Santiago and La Coruña is a route that I suggest if you have a few extra days, along the way you will find many strange stone structures raised above the ground, one sees dozens, every household owns at least one; exempted for the harvest and are called Hórreos, a tradition that still remains alive in the entire region.
Unfortunately, the beautiful nature of these areas was strongly affected by the numerous acts of arson that have destroyed, destroying the lush beauty. It hurts to see the effects of this environmental disaster, skeletons of trees blacks seem to reclaim what was taken away, the grass is born to cover the ruins as if trying to hide the depth of a wound.
Villages and small towns, white sand beaches surrounded by green hills, the cloudy sky and the ocean remind me of Ireland. We follow the road along the sea, bound for Fisterra, signs indicating the ceramic km 0, there ends the long journey of the pilgrims and in front of the boundless ocean, synonymous with danger and mystery. The end of Old World still alien to new discoveries.
The nearby city of La Coruña, however, seems to have a lot to do with the beauty of the coast, the center is a stratification of modern buildings; María Pita Square is good only for the presence of the majestic building dell'Ayuntamiento but the ways that surrounding it are smelly, covered with murals and unattractive. Unique strength is the Tower of Hercules, a Roman lighthouse in good condition that the restoration made it to visitors. From the top you can enjoy a magnificent view that makes us forget what we thought until just before the city.

Our tour of Galicia move the following day in Pontevedra, a city that has an ugly edge, but a well-preserved historic center and cared for. You can walk for hours in the narrow streets with old houses and picturesque stone squares, picturesque arcades, beautiful churches, and for lovers of literature, the home of writer Valle Inclán.

The day of departure approaches, but you can not leave without saying goodbye Galicia Santiago. Before leaving, I want to go back to square Obradoiro ... it's like to feel the attraction of a magnet, but now my feet and move safe. It 'a rainy day and the facade is gray, the whole city seems sleepy, is not easy to take leave from a place like that, shooting dozens of pictures even if you already feel that no one will give me back what I'm about to leave.