Landscape Archives - Page 2 of 3 - sendeiros de compostela

Route 17 – Mount Gozo

This name is since from this point pilgrims can observe for the first time the towers of the Cathedral of Santiago, hence the joy it produces among the pilgrims. It is mentioned in the Codex Calixtinus in the 12th century. The importance of the place was underlined by the Archbishop of Santiago Diego Xelmírez, who around the year 1105 ordered the construction of the church of Santa Cruz in this place, to facilitate the prayer of the newly arrived pilgrims. Its consecration gave rise to an impressive procession of the clergy of Compostela that took place on the day of San Marcos, and is probably the current chapel of San Marcos.
In 1992, when the Compostelan Holy Year of 1993 was about to begin, a big part of the land of Mount Gozo were used for a recreational complex and for welcoming pilgrims. Nowadays, we can find an inn and a camping site for hundreds of people, as well as a café, restaurant, laundry and assorted shops. Furthermore, it has multiple green areas perfect to take walks in, a soccer field and free pools.

Route 16 – Lovers’ tree

Dos Namorados in Alameda Park (side view)

There is a popular tradition in Santiago de Compostela, that whoever wants to get married has to go to the Alameda of Compostela and take a walk around the "tree of lovers". Thus, in the Alameda de Santiago, in the final stretch of the walk that leads to the Lions' Gate there is a specimen of eucalyptus, more than 120 years old, with a height of around 45 meters, and more than 8 m. perimeter in its trunk and that it was one of the first specimens planted in Galicia.
"The Lovers' Tree" is surrounded by a circular wooden bench, and it allows lovers, in addition to "unleashing their passions"... to have one of the best panoramic views of the Cathedral that you can have in the city.

Route 14 – Fontiñas Lookout

A walkway located at the top of the Carlomagno park. It stands out for being one of the largest green areas in Santiago and for having a good panoramic view. This viewpoint connects the Fontiñas neighborhood with that of San Lázaro.

Route 14 – Carlomagno Park

The highest point in Carlomagno Park was traditionally known as Alto de la Cantera. The panoramic view encompasses the entire tidy urbanism of the Fontiñas residential neighborhood. Further, the rest of the urban area, headed by the Almáciga hill, is presented as a structural puzzle where the cathedral timidly stands out. In the background, Mount Pedroso. Toward the south, down below, a fluctuation of cars that come in and out of the city.

Route 14 – San Domingos de Bonaval Park

The park is accessed by the strategic passageway formed by the contrasting architectural styles of two museums: the Galician Center for Contemporary Art (CGAC), designed by Siza, and the Museum of the Galician People, housed in what was once a medieval convent. Situated on a slope facing west, it offers stunning views of the city's rooftops, to which the artist Chillida dedicated a sculpture that intentionally frames a view of the city.

Route 14 – Belvís Park

Located along the valley of the same name, it is notable for its meadows and a small stream that runs through it. It is an area of three hectares, ideal for rest, disconnection, and family leisure time. It has a playground, parking, and sports facilities. It's also known for the spectacular views from its viewpoint.

Route 15 – Mount Pedroso Lookout

View from the Mount Pedroso lookout (further back)

Located at the top of Monte Pedroso, at an altitude of 457 meters, from where you can see all of Santiago, highlighting the Cathedral, the old town, and the city of culture. It is a particularly beautiful place at sunset, because that is when the last golden rays of the afternoon are reflected on the temple.

Route 12 – Brañas de Sar Municipal Urban Vegetable Gardens

After decades spent somewhat abandoned, especially in the second half of the XX century, the Brañas de Sar experimented an important change between 2015 and 2016 thanks to the Youth Employment Workshop Ecotur.
Thus, during the period of time these workshops lasted, the participants carried out brush clearing, selective prunings, removal of invasive species, path consolidation or renovation of ancillary elements in the paths, transforming the Brañas de Sar into a full-fledged fluvial park.
At the same time, refurbishment work for urban vegetable gardens was also done, taking advantage of public land that wasn’t being used.
Thus, the Brañas of Sar started having 54 urban vegetable gardens for exploitation by the citizens, each with an average area of 55 square meters.

Route 10 Pedroso Lookout

Located on the summit of Mount Pedroso, it’s a lookout 457 meters high from where all of Santiago can be seen, with the Cathedral, the monumental zone and the Cidade da Cultura as highlights. It’s an especially beautiful place at sunset, as that’s when the last golden rays of the afternoon are reflected on the temple.

Route 2 – San Lourenzo oak grove

Located in the neighborhood that bears his name, has the status of Heritage Park in the Register of Assets of Cultural Interest (BIC). San Lourenzo consists of a centennial oak grove, around walls behind which we find a large garden and the old monastery of San Lourenzo (SXII), protected by Unesco. Over time it became a palace - ‘pazo’ in Galician - and is now a distinguished restaurant for events. In the oak grove there are also two stone crosses and a stone fountain.