Leisure

Route 20 – Vidán civic center

The tannery's activity lasted until 1889, although during this time it underwent several changes of ownership and was even looted by the French during the War of Independence. The factory became a dwelling, while it also became a geometric garden whose structure is still preserved today. The tannery, which became known as Quinta dos Fuentes after its conversion into a residential building, was sold in 1974 and ended up being acquired by the City of Santiago, which uses it as the Sociocultural Center of Vidán.

Route 19 – Salgueiriños park

It is located near the Funga community center, as well as the archaeological site of Castro do Pozo da Neve.

Route 19 – Avilés de Taramancos park

This park has green areas and playgrounds. It was inaugurated with broad social support, recognizing the figure of Galician author Avilés de Tarramancos, to whom Galician Literature Day 2003 was dedicated as a symbol of our contemporary culture.

Route 8 – Banquete de Conxo Forest

In this forest took place the historic reunion known as the Banquet of Conxo. The Employment Workshop “Youth Ecotur III”, from the Santiago City Council, allowed for the restoration of this space of natural beauty by setting it up for visit, creating a continuous path by the bank of Sar river that joins the Conxo and Sar neighborhoods.
The Banquet of Conxo, also known as the Democratic Banquet of Conxo, was a fraternization meeting between students, workers and artisans that, under the slogan “Order and fraternity”, took place on March 2nd 1856, aligning with the tenth anniversary of the Carral Martyrs. Arising mainly as Aurelio Aguirre’s initiative, it’s believed to have been held in the Belvedere area, next to the Sar river, in an oak forest located behind the Santa María de Conxo Monastery.
Considered one of the foundational events of Galicianism, this meeting caused commotion among the high-class people of Compostela from the very moment it was announced. Two workers and a boss assisted from each trade, all of them invited by students from the University of Santiago. The latter wore tailcoats and served the food to the workers, a gesture that was interpreted by the authorities as a provocation – the students were considered high-class –, which caused the oak grove to be taken by the military and the lunch to be celebrated with the diners surrounded by soldiers for fear of an insurrection.
Among the participants of the banquet stand out Aurelio Aguirre, Eduardo Pondal and Luís Rodríguez Seoane. Other distinguished attendees were Manuel Murguía and Juan Manuel Paz Novoa.

Route 18 – San Xoán playground

Ideal place to enjoy with the family in the heart of Santiago de Compostela. Located in San Xoán Park, this playground offers fun and entertainment for children of all ages.
At San Xoán Playground, kids can enjoy swings, slides, climbing areas, and more. In addition, it has a picnic area so that families can enjoy a day outdoors.

Route 8 – O Paxonal oak grove

Sar River landscape in Paxonal Oak Grove

Oak grove on the bank of Sar river set in the place currently known as Eugenio Granell park (O Paxonal). Located at the back of the park, towards Conxo, this place keeps the silence, peace and calm typical of the oak groves hidden in our atlantic forests in rural areas; so much so, that despite being close to places as busy as the train station, Lugo Avenue or the Conxo Provincial Hospital, you’ll be able to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Route 8 – Eugenio Granell Park

Is located in the O Paxonal neighborhood, also known by the generic name A Pontepedriña, nearby the train station. It’s one of the biggest parks in Compostela, and one of its highlights, aside from the spectacular views of the city, is its configuration: the landscaped, lawn areas slowly become a lush oak forest by the river’s shore, completely indifferent to the city close by.
It has platforms for exercise and skateboarding, and it will soon be joined with the parks in the Conxo neighborhood, and from there to the ones in the Southern University Campus, completing thus the Green Itinerary that encircles the city.

Route 8 – Banquete de Conxo picnic area

Covered benches in Banquete de Conxo Park

Picnic area located inside the Banquete de Conxo Forest.

Route 16 – San Domingos de Bonaval Park

The park of San Domingos de Bonaval completes the complex made up of the convent and the new Galician Center of Contemporary Art. Álvaro Siza, author of the CGAC, and Isabel Aguirre have integrated the existing elements in the large convent enclosure, which includes a medicinal garden, different ruins, a oak grove and the Bonaval cemetery. This large public space has new elements, such as the stone walls that define the access ramps from the museum, so that it seems that they have always been there, and maintains existing pieces, such as the layout of the cemetery, which are absolutely new.
Throughout the meticulous construction of the park, all the large wooded pieces have been respected, which contribute decisively to creating the feeling that the new park is marked by the presence of a long history.
The exhilarating routes through the different spaces of the Bonaval park offer a wide variety of views. From its paths you can contemplate the historic buildings of the convent complex, the beautiful contemporary architecture of the museum, the nostalgic layout of the cemetery or exceptional perspectives on the city of Santiago. These tours are enriched by the presence of several sculptural pieces, such as those signed by Eduardo Chillida or Leopoldo Nóvoa.

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.