Santiago de Compostela - Hospital de los Reyes Católicos

According to legend, the mortal remains of the apostle St James were taken to Galicia for burial, where they were lost. Eight hundred years later, a light led a shepherd, Pelagius the Hermit, who was guarding his flock at night, to the burial site. The shepherd reported his discovery to the bishop of Iria. The bishop declared that the remains were those of St James the Apostle and immediately informed King Alfonso II in Oviedo. In honour of Saint James, the cathedral was built on the spot where his remains were said to have been found. The legend, which includes numerous miraculous events, enabled the Catholic faithful to strengthen their stronghold in northern Spain during the Reconquista against the Moors, but also led to the growth and development of the city.

This is the end if the Camino de Santiago. I arrived the first time in Santiago in 2010 and, like everyone who makes the journey on foot, was overwhelmed. Much has changed since then. Most of all, the deployment of a very unfriendly security force that leaves neither tourists nor pilgrims in peace - in a place where everyone should find peace.

The Hospital de los Reyes Católicos is located on the north side of Obradoiro Square, where the cathedral also stands. It is considered to be one of the world's oldest continuously used accommodation facilities.

The "Hospital Real" was founded in 1499 by the Catholic Monarchs with the task of providing accommodation and care for pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela. From 1512, the hospital's duties were carried out in the newly opened building, which is still in use today. It was the largest and best-equipped pilgrims' hostel along the Way of St James and had its own doctors and pharmacy.

Since 1958, the building has housed a Parador, a five-star hotel with a restaurant. However, it can also be visited as a museum by those who are not staying there.

The hospital has four patios / cloisters