The Holy Land Museum is the only one of its kind in the world since it exhibits more than 700 items from the Palaeolithic Age to the present, all of which have been brought from the Holy Land (Jerusalem and its area of influence). The museum exhibition is divided into several sections by way of a journey through time. It shows the cultures and three monotheistic religions that coexist in the Holy Land, namely Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
It also features an educational exhibition on the Holy Shroud of Turin and the Monetarium, with coins from the Hellenistic period.
Gold and silver articles, ethnic ornaments, statues, historic recreations of temples and even military objects are many of the treasures awaiting visitors in this museum. The replica of the Star of Bethlehem captivates visitors that have touched the original.
The heart of the museum is an impressive model of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, made by Fray Bartolomé de las Heras between 1945 and 1950. It is a gem made of cypress wood from Gethsemane that reveals all the details inside the basilica.
There is also room for statues made of olive wood and mother-of-pearl. These were made by Bethlehem residents and depict Bible themes; two mother-of-pearl crosses stand out due to their beauty and history. Souvenirs made from these materials are available.
Santiago’s Convent of San Francisco has one of the best collections in the world, due to the Order of St. Francis’ role in guarding the Holy Sepulchre and the presence of numerous Galician monks in the holy sites. Starting in 1862, this convent was a school for Holy Land missionaries.
Open:
From Tuesday to Sunday
10.30 am to 1.30 pm and 4 to 7 pm
Group bookings: 981-581600 Holy Land Museum Director
Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the Autonomous Region of Galicia and was declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO in 1985. It is the destination of the Way of St. James for thousands of pilgrims from all over the world, although an increasing number now continue on to Finisterre. This thousand-year-old route has linked the European continent since the Middle Ages and was therefore declared the First European Cultural Itinerary.
Santiago’s historic city centre is one of the most beautiful urban areas in the world, centred on Plaza del Obradoiro. The square’s name refers to the workshop (“obrador”) of the stonemasons that built the Cathedral, which is visited by hundreds of pilgrims every day of the year. The centre of the square is Kilometre Zero of all the Ways of St. James. The Cathedral’s baroque façade overlooking Plaza del Obradoiro is Santiago’s most representative postcard picture.
Santiago de Compostela’s international airport (Lavacolla) is 15 km from San Francisco Hotel Monumento, while the train and bus stations are 1 km and 800 m away respectively.
Santiago de Compostela is a magical place that is ideal for enjoying a unique experience, while strolling around its streets of stone. There are always secrets to be discovered and reasons for returning.
Strolling around the monumental city and discovering the arcades in the streets Rúa Nova and Rúa del Villar.
Visiting one of the more than 12 city museums, such as the Holy Land, Cathedral and Pilgrimage Museums.Do not miss one of the most romantic views of the Cathedral and its surroundings from the walk in Alameda Park.
Wandering around the Mercado de Abastos (food market) in the morning.
Discovering some of the historic city centre’s secrets, such as the monk whose shadow is projected onto the Cathedral in Plaza de la Quintana every night, as well as the curious and varied gargoyles in different buildings.
Guided city tours
Visits to the Cathedral rooftops
The city’s tourist train
Guided tours of Santiago University
Visits to the City of Culture
Sightseeing trips to different parts of Galicia
The Holy Land Museum is the only one of its kind in the world since it exhibits more than 700 items from the Palaeolithic Age to the present, all of which have been brought from the Holy Land (Jerusalem and its area of influence). The museum exhibition is divided into several sections by way of a journey through time. It shows the cultures and three monotheistic religions that coexist in the Holy Land, namely Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
It also features an educational exhibition on the Holy Shroud of Turin and the Monetarium, with coins from the Hellenistic period.
Gold and silver articles, ethnic ornaments, statues, historic recreations of temples and even military objects are many of the treasures awaiting visitors in this museum. The replica of the Star of Bethlehem captivates visitors that have touched the original.
The heart of the museum is an impressive model of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, made by Fray Bartolomé de las Heras between 1945 and 1950. It is a gem made of cypress wood from Gethsemane that reveals all the details inside the basilica.
There is also room for statues made of olive wood and mother-of-pearl. These were made by Bethlehem residents and depict Bible themes; two mother-of-pearl crosses stand out due to their beauty and history. Souvenirs made from these materials are available.
Santiago’s Convent of San Francisco has one of the best collections in the world, due to the Order of St. Francis’ role in guarding the Holy Sepulchre and the presence of numerous Galician monks in the holy sites. Starting in 1862, this convent was a school for Holy Land missionaries.
Open:
From Tuesday to Sunday
10.30 am to 1.30 pm and 4 to 7 pm
Group bookings: 981-581600 Holy Land Museum Director
The Plaza del Obradoiro, 150 meters from the hotel, receives hundreds of pilgrims every day who arrive filled with emotion, exhausted from the effort, yet filled with enthusiasm and hope. The tears that fall from their eyes in front of the Cathedral are the reflection of an experience that will mark their lives forever. The Pilgrim Reception Office, where the "Compostela" is delivered, is located 50 meters from the hotel. San Francisco Hotel Monumento is the ideal place to enjoy the end of the Camino, not only because of its location next to the Cathedral, but also because of the tranquility and spirituality that can be felt through this Franciscan convent. Pilgrims can relax in the indoor pool with jacuzzi after the long Camino, request a restorative massage and taste the conventual menu of the day in the restaurant. The pilgrim will be able to enjoy a special discount, receive a small gift and have a space to store and prepare their bicycle. Pilgrims from all over the world leave their mark on San Francisco Hotel Monumento every day. Go safely! Ultreia et suseia