Mosteiro de San Paio de Antealtares

Santiago de Compostela


The long, stark wall of the Mosteiro de San Paio de Antealtares faces the cathedral's east end across Praza da Quintana. Founded by Alfonso II in the 9th century for Benedictine monks to look after St James' relics, it became a nunnery in 1499.

Up the steps at the top of the plaza, you'll find the entrance to the convent church, above which stands the beatific figure of the 10th-century Galician child saint San Paio, his throat being slashed in reference to his martyrdom in Córdoba. The church gives access to the Museo de Arte Sacra, containing the original altar raised over the Santiago relics. At 8pm (7.30pm on Saturday and Sunday) you can hear the nuns sing vespers in the church.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Santiago de Compostela attractions

1. Museo de Arte Sacro

0.02 MILES

The Sacred Art Museum, accessed through the church of the Mosteiro de San Paio de Antealtares, contains the Ara (Altar) de Antealtares, the original altar…

2. Praza da Quintana

0.02 MILES

Broad Praza da Quintana opens up outside the cathedral's eastern end. The cathedral's Puerta Santa here is opened only in holy years: it's flanked by 24…

3. Puerta Santa

0.03 MILES

The cathedral's Puerta Santa, giving access to the cathedral from Praza da Quintana, is opened only in holy years (2021, 2027). Constructed between 1611…

4. Praza da Inmaculada

0.06 MILES

On the cathedral's north side, this is where most pilgrims arriving in Santiago first set eyes on the cathedral. Opposite looms the huge, austerely…

6. Museo de San Martiño Pinario

0.06 MILES

The enormous church of the huge baroque Benedictine monastery of San Martiño Pinario is open to visitors as part of a museum that's well worth a visit…

7. Praza das Praterías

0.06 MILES

'Silversmiths' Square' is centred on an elegant 1825 fountain, the Fuente de los Caballos, a popular photo op, with the cath­edral's Romanesque south…

8. Fuente de los Caballos

0.06 MILES

The plaza on the cathedral's south side focuses on Fuente de los Caballos fountain (1825), a popular photo op, with four elegant horses surmounted by a…

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