As Duas Marias, Santiago de Compostela

Park, Sculpture and Statue in Santiago de Compostela

As Duas Marias
As Duas Marias
CC BY-SA 2.5 / amaianos

As Duas Marias is one of Santiago de Compostela's most recognizable outdoor sculptures: two brightly dressed women captured mid-stroll, full of personality and movement. You'll find it in the Parque da Alameda (often simply called Alameda Park), a green belt just outside the Old Town that's perfect for a gentle break between cathedral visits and tapas stops.

Because it sits along popular pedestrian routes, As Duas Marias is an easy add-on to a self-guided wander or a classic city walking tour. It's also a great “anchor point” for exploring Alameda's viewpoints, shady paths, and the short walk back into the historic center.

History and Significance of the As Duas Marias

As Duas Marias memorializes Maruxa and Coralia Fandiño, two real sisters who became famous local figures in Santiago. Their daily walks—often in vivid clothing and with a theatrical flair—made them instantly recognizable, and over time they became part of the city's collective memory.

Their story is often told as one of resilience: two women who endured hardship and social stigma, yet still chose visibility, color, and ritual in a city that could be harsh and judgmental. For many visitors today, the sculpture is more than a quirky photo stop; it’s a small public monument to dignity, survival, and the right to be seen.

The statue's placement in Parque da Alameda is fitting. Alameda is where locals stroll, sit, and people-watch—exactly the kind of everyday public stage where the sisters' presence became legendary.

Things to See and Do in the As Duas Marias

Start with the sculpture itself: the bold colors and expressive poses are designed to be photographed from multiple angles, and it’s common to see visitors waiting their turn to stand between the figures. If you’re traveling with a guide, this is often a storytelling stop—quick to visit, but memorable once you know who the sisters were.

After your photo, use the moment as a gateway into Parque da Alameda. The park is one of the best places in Santiago for a slower pace: benches under mature trees, wide paths for an easy stroll, and a calm atmosphere that contrasts nicely with the busy lanes of the Old Town.

Finally, pair the visit with nearby viewpoints. Alameda is famous for postcard-like perspectives toward the cathedral area, especially when the light softens later in the day—ideal if you want a scenic walk that still stays close to the center.

How to Get to the As Duas Marias

The nearest airports are Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) for the quickest arrival, with Porto (OPO) and A Coruña (LCG) as useful alternatives depending on flight prices and schedules. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Santiago de Compostela on Booking.com.

Santiago de Compostela is well connected by rail, and arriving by train is a convenient way to reach the city without worrying about parking—once you're in town, the Old Town and Alameda are very walkable.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re traveling by car, aim for a central public car park on the edge of the historic center and continue on foot, since many Old Town streets are restricted or inconvenient for driving.If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the As Duas Marias

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Go early morning for fewer people in photos, or late afternoon for softer light and a relaxed park atmosphere.
  • How long to spend: 10–20 minutes is enough for photos and a quick look, but plan 45–90 minutes if you want to stroll Alameda and enjoy viewpoints.
  • Accessibility: Paths in Alameda are generally manageable, but expect some slopes and uneven surfaces in and around the park and nearby historic streets.
  • Facilities: The sculpture area itself has no dedicated facilities, but you’ll find cafés, restrooms, and services a short walk away toward the Old Town.

Where to Stay Close to the As Duas Marias

Base yourself in the central Old Town/Alameda edge for the easiest walks to the cathedral, parks, restaurants, and evening strolls.

Parador de Santiago de Compostela (Hostal dos Reis Católicos) A once-in-a-lifetime stay steps from the cathedral; choose it for historic atmosphere and an unbeatable location for early-morning sightseeing.

NH Collection Santiago de Compostela A polished, comfortable option with a calmer feel than the tight Old Town lanes, while still being walkable to Alameda and major sights.

Hotel Compostela Great for transport links and shopping streets; it’s a practical base that keeps you close to the park and the Old Town entrances.

Eurostars Gran Hotel Santiago A solid choice if you want space and value with an easy walk to Alameda and viewpoints, plus straightforward access by car or taxi.

Hotel Costa Vella A charming, quieter-feeling stay with character; ideal if you want a more intimate Santiago experience while remaining central.

Is the As Duas Marias Worth Visiting?

Yes—As Duas Marias is absolutely worth a stop because it's free, central, and genuinely distinctive, and it adds a human story to your walk through Santiago. It's also one of the easiest “high-impact” sights to combine with Alameda's greenery and viewpoints in the same short outing.

Honest Pivot: If you’re extremely short on time and only want major architectural interiors (cathedral, museums, cloisters), you could skip it without missing a “must-see” building. But if you enjoy local stories, public art, and quick photo moments, it’s a smart, low-effort highlight.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (1,365)

Reviews are very positive overall, with travelers calling it a must-see photo stop and praising the sculpture’s vivid colors and the pleasant park setting near the center. Many visitors appreciate learning the backstory of the two sisters and see the monument as a meaningful local symbol, not just a quirky landmark. The most common downsides are occasional crowding (you may need to wait your turn for photos) and some visitors finding the statue’s playful pose a bit cheeky or awkward in pictures.

Roberto Ferraris
5 months ago
"This old lady was famous because of touching the bottom of young fellows at the time. It it was a men he would surely will not have a statue.Essential place to visit...."
Z. CON GLANTZ
a year ago
"Beautiful park next to the city center."
Luciano Carvalho
a year ago
"I had the chance to see As Duas Marias in Santiago de Compostela, and it’s such a vibrant and striking sculpture. Located in Parque das Alamedas, itportrays two colorful women, Maruxa and Coralia, who were iconic figures in the city. Their bright clothing and cheerful poses add a whimsical touch to the park, drawing the attention of passersby. Learning about their history as symbols of resilience and individuality made the experience even more meaningful. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Santiago...."

For Different Travelers

As Duas Marias works well as a flexible stop: you can spend two minutes for a photo or build it into a longer, scenic loop through Alameda and back into the Old Town. It's also a good “reset point” between heavier sightseeing stops.

Families with Kids

Kids often respond well to the statue’s bright colors and playful energy, and the park setting makes it easy to keep the visit low-stress. It’s a quick win if you’re balancing attention spans.

Turn it into a mini break: grab a snack, let kids stretch their legs in Alameda, then continue toward the cathedral area when everyone’s recharged.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the best part is the setting: a gentle park stroll, viewpoints, and a classic Santiago atmosphere without needing a reservation or ticket. It’s especially nice around golden hour.

Use As Duas Marias as a starting point for a slow walk through Alameda, then drift into the Old Town for a relaxed dinner—easy, photogenic, and very “Santiago.”

Budget Travelers

This is a perfect budget stop: it’s free, outdoors, and right on the natural walking routes between major sights. You can get a memorable photo and a meaningful story without spending anything.

If you're watching costs, pair it with a DIY walking route through Alameda and the Old Town rather than paid attractions, and save your money for a special meal.

FAQs for Visiting As Duas Marias

Getting There

Yes, it’s an easy walk from the historic center and fits naturally into most Old Town routes. Alameda Park sits right beside the core sightseeing area.
Yes, a taxi can drop you near Alameda, and from there it’s a short walk. Driving right up to the statue isn’t necessary.
Yes, it’s near Alameda viewpoints and within walking distance of the cathedral area. It’s ideal as a quick stop between bigger attractions.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s an outdoor sculpture in a public park. You can visit freely.
No, the statue area is open and informal. There’s no checkpoint or entry control.
No, but a walking tour can add context and make the story more meaningful. It’s still enjoyable as a simple photo stop.

Visiting Experience

It can get busy at peak hours because it’s a popular photo spot. If you want a clear photo, go earlier or be ready to wait briefly.
Use it as a gateway into Alameda for a scenic stroll and viewpoints. The park atmosphere is part of the appeal.
No, the statue itself is quick, but it pairs well with a longer walk through the park. Plan based on your pace.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Many do, because it’s central and story-rich. If you’re choosing a tour, check the stop list for Alameda.
Visit the statue, walk through Alameda viewpoints, then continue into the Old Town for cathedral-area sights. It’s a simple loop that feels complete.
Yes, Alameda is a classic place for late-day light and relaxed strolling. It’s one of the easiest scenic add-ons in Santiago.

Photography

Try a straight-on shot to capture both figures, then step to the side for a more dynamic perspective. A wider lens helps if people are around.
Late afternoon often gives softer, warmer light in the park. Morning is best if you want fewer people in the frame.
Be patient and take turns—many visitors want the classic “between the figures” photo. Keep it quick when there’s a small queue.

Accessibility & Facilities

Mostly yes, but expect some slopes and occasional uneven paving typical of historic European cities. Alameda paths are generally easier than Old Town lanes.
Not directly at the sculpture. Facilities are easier to find as you head toward the Old Town and nearby cafés.
Yes, Alameda has plenty of benches and shaded spots. It’s a comfortable place to pause.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, you’re close to central Santiago, so cafés and bakeries are a short walk away. It’s easy to build in a coffee stop.
Alameda is a pleasant place to sit with a snack, especially on a mild day. Just keep the area tidy and respect other park users.
Yes, the Old Town is right next door with a wide range of tapas bars and restaurants. It’s an easy transition from park stroll to evening meal.

Safety & Timing

Generally yes, as it’s a central, well-visited area, but use normal city awareness after dark. Stick to lit paths if you’re walking late.
Early morning is the simplest way to get photos with fewer people. Midday and tour-heavy times tend to be busier.
Yes—Santiago can be rainy, and the park paths may be damp. Bring a light rain layer and shoes with grip if the forecast looks wet.

Nearby Attractions to the As Duas Marias

  • Parque da Alameda viewpoints, a classic spot for scenic perspectives and relaxed strolling near the Old Town.
  • Praza do Obradoiro, the city's iconic main square framed by monumental buildings and constant pilgrim energy.
  • Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, the pilgrimage destination and architectural centerpiece of the city.
  • Mercado de Abastos, a lively market area for local produce, snacks, and an everyday slice of Santiago.
  • Rúa do Franco, one of the best-known streets for tapas and an easy evening wander after sightseeing.

The As Duas Marias appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Santiago de Compostela!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: Parque de la Alameda, P.º Central da Alameda, s/n, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, Spain
Santiago de Compostela: 1 km
Telephone: +34 981 55 51 29

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