Pazo de Xelmírez, Santiago de Compostela

Historic Building, Museum and Palace in Santiago de Compostela

Pazo de Xelmírez
Pazo de Xelmírez
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga)

Tucked beside Santiago de Compostela's Cathedral on Praza do Obradoiro, the Pazo de Xelmírez (also known as the Palacio de Gelmírez) is a medieval archbishop's palace with some of the city's most atmospheric historic interiors. It's typically visited as part of the Cathedral Museum circuit, so it fits naturally into a day exploring the old town's UNESCO-listed streets.

If you're doing a walking tour of Santiago's historic center, this is one of the easiest “step inside” stops to add: you're already in the cathedral's orbit, and the palace rooms give you a vivid sense of how power, ceremony, and daily life once worked around the shrine of St. James. For the best first impression, approach from Obradoiro Square, then plan to pair it with the cathedral museum spaces and nearby viewpoints.

History and Significance of the Pazo de Xelmírez

The Pazo de Xelmírez is closely tied to Archbishop Diego Xelmírez, the influential churchman who helped shape medieval Santiago into a major European pilgrimage destination. Built in the early 12th century, the palace functioned as both a residence and an administrative hub, reflecting the cathedral's growing importance and the archbishop's political reach.

Architecturally, it’s especially prized for its Romanesque character, which is relatively rare for civic (non-monastic) buildings in Spain. Over time, as tastes and needs changed, later elements were layered in, so the building also hints at the long, evolving story of the cathedral complex.

Today, visiting the Pazo is less about a single “must-see object” and more about stepping into a preserved medieval setting: stonework, proportions, and ceremonial rooms that make the cathedral’s history feel tangible rather than abstract.

Things to See and Do in the Pazo de Xelmírez

Start by slowing down in the grand medieval rooms, where the scale and stone detailing communicate status and ceremony even without a long explanation. If you enjoy reading spaces like you’d read a story, look for how entrances, stairways, and room sizes guide movement and hierarchy.

Because the Pazo is commonly integrated into the Cathedral Museum visit, it's ideal to combine it with other museum areas the same day. Treat it as your “context stop” before or after the cathedral interior: it helps you understand the institutional world that grew around the pilgrimage.

If your ticket includes rooftop or tower experiences elsewhere in the cathedral program, the Pazo can also feel like the calm, grounded counterpoint to those big panoramic moments. Do the views first if you want the wow-factor, then come here to absorb the medieval atmosphere at a quieter pace.

How to Get to the Pazo de Xelmírez

The nearest airport is Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport (SCQ), with additional options in A Coruña (LCG) and Vigo (VGO) if flights or prices work better for your route. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Santiago de Compostela on Booking.com.

Santiago de Compostela has train connections (including faster services on key routes), and arriving by rail is convenient because you can reach the old town by taxi or local bus and then continue on foot. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re traveling by car, aim for a public car park on the edge of the historic center and walk in, since the old town has restricted access and narrow streets. 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 Pazo de Xelmírez

  • Official website: https://visitas.catedraldesantiago.es/
  • Entrance fee: Adults: €9; Reduced: €7; Under 12: free.
  • Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00–20:00.
  • Best time to visit: Go earlier in the day for a calmer experience, especially in peak pilgrimage and summer travel months. If you’re pairing it with cathedral viewpoints, schedule those first, then come here to linger.
  • How long to spend: Plan 20–40 minutes if you’re moving steadily, or up to an hour if you like to take photos (where permitted) and read interpretive material.
  • Accessibility: Expect historic architecture with stairs and uneven surfaces in places; some themed routes in the cathedral program are not wheelchair-accessible. If mobility is a concern, confirm which areas are step-free before buying.
  • Facilities: Facilities are generally organized through the Cathedral Museum visitor reception area; travel light because large bags and umbrellas may be restricted.

Where to Stay Close to the Pazo de Xelmírez

Base yourself in the Old Town (Centro Histórico) so you can walk to the cathedral complex early and late, when the streets are at their most atmospheric.

Parador de Santiago de Compostela (Hostal dos Reis Católicos) This is the classic splurge choice: unbeatable location right on Obradoiro Square and a once-in-a-lifetime “sleep inside history” feel.

NH Collection Santiago de Compostela A polished, reliable upscale option with easy access to the center and a more contemporary comfort level after long walking days.

Hotel Costa Vella A charming, smaller hotel with a peaceful vibe that still keeps you within an easy stroll of the cathedral area.

Hotel Praza Quintana A smart pick if you want to be right in the old town’s heart, close to evening strolls and early-morning photo opportunities.

A Tafona do Peregrino A friendly, pilgrim-welcoming stay that’s great for travelers who value warmth and practicality over luxury, while staying walkable to the main sights.

Is the Pazo de Xelmírez Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you're already planning to see the cathedral complex: the Pazo de Xelmírez adds depth to your visit by showing the civic and administrative world that grew alongside the pilgrimage. It's one of those places where the “feel” of the stone rooms and medieval layout is the main attraction, and it pairs perfectly with a walking tour of the old town.

Honest Pivot: if you strongly prefer fully guided interpretation in English (or you dislike historic interiors that are more about atmosphere than objects), you may find it less satisfying unless you book a tour/language option that fits you. In that case, prioritize viewpoints, plazas, and the broader old town walk, then only add the Pazo if it’s included in a ticket bundle you already want.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (78)

Google reviewers rate the experience very highly overall (4.5/5). Visitors frequently praise the palace’s medieval character and its importance as a rare Romanesque civic building, and many highlight the cathedral rooftop/tower views when included in their ticket. Common drawbacks mentioned include limited language options on some tours (especially for non-Spanish speakers) and occasional frustration with ticketing or staff interactions.

Seokjin Ham
2 months ago
"The palace was built in the early 12th century by order of Archbishop Diego Gelmírez. Serving as his residence and administrative center, it isregarded as one of the few civic Romanesque buildings in Spain. Over the centuries, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements were added. Today, it forms part of the Museo da Catedral de Santiago de Compostela and displays sculptures and decorative pieces, including works related to Maestro Mateo. From this building, visitors can access two separate routes — one leading to the Pórtico da Gloria, and another to the cathedral’s rooftop...."
Sally Hurkett
8 months ago
"Tour is only in Spanish. They have absolutely NO English on offer. The views from the rooftop are spectacular, but not worth the price when you getnothing from the tour..."
양진수
2 years ago
"Despite purchasing tickets online and explaining the error promptly upon arrival, my friend and I encountered a disappointing experience at theCathedral Museum. The staff, particularly Ruth, was unhelpful and exhibited rude behavior. Despite the museum being nearly empty, we were restricted to only viewing the ‘porta.’ The language barrier further complicated matters as the staff struggled with English. Overall, the lack of flexibility and unfriendly attitude marred what could have been an enjoyable visit...."

For Different Travelers

The Pazo de Xelmírez works best as a flexible add-on within a cathedral-and-old-town day. Your enjoyment will depend on whether you like historic spaces for their atmosphere, or you need lots of interpretation to feel engaged.

Families with Kids

Kids who enjoy “castle-like” spaces and imagining medieval life can have fun here, especially if you turn it into a quick scavenger hunt for arches, staircases, and carved details. Keep the pace brisk and pair it with an outdoor break in Obradoiro Square.

If your family is also doing rooftops or towers in the cathedral program, consider energy levels: lots of stairs in one day can be a lot. Build in a snack stop and let the Pazo be the quieter, shorter indoor segment.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the appeal is the setting: stepping from Santiago’s iconic square into a stone palace interior feels cinematic. It’s an easy way to add a “hidden layer” to a cathedral visit without needing a full extra excursion.

Plan your visit to flow into a sunset walk through the old town lanes afterward. Even if you don’t spend long inside, it’s a memorable contrast to the lively plazas outside.

Budget Travelers

If you're watching costs, the Pazo is best when it's included in a museum ticket you already want for the cathedral experience. You'll get more value by planning a full old-town walking route around it, since the surrounding streets and squares deliver a lot for free.

Also consider timing: visiting on a quieter day can make the experience feel “bigger” without spending extra on add-ons. If language is a barrier, a self-guided approach with a short pre-read can help you get more from the rooms.

History Buffs

History lovers will appreciate how the Pazo connects architecture to power: it’s a physical reminder that Santiago’s pilgrimage story was also an institutional and political story. Look closely at how the building communicates authority through scale, access points, and ceremonial space.

To deepen the visit, pair it with other museum areas in the cathedral complex and then walk the old town with an eye for layers: Romanesque foundations, later additions, and the living city built around them.

FAQs for Visiting Pazo de Xelmírez

Getting There

Yes, it sits right by the cathedral complex at Praza do Obradoiro, so you can reach it on foot from the main square in minutes. If you’re already in the old town, you likely won’t need any transport.
Yes, Santiago’s historic center is very walkable, and taxis can drop you near the edges of the old town. From there, it’s a straightforward walk to Obradoiro Square.
Use Praza do Obradoiro as your anchor point, then look for the Cathedral Museum visitor reception access for entry logistics. This helps avoid confusion with nearby cathedral entrances.

Tickets & Entry

It’s commonly included as part of the Cathedral Museum ticketing options rather than being a standalone purchase. Choose the ticket type that matches what else you want to see the same day.
If you’re traveling in peak season or want a specific timed experience elsewhere in the cathedral program, booking ahead is a good idea. For a simple museum visit, availability is often easier, but it can still get busy.
The best value depends on whether you also want rooftops, towers, or other themed visits in the cathedral program. If you mainly want interiors and context, the museum-focused option is usually the most efficient.

Visiting Experience

Most travelers treat it as a short, high-impact stop within a larger cathedral day. You can move through in under an hour while still feeling like you’ve “stepped into” medieval Santiago.
Yes if you like historic architecture and atmosphere; it’s more about space than display cases. If you need lots of interpretation to stay engaged, you may prefer a guided format.
Some areas in the broader cathedral program involve significant stairs, and historic buildings often have level changes. If stairs are a concern, confirm the specific route included with your ticket.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it’s ideal for a walking-tour itinerary because it’s right in the old town’s core. It also works well as a mid-day indoor stop if the weather turns.
Not always; some visitors report limited language options depending on the tour format. If language matters, choose an option that clearly offers your preferred language or an audioguide.
Start with cathedral highlights, add the Pazo for medieval context, then finish with a slow loop through the old town lanes and viewpoints. This keeps walking efficient and avoids backtracking.

Photography

Rules can vary by space and ticket type within the cathedral museum program. Assume restrictions may apply and check signage or staff guidance before photographing.
Rooftop and tower views are typically separate themed experiences within the cathedral program, not automatically part of a simple palace-room visit. Choose the correct ticket if views are a priority.
Praza do Obradoiro is the classic wide-angle spot, especially early morning. Nearby lanes also give you tighter, moodier compositions with stone textures and arches.

Accessibility & Facilities

Some areas may be challenging due to stairs and historic layouts, and certain themed routes are not accessible. If you need step-free access, confirm the specific spaces included before you go.
Yes, large bags and umbrellas may be restricted in museum spaces for security and conservation reasons. Bring only what you can comfortably carry and store.
Facilities are typically managed through the Cathedral Museum visitor services rather than inside every historic room. Plan a quick restroom stop before starting timed segments.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the old town around the cathedral is packed with cafés and bakeries within a few minutes’ walk. It’s easy to plan a coffee stop before or after.
Eat slightly earlier or later than peak Spanish lunch hours to avoid queues in the old town. A short walk away from Obradoiro often gets you better value and a calmer table.
In museum-style spaces, eating is usually not allowed. Keep snacks for outdoor plazas or designated break areas.

Safety & Timing

Yes, it’s a busy, central tourist zone with lots of foot traffic. As anywhere, keep an eye on valuables in crowds.
Early morning and later afternoon tend to feel calmer than mid-day. Visiting outside peak summer months also makes a noticeable difference.
This is a great rainy-day stop because it’s indoors and right in the old town. Pair it with other nearby indoor museum spaces to stay dry without losing the day.

Nearby Attractions to the Pazo de Xelmírez

The Pazo de Xelmírez 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:

Monday - Sunday: 10:00-20:00.

Price:

Adults: €9; Reduced: €7; Under 12: free.

Address: Praza do Obradoiro, 15704 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
Santiago de Compostela: 0 km
Telephone: +34 981 55 29 85
Official Website

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