Herradura walk in the Alameda

The Alameda park is five minutes' walk from the Obradoiro. On its east slope, the Herradura walk gives the frontal view of the cathedral over the rooftops of the old town: Turismo de Santiago calls it the city's most photographed postcard and best-known urban viewpoint. On the other side, a balustrade looks towards the Campus Sur. Come back at night, with the cathedral lit up.

The park

Since the 19th century the Alameda has been the great promenade of the people of Santiago and the city's main urban garden, on the slope of Mount Santa Susana. It covers about 85,000 m² and takes about half an hour to walk. It is divided into three parts: the central Alameda walk, which keeps the 19th-century corridors designed for the different social classes; the Santa Susana oak grove (in the park is also the chapel of Santa Susana); and the Herradura walk, with horse chestnuts and a pergola with views.

Along the way you will see splendid eucalyptus trees, the church of El Pilar, a dovecote, the bandstand, an acoustic bench, ponds with ducks and many statues and sculptures. The granite benches have Sargadelos cast-iron backs.

The view

The Herradura circles the hill on the east and looks onto the west façade of the old town. With the cathedral in front of you, the towers of the Obradoiro rise above the stone rooftops. Turismo de Santiago recommends going at any time and especially at night, with the lighting.

Practical

The park is open 24 hours and is free. It has gentle slopes, pedestrian paths, lawns and shade, benches, drinking fountains, a playground, public toilets and night lighting; Turismo de Santiago lists it as accessible for people with physical disabilities and suitable for bicycles. It works with a pushchair and with small children. Dogs may enter on a lead. There is parking nearby; the viewpoint listing places it on Paseo dos Leóns.

To combine

It fits well after the cathedral or the roofs. If you want another view, higher and more distant, at sunset, go up Mount Pedroso, to the west. For dinner afterwards in the old town, O Dezaseis, on Rúa de San Pedro, is a Galician eating house.