Parador de Santiago, Hostal dos Reis Católicos

The north side of Praza do Obradoiro is closed off by the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, the former royal hospital that is now the Parador, with the cathedral on one side and the Raxoi palace opposite. It is a five-star hotel. You step out of the door and you are in the square, a few metres from the cathedral façade, and inside the building is arranged around four courtyards, with a garden, and a chapel.

The hospital of the Catholic Monarchs

The Catholic Monarchs decided to found it in 1492 to care for the sick and for pilgrims, and the building was raised to a design by Enrique Egas, the royal architect; Turismo de Galicia dates it to 1499 and Santiago Turismo to 1501. The Plateresque doorway was carved by the French masters Martín de Blas and Guillén de Colás: on the frieze are the twelve apostles and, above the arch, the medallions of Isabella and Ferdinand, with the window of the Royal Chamber above. Between the four courtyards stands the Gothic chapel, Latin-cross plan, declared a National Monument in 1912. The building was remodelled in 1989.

The courtyards and chapel used to be open to visit for non-guests, but Santiago Turismo now lists the visit as cancelled because of restoration works.

Canopies, library and shops under one roof

The superior rooms have period furniture and some have a canopy bed. All have television, telephone, minibar, hairdryer, safe, heating, air conditioning and wifi. There is a restaurant and café-bar, library, lounge, shops, a terrace with garden, lift and laundry. Turismo de Galicia notes staff who speak English, French and German, and describes the building as accessible but not adapted: if you need a prepared room, ask beforehand.

By car to the Obradoiro

It is one of the few hotels in the old town with its own garage: €20 a night according to Paradores, subject to availability on arrival and without prior booking, with an electric car charger. Traffic on the Obradoiro is restricted, so follow the Parador's directions when you book to arrive by car.

The cathedral, as you step out

From the door you have the cathedral and Portico of Glory, the climb to the roofs and the cathedral museum with the Gelmírez palace. All of that, with lunch and the Alameda at sunset, fits into the plan Sunday in Santiago. For dinner out, A Tafona and the Café de Altamira are about ten minutes' walk away.