Cookie settings
We use our own and third-party cookies in order to offer our services, display videos, obtain statistics and offer personalized advertising.
For more information, please read our cookies policy.
This building is a Benedictine monastery that was founded in the X Century, in order to watch over the remains of the apostle. It was built in Baroque style in the XVII Century.
The church has a Latin cross plan with three naves, surrounded by a rostrum.
The façade has the structure of an altarpiece and show figures of the Virgin with Baby Jesus and several Benedictine Saints. Our Holy Father dominates the triangular gable.
The door is framed by four Doric columns and includes the image of San Benito in its centre. The upper structure consists of the Spanish coat of arms and the equestrian image of San Martín de Tours sharing his cloak with a poor person who represents to Christ. This sculpture was added by Fernando de Casas in the XVII Century.
Inside, the Major Altarpiece in Baroque style by Casas y Novoa and Romay attracts the attention. Moreover, there are very valuable pieces such as collections of gold works, paintings, sacred objects, etc. You can visit the San Felipe Neri´ s oratory, the sacristy, the pharmacy, the relics chapel and the processional cloister. Nowadays, it is the Major Seminar, hall of residence and University headquarters.
Built: IX-XVIII Century
Author: Mateo López, Bartolomé Fdez., Fernando Casas Novoa
Style: Baroque
Category: Religious
Type: Monastery
Are you in Santiago de Compostela and need to book a last-minute guided tour?
Sign up for this Free Tour. For two hours, you will visit with a local guide the most emblematic places around the Cathedral of Santiago, such as the Plaza del Obradoiro or the Rúa do Franco, as well as the lesser-known corners, such as the Alameda Park.
At the end of the tour, you decide how much you want to pay for it!
Address and telephone
Opening times
If you see any mistakes or want to add anything to this information, please contact us.
Are you in Santiago de Compostela and need to book a last-minute guided tour?
Sign up for this Free Tour. For two hours, you will visit with a local guide the most emblematic places around the Cathedral of Santiago, such as the Plaza del Obradoiro or the Rúa do Franco, as well as the lesser-known corners, such as the Alameda Park.
At the end of the tour, you decide how much you want to pay for it!