Pazo de Raxoi
A stately 18th-century French neoclassical palace, Pazo de Raxoi serves as Santiago de Compostela's City Hall, boasting a grand facade.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Pazo de Raxoi
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stately 18th-century French neoclassical palace, Pazo de Raxoi serves as Santiago de Compostela's City Hall, boasting a grand facade.
"Its grandeur was striking. This historic palace... stands as a symbol of Santiago’s political and cultural heritage."
📸 Exterior Photo Op
The Baroque facade is stunning. Capture its grandeur from the Praza da Quintana or nearby viewpoints. :camerawithflash:
📍 Prime Location
Easily accessible next to the Cathedral. Combine your visit for a seamless exploration of Santiago's core. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baroque Facade
Admire the 18th-century French neoclassical architecture, featuring grand arches and intricate stonework. A true visual feast.
City Hall Symbolism
This majestic building, once intended for Archbishop Raxoi, now houses the City Council and regional government offices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Admire from the Outside
Prime Location
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Exterior Photo Op
The Baroque facade is stunning. Capture its grandeur from the Praza da Quintana or nearby viewpoints. :camerawithflash:
📍 Prime Location
Easily accessible next to the Cathedral. Combine your visit for a seamless exploration of Santiago's core. :world_map:
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
While interior access is limited, the 18th-century French neoclassical design is a sight to behold from the outside. :building_construction:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Exterior Photo Op
The Baroque facade is stunning. Capture its grandeur from the Praza da Quintana or nearby viewpoints. :camerawithflash:
📍 Prime Location
Easily accessible next to the Cathedral. Combine your visit for a seamless exploration of Santiago's core. :world_map:
🏛️ Admire the Architecture
While interior access is limited, the 18th-century French neoclassical design is a sight to behold from the outside. :building_construction:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Pazo de Raxoi for its stunning 18th-century French neoclassical architecture and its majestic facade. Its prime location next to the Cathedral makes it an unmissable landmark in Santiago de Compostela. While interior access is limited, its exterior grandeur is a significant highlight for most who visit.
"I visited the Pazo de Raxoi in Santiago de Compostela, and its grandeur was striking. This historic palace, built in the 18th century, now serves as the City Hall. The building’s Baroque-style façade is impressive, with beautiful arches and intricate stonework. Located near the Cathedral, it adds to the city’s charm and historical richness. Though I only admired it from the outside, the Pazo de Raxoi stands as a symbol of Santiago’s political and cultural heritage. It’s an essential part of the city’s architectural landscape."
Luciano Carvalho
"Pazo de Raxoi is a very nice looking City hall. We couldn't do her through it but it was a nice little stopped getting to look at this very beautiful building with great architectural work"
razorrau1
"Majestic building from 18th Century built for Archbishop Raxoi. Used as Council Office & Xunta departments."
Mark Auchincloss
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pazo de Raxoi is located in the heart of Santiago de Compostela's historic center, adjacent to the Cathedral. It's easily accessible on foot from most parts of the old town. If arriving by bus or train, it's a pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes to reach the Pazo. Taxis are also readily available.
Yes, Pazo de Raxoi is situated right next to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, making it incredibly convenient to visit both landmarks together. You can't miss it when you're exploring the main square.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pazo de Raxoi primarily serves as the seat of the City Council and regional government offices. Public access inside is generally limited, and it's not a typical tourist attraction with open visiting hours. Most visitors admire its impressive exterior architecture.
No ticket is required to see Pazo de Raxoi, as it's a public building whose exterior can be admired from the surrounding plazas. You can freely walk around its impressive facade.
As Pazo de Raxoi functions as administrative offices, there are no set public visiting hours for the interior. The exterior is always accessible from the surrounding public squares.
📸 📸 Photography
The best vantage points for photographing Pazo de Raxoi are from the Praza da Quintana and the Praza do Obradoiro. These squares offer excellent perspectives of its grand French neoclassical facade, especially during daylight hours when the light is favorable.
Absolutely! Pazo de Raxoi's stately 18th-century architecture, with its arches and stonework, makes it a very photogenic building. It's a key element of Santiago's iconic skyline, particularly when framed with the Cathedral.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The primary experience at Pazo de Raxoi is admiring its magnificent 18th-century French neoclassical architecture from the outside. It's a significant landmark in Santiago de Compostela, offering a glimpse into the city's administrative and historical importance.
Yes, Pazo de Raxoi is worth visiting for its architectural beauty and its prominent location next to the Cathedral. It's an integral part of the historic ensemble of Santiago and adds to the city's charm and grandeur.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
While visitors cannot typically explore the interior, the exterior itself is a masterpiece. The Baroque-style facade is particularly noteworthy, showcasing a sense of order and grandeur. It stands as a testament to the historical importance of the city and its administrative functions, having served as a palace and now as the seat of the City Council and regional government offices. Its presence on the Praza do Obradoiro makes it a central point of interest for anyone visiting Santiago de Compostela.
Many visitors are struck by the sheer majesty of the building when they first see it. Its imposing presence and refined details are often highlighted in reviews, emphasizing its role in the city's rich architectural landscape. It's a structure that commands attention and adds significantly to the historical atmosphere of the Praza do Obradoiro.
Historical Context and Function
Following its completion, the Pazo de Raxoi transitioned from a private residence to a public administrative center. It has served as the seat of the City Council (Concello de Santiago de Compostela) and also houses departments of the Xunta de Galicia, the regional government. This dual function underscores its continued importance in the civic life of Santiago. The building is a living monument, actively used for governance, while also being a significant historical and architectural landmark.
Its location on the iconic Praza do Obradoiro, directly facing the Cathedral, is no accident. This placement signifies the historical convergence of religious and secular power in the city. While not a museum, its role as a functioning government building adds a unique layer to its appeal, offering a glimpse into the present-day administration of a city steeped in history. Travelers often note its impressive exterior as a key part of their Santiago experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit