Pazos are part of Galicia’s landscape and identity almost as much as the rain, the road or the Galician empanada. Did you know that the pazos near Santiago de Compostela are some of the most beautiful in the autonomous community?
If you are planning to spend a few days in Santiago de Compostela or in any of the surrounding towns and villages, we recommend you dedicate one of the days (or even a morning) to visiting some of the most historic Galician pazos. The best way to reach them is by car, because most are located in rural environments that are very difficult to reach by public transportation or on foot.
Pazo de Oca, the 'Galician Versailles'
Pazo de Oca is one of the most famous spots in Galicia, located in A Estrada, about 15 miles (25 km) from Santiago. Many have dubbed it the 'Galician Versailles' because of its spectacular gardens.
On the estate you will find ponds, paths with vegetation and huge boxwood hedges that form geometric figures. Added to this are stone sculptures with centuries of history, bridges and the famous stone boat that sits on one of the ponds. It is highly recommended for a leisurely stroll. What’s more, some of these spaces have been the setting for films and reports.
Pazo de Santa Cruz de Rivadulla, a paradise of camellias
Very close to the above is Pazo de Santa Cruz de Rivadulla, one of the most beautiful historical gardens in Galicia. The camellias are the protagonist of this space and, in fact, it has one of the most important collections in all of Galicia. On top of that, some of its avenues are lined with flowers at certain times of the year.
It is one of the pazos near Santiago de Compostela where you will find magnolias, centenary olive trees and an impressive boxwood run that looks like a vegetable tunnel. The area is relatively quiet and has that elegant atmosphere of the great Galician pazos, but without being overly touristy, at least in the low season.
Pazo do Faramello, one of the pazos near Santiago de Compostela with a storied history
Pazo do Faramello has something different from the rest, and that is its industrial origin. It was created from an old paper mill founded at the beginning of the 18th century, which is a little unusual in Galicia. Curiously, it was one of the first paper mills in the region and for years had permission to produce the Crown’s official documents.
In addition to its history, it is worth walking its trails, crossing the stone bridges and strolling along the river. Located between Santiago and Padrón, about 15 to 20 minutes by car from either one, it is an easy excursion for a morning or afternoon.
Pazo de San Lourenzo, explore without leaving Santiago
If the ones listed above are pazos near Santiago de Compostela, to visit San Lourenzo you don't even need to travel far from the city centre. It is practically in Santiago itself and perfect if you are short on time.
It is an old monastic complex surrounded by gardens, forests and stone walls that was converted into a pazo with a very recognisable image. The spaces are often the venue for weddings and events, but they still retain that stately touch that is so characteristic of Galicia.
How to organise a route to the pazos near Santiago de Compostela
One of the advantages of these pazos near Santiago de Compostela is that some are very close to each other. Therefore, you can visit them in one full day if you travel by car. For example, starting in Santiago, this would be the ideal route through the pazos:
- Pazo de San Lourenzo.
- Pazo do Faramello.
- Pazo de Santa Cruz de Ribadulla.
- Pazo de Oca.
You can visit all of them in a single day without spending much time on the road. You will need to confirm the opening hours beforehand, as some of them operate with guided tours or have limited access depending on the time of year. Also take the opportunity to make stops at villages, viewpoints and restaurants along the way, because in Galicia the journey is usually almost as interesting as the destination.
Your best bet is to rent a car with OK Mobility at Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ), design your own route and visit all the pazos near Santiago de Compostela. What’s more, the car is the most comfortable means of transport, both to reach the pazos and to visit other corners of Galicia at your own pace.
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