Now the last stop on the 621-mile El Camino de Santiago walk for foot-weary pilgrims, the Galician capital is famed for its stunning architecture, baroque squares, romanesque churches and Renaissance courtyards.

These days though the university city is prized for its designer clothes and Galician cuisine as much as for its wealth of Unesco-listed buildings.

The vibe Santiago de Compostela is a small but lively city where euphoric pilgrims at the end of their mammoth trek rub shoulders with a buzzing throng of students from the university which dates back to the 15th century.

Both converge on Praza do Obradoiro, Santiago’s central square at the heart of the old town.

The plaza is lined with some of the city’s most important and impressive buildings including the world’s oldest hotel, the 15th-century Hostal dos Reis Catolicos, and the Catedral del Apostol, a jaw-dropping gothic, romanesque and baroque cathedral dating back to the 9th century and in whose 12th-century crypt relics of St James the Apostle are said to lie.

From the grand Praza do Obradoiro narrow stone streets snake through the old town.

The main thoroughfare is Rua do Franco, a long cobbled street of souvenir shops leading to the new town (Zona Nova) with some lovely sights along the way such as the Renaissance cloisters in Fonseca College.

Take any side street and you’ll discover gems such as Praza das Praterias (Silversmiths’ Square) with its Fuente de los Caballos (Horses Fountain) dating back to 1829 and pavement cafes such as those along the Praza de San Paio.

THE HOTEL:

Hostal dos Reis Catolicos (dialling from the UK: 00 34 981 58 22 00/parador.es) hotel sits adjacent to the cathedral on Praza do Obradoiro.

Both are so stunning your eyes dart between them like those of spectators at a Wimbledon final.

Built in the early 1500s as a pilgrims’ hospital, it was converted into a Parador, one of Spain’s network of 94 historic hotels, in 1958.

It is one of the most beautiful hotels you will Dine in fine Galician style at the world’s oldest hotel ever see, from the carved entrance facade to the elegant courtyards, cloisters and halls within, all original and steeped in history.

Happily the pilgrim-chic rooms (think carved four-posters adorned with brocade drapes) also feature comfortable beds, huge bathrooms and WiFi.

The two restaurants showcase the best of Galician cuisine including grilled scallops, garlicky risotto with saffron and mussels and delicious wines.

There’s an elegant terrace bar overlooking the plaza which is perfect for a nightcap as you drink in views of the cathedral.

WHERE TO EAT:

Galicians love their food. Cheese is a regional staple and 40 per cent of Spain’s milk comes from the surrounding farmland.

Try tetilla, also known as breast cheese due to its mounded shape.