Social Program

Welcome Reception

The Welcome Reception will be held on Wednesday, 22 January 2020 at 20.30 h at “Hospedería San Martin Pinario”, Plaza da Inmaculada nº 3

 

 

Gala Dinner

Join us for our Gala Dinner at the historic event location "Hostal de los Reyes Católicos” on Friday, 24 January 2020, at 21.00 h

 

History

The devotion awoken by the Way of St James reached the ears of the Catholic Monarchs, and they decided to set forth on a royal pilgrimage in 1488. When they arrived at Santiago, they realized that the old pilgrim’s hospital was not in good condition for such a laudable mission. There were so many pilgrims that they would stack up miserably at the cathedral’s gates and inside the temple. Therefore, the Kings decided to build a new hospital. From its beginning, the work was colossal. The most prestigious architect of that moment, Enrique Egas, was in charge of the project. The Kings were involved in every detail. It was a conciliatory construction that lasted ten years. The best artists and craftsmen showed all their virtues in an extraordinary work. The work done on the fountains, gargoyles, coffered ceilings, carvings and courtyards was praiseworthy. The hospital opened its doors in 1509.
Everything was thought to host pilgrims in their request of salvation. There were gardens with medicinal plants, chemist’s and doctors to help the sick. The hospital provided the dreamed-about relax after long walks of pain and sacrifice.

 

Capilla Real