GALA DINNER

The gala dinner will take place at the Hostal dos Reis Católicos, a building commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs in 1501 as a hospital for pilgrims. Dining in its magnificent hall offers a unique experience in what is considered the oldest hotel in Spain. More information about the building can be found here.

 

In addition to a three-course menu (drinks included), there will be a concert and a bilingual poetry reading (in Galician and English) by the Irish poet Keith Payne, the Galician writer Yolanda Castaño, and the Galician musician Su Garrido Pombo. 

 

The dinner has an additional cost of 66€ per person.

OPENING COCKTAIL

The opening cocktail will take place at the Pazo de San Lourenzo de Trasouto, a historic manor house located behind the lush oak grove of San Lourenzo. Commissioned in the 13th century by Martín Arias, Bishop of Zamora, the pazo has been a Franciscan monastery for 500 years, until it was transformed into a palace in the 19th century. The magnificent gardens and 17th-century cloister will host our opening cocktail.

FREE WALKING TOUR

We will offer a free walking tour, led by English-speaking guides, through Santiago de Compostela’s Old Town, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved historic cities in Europe.

 

The city boasts numerous monumental squares, each with its own personality—from the grandeur of Obradoiro and A Quintana to the intimacy of hidden gems such as Praza dos Gatos or Praza das Campás de San Xoán. Wandering through Santiago’s historic quarter is like entering a stone labyrinth full of surprises: from the stately arcaded streets lined with palaces and churches, such as Rúa do Vilar and Rúa Nova, to the secluded, narrow lanes hidden from the casual visitor, such as Salsepodes or Entrerrúas.

GUIDED TOUR OF THE CATHEDRAL AND THE CATHEDRAL ROOFS

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is not only the premier example of Romanesque art in Spain but also the historic endpoint for the Camino de Santiago or Way of Saint James. For hundreds of years, these paths have led Christian pilgrims to the Apostle’s tomb. Beyond its religious significance, the cathedral is the foundational point for the monumental city of Santiago de Compostela, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

 

Over the course of the week, ESSE participants will have the opportunity to experience both the peace and seclusion of the cathedral on a guided night tour (groups of up to 50) and spectacular views of the city from the cathedral rooftops (groups of up to 20). The cathedral tour takes you through the renowned Pórtico da Gloria (the magnificent western façade of the cathedral), the tribune, the main chapel and areas of the museum, lasting for about 90 minutes; during the guided tour of the roofs, you will climb 140 steps to walk along the rooftops and visit the Torre da Carraca (‘Ratchet Tower’) for unbeatable views of Santiago de Compostela. The visit lasts approximately 60 minutes.

POST-CONFERENCE TRIPS

For those participants wishing to extend their stay in Santiago, we offer a couple of post-conference excursions:

• Full-day trip to Costa da Morte (‘Coast of Death’). The area is thus nicknamed from the many shipwrecks which have taken place over the centuries, including that of the Spanish Armada. More information about the area here.

Tour starts: 09.00 a.m. (Faculty of Philology, USC)

Tour finishes: approx. 6.30-7 p.m. (Faculty of Philology, USC)

 

 

Highlights:

• enjoy a scenic journey through the so-called Coast of Death
• explore the charm of the fishing towns of Muros and Muxía
• see Ézaro waterfall, the only one in Europe flowing directly into the open ocean, and Carnota beach, the longest in Galicia, stretching for 7 km
• discover Fisterra (‘Land’s End’) and its iconic lighthouse

What’s included:

• expert guide in English
• superior coach

What’s excluded:

• lunch

Price: €55

• Full-day trip to Ribeira Sacra (‘Sacred Riverbank’): named after the settlement of monasteries on the banks of the rivers Sil and Miño, this area features spectacular landscapes and viewpoints. More information about the area here.

Tour starts: 09.00 a.m. (Faculty of Philology, USC)

Tour finishes: approx. 7-7.30 p.m. (Faculty of Philology, USC)

 

 

Highlights:

• enjoy a scenic journey with breathtaking views over the vineyards and the Sil and Miño river canyons
• explore the charming towns of Monforte and Castro Caldelas and their castles
• embark on a boat trip for stunning views of the river canyons from a different perspective and learn more about the system of terraces for vine cultivation
• discover the sixth-century monastery of San Pedro de Rocas, carved in stone as a retreat for hermits

What’s included:

• expert guide in English
• superior coach
• boat trip

What’s excluded:

• lunch

Price: €80