Santiago de Compostela preserves in its streets, squares and buildings a historical and artistic legacy that few cities in the world can match. However, much of this monumental heritage remains hidden, outside the usual visitor circuits and unknown to the local population.

The Invisible Heritage Week is a programme, promoted by the Santiago City Council through Compostela Cultura, that aims to change this. Its goal is to open the doors of true treasures, usually closed to the public, and to offer exclusive guided tours in small groups to ensure participants a unique and unforgettable cultural experience. Narrative quality and the highest protection of heritage are the guiding principles of this event, which is held in collaboration with the Provincial Council of A Coruña.

This seventh edition, taking place from 1 to 5 December, commemorates the 40th anniversary of Santiago de Compostela’s declaration as a UNESCO World Heritage City (4 December 1985), a historic milestone for Galicia.

More than 700 people will be able to take part in visits to a dozen different sites, seven of them new and open to the public for the first time: Pazo Arcebispal, Cathedral Excavations, Auditorio de Galicia, Compañía de María, Casa da Parra, Colegiata do Sar, and a new secret visit. The programme is completed with visits to other spaces, such as the unique Mananciais de Compostela, the CSC da Trisca, the Cemetery and Rosario Chapel, Teatro Principal, and the themed visit Santiago World Heritage.

To participate in any of the groups, prior registration is required via the booking form, which will be available on Thursday, 27 November, at 12:00 h at patrimonioinvisible.gal.

To allow access to as many people as possible, each applicant may reserve a maximum of one visit for two people.