The park houses the Carballeira de Santa Susana, an ancient oak grove that is one of the few remaining remnants of the original forest cover of the city.
The statue of As Dúas Marías commemorates two local sisters who were iconic figures in the city for their daily colorful walks through the park during the mid-20th century.
The Paseo da Ferradura is named for its distinctive horseshoe shape, which wraps around the hill to provide varying viewpoints of the cathedral.
It contains a collection of botanical specimens brought by Galician emigrants from Latin America in the early 20th century.
The park serves as a transition zone between the medieval UNESCO World Heritage old town and the 19th-century urban expansion.
Parque da Alameda serves as the primary green lungs of Santiago de Compostela, spanning several distinct sections including the Carballeira de Santa Susana, the Paseo da Ferradura, and the Paseo dos Leóns. The park's layout originates from the 16th century, though its current botanical structure largely reflects 19th and 20th-century landscaping. It features an extensive collection of exotic tree species, including giant sequoias, camphor trees, and eucalyptus. The park is elevated, providing panoramic views of the historic cathedral's spires and the old town roofscape. Sculptural elements are integrated throughout, most notably the 'As Dúas Marías' statues dedicated to the local sisters Fandiño Ricart. Its paths are primarily granite-paved, connecting the historic center to the newer urban expansions. The park maintains a formal garden aesthetic in its central areas while preserving dense oak woodland in the higher elevations.
The bench near the Paseo da Ferradura that offers an unobstructed framed view of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral spires.
Walk the full length of the Paseo da Ferradura at sunset to see the cathedral facade illuminated by golden hour light.
Look for the smaller, less-trafficked paths leading into the oak grove for a quieter experience away from the main promenade.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes as the park terrain includes inclines and traditional granite paving stones.
Do not attempt to walk the steep inclines in formal footwear, as the stone paths can be uneven or slippery when damp.
