The 'Hostal', which originated as a Royal Hospital in 1499 to give shelter to the numerous travellers making their way to Santiago, today continues to invite the traveller to enjoy a universal and fascinating city. Considered to be the oldest hotel in the world, it is also one of the most luxurious and beautiful. It has four cloisters of immense beauty, elegant living rooms, spectacular bedrooms and a luxurious dining room which offers fish and meat dishes cooked 'a la gallega', in addition to the classical caramelized apple 'filloas' (crepes) and cream. Activities nearby include bungee jumping, canoeing, climbing, fishing, horse riding, kayak, paragliding, rafting, river fishing, swimming, tennis, trekking and wing delta. The Parador is located in Santiago's old quarter, in the Plaza do Obradoiro, where some of the most outstanding monuments of the city can also be found: the cathedral, the town hall and the Colegio de San Xerome. From A Coruna we reach Santiago along the main N-550 road, passing through Ordes, or along the A-9 motorway towards Pontevedra (40 miles). Both roads take us to Noia, 21 miles from Santiago, to Padron, 14 miles away and to Pontevedra, 37 miles away. Mixture of history, art and tradition, the dream of pilgrims and an emblem of Santiago, the 'Hostal Reyes Catolicos', located in the Plaza do Obradoiro, forms a magnificent golden corner with the cathedral, imparting beauty on one of the most visited regional capitals of the world. Mixture of history, art and tradition, the dream of pilgrims and an emblem of Santiago, the 'Hostal Reyes Catolicos', located in the Plaza do Obradoiro, forms a magnificent golden corner with the cathedral, imparting beauty on one of the most visited regional capitals of the world.