Tui rises above the Río Miño opposite Valença, with medieval streets climbing from the river towards its fortified cathedral. An episcopal seat from the 6th century, it later became one of the seven provincial capitals of the Kingdom of Galicia, alongside Betanzos and Santiago de Compostela.
Tui is where the Caminho Português enters Galicia from Portugal and is a common starting point for pilgrims, since it lies more than the minimum 100 km walking distance from Santiago required for a Compostela.
If you start your Camino in Tui, you can obtain a credencial at the cathedral. To qualify for a Compostela, make sure you collect at least two stamps per day over the final 100 km to Santiago de Compostela.
What to see in Tui
Catedral de Santa María
Construction of Tui's fortified cathedral began in 1120 in Romanesque style and ended with its Gothic west facade before the church was consecrated in 1225. In the Chapel of Santiago, a 1696 retable shows Santiago Matamoros as a mounted warrior, reusing an earlier depiction of the apostle commissioned in 1601.
Capela de San Telmo
This unusual round chapel was built between 1769 and 1803 over the house where tradition says the Dominican preacher San Telmo died in the 13th century. Its architecture is strongly influenced by the Baroque of northern Portugal, making it an unusual Portuguese-style building on the Galician side of the border.
Where to stay in Tui
Albergue Pallanes
A Troita Hostel
Albergue Ideas Peregrinas
Albergue Convento del Camino
Jacob's Hostel Tui
Albergue Buen Camino
Albergue Villa San Clemente
Albergue de peregrinos
