Santiago de Rubiás
Country: Spain
Region: Europe
Period: 10th-12th c.CE
Location: 41.908°N, -7.818°E
Description
Santiago de Rubiás is a small locality in the province of Galiciain northwestern Spain, situated near the larger city of Santiago de Compostela. Though it is not a major urban area today, Santiago de Rubiás holds deep historical roots, having been the capital of the Kingdom of Galicia during the 10th to 12th centuries. Its tranquil rural surroundings contrast with the bustling history it once witnessed. Santiago de Rubiás was a significant settlement during the Middle Ages, particularly in the era when Galicia was a distinct kingdom within the Christian kingdoms of Iberia. This small but influential area provides a glimpse into medieval life and is ideal for visitors interested in the early medieval period of the Iberian Peninsula.
Modern Remains
Today, Santiago de Rubiás has a quieter, more rural atmosphere, but it offers several historical landmarks and remains that attract those interested in medieval Galicia. Not far from the village, you can find remnants of ancient churches and other Romanesque structures, typical of the medieval period in the region. Visitors can also explore the Castro de Viladonga, an archaeological site with pre-Roman structures that reveal the ancient heritage of the area. Though the city itself no longer serves as a capital, its historic value is evident in the landscape and ruins scattered across the countryside, offering a peaceful journey into the heart of Galicia’s past. The proximity to Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the destination of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, also makes it an ideal base for exploring the region’s deeper historical and cultural layers.