Santo Domingo de Bonaval Park, Santiago de Compostela

San Domingos de Bonaval Park is a charming park located on a hill in Santiago de Compostela. It sits in the San Pedro neighborhood, near the traditional entrance to the city via the French Way pilgrimage route. The park combines historical and cultural landmarks, blending the old and the modern.

The Convent of San Domingos, housing the Museum of the Galician People and the Pantheon of Illustrious Galicians, can be found at the park's southern edge. Adjacent to the convent is the Galician Center for Contemporary Art, creating a contrast between traditional and contemporary elements.

The park was inaugurated in 1994 after the rehabilitation of the former vegetable garden and the Dominican cemetery. The project was led by renowned architect Álvaro Siza and landscape architect Isabel Aguirre, who received recognition for their work.

The park harmoniously integrates with the topography and existing elements, combining undulating slopes with linear paths and benches. It preserves the original tripartite structure of the monastic property: an orchard, an oak grove, and a cemetery. The park is meticulously maintained and features a subtle contemporary design that plays with perspectives, making it a popular space for both residents and visitors. The addition of new plant species enhances its botanical interest, with the oak tree as a focal point.

The park can be divided into three areas: the former vegetable garden of the Bonaval Convent, the old cemetery with panoramic views of the old city, and a section featuring the ancient oak tree. The latter area also contains remnants of a radio antenna, a mine, and a washhouse.

San Domingos de Bonaval Park provides a serene and picturesque environment, where visitors can explore its distinct sections, appreciate its rich history, and enjoy artistic events against a backdrop of natural beauty.