27TH EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The City

In the northwest of Spain, in the green and welcoming heart of Galicia, lies Santiago de Compostela, a city that shines with history, art and tradition. Its origins date back centuries, when it became the destination of the Pilgrims' Roads to Santiago de Compostela, Europe's most important pilgrimage, cultural and tourist destinations. Today, Santiago continues to be a beacon for travelers from all over the world seeking to immerse themselves in a rich culture and a uniquely beautiful environment.

A city with history and soul
Santiago de Compostela is more than the capital of Galicia; it is a living museum. It has witnessed countless historical events that have left their mark on its cobblestone streets and impressive architecture. The majestic Cathedral of Santiago, a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic art, stands in the center of the city as a testament to the religious fervor and artistic splendor of the Middle Ages. This magnificent building is the destination of the legendary St. James' Way (Camino de Santiago), a network of pilgrimage routes throughout Europe, which attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims worldwide each year seeking to complete their spiritual or cultural journey.

Architecture that tells stories
Strolling through Santiago de Compostela is like flipping through the pages of an architectural history book. From the grandeur of the Obradoiro Square, with the Cathedral dominating the scene, to the narrow streets of the old town, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the city offers an impressive mix of architectural styles. Stone buildings with slate roofs, medieval cloisters and lively squares tell the story of the evolution of a city that has managed to preserve its ancient charm without renouncing modernity.

An epicenter of knowledge and know-how
In addition to being a place of pilgrimage, Santiago de Compostela is an important educational center. The University of Santiago de Compostela, one of the oldest in Spain, founded in 1495, is a fundamental pillar of the cultural and academic life of the city.
With a wide range of studies and a vibrant student community, the university contributes to the dynamism and vitality of Santiago, making the city a place where knowledge and innovation flourish.
The University is home to 25,000 undergraduate students and more than 3,000 doctoral students. Research and Technological Development is one of the most important activities of USC with more than 250 research teams providing high quality scientific output in all areas. Labelled by the Spanish Government as a Campus of International Excellence its Campus Vida initiative defines and contributes to the development of a new model of sustainable economic and social growth based on talent, innovation and internationalization.

Gastronomy: A journey between tradition and modernitySantiago's cuisine, deeply rooted in Galician tradition, is characterized by the use of fresh, high quality ingredients from Galicia's rich land and generous sea. Local fishing and agriculture are the pillars of a gastronomy that celebrates the authenticity and natural flavor of the products.
Emblematic traditional dishes such as octopus cooked "á feira" style or pie ("empanada") are joined by other elaborations that are the result of gastronomic creativity.
The city has welcomed a new generation of chefs who, inspired by Galician roots, experiment and reinterpret traditional flavors with modern techniques and innovative presentations. This fusion of tradition and modernity is also reflected in the growing offer of gastronomic experiences in Santiago. Markets such as the "Mercado de Abastos," with more than 300 years of history, not only offer fresh produce, but also host spaces where chefs prepare dishes directly with the ingredients purchased, creating a real-time culinary experience. We cannot forget the "Tarta de Santiago", an exquisite almond-based dessert that is a true emblem of the city.

Trade and tradition in every corner
Commerce in Santiago de Compostela is a mixture of tradition and modernity. In its markets and stores, you can find high quality local products, from handicrafts to fashion and gourmet products. The shopping streets of the old town are full of small family businesses that offer personalized attention and unique products that reflect the essence of Galicia. Here, visitors can take a little piece of Santiago home with them, whether in the form of a handcrafted souvenir or a delicious sample of the local gastronomy.

Climate
The humid oceanic climate guarantees mild temperatures throughout the year. The average annual temperature is around 15ºC, with an average of 8ºC in winter and a pleasant summer with temperatures ranging between 20 and 27ºC. Most of the rain falls in winter, with variable amounts in spring and autumn.