Search Special plan for the protection and restoration of the historic city of Santiago de Compostela (Spain) In order to face challenges such as urban gentrification, the abandonment of the city centre and the impact of tourism, the City of Santiago de Compostela developed a comprehensive framework for heritage conservation, rehabilitation and urban development policies. The programme aimed to improve housing availability, enhance the quality of life of residents and regenerate open spaces, amongst others. Santiago de Compostela, a pilgrimage site Santiago de Compostela (Old Town) was inscribed in the World Heritage List in 1985 under criteria (i), (ii) and (vi). This famous pilgrimage site in north-west Spain became a symbol in the Spanish Christians' struggle against Islam. Destroyed by the Muslims at the end of the 10th century, it was completely rebuilt in the following century. With its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings, the Old Town of Santiago is one of the world's most beautiful urban areas. The oldest monuments are grouped around the tomb of St James and the cathedral, which contains the remarkable Pórtico de la Gloria.