Raxoi

Raxoi, officially known as the Pazo de Raxoi, is an 18th-century palace in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain. It is situated on the eastern side of the Praza do Obradoiro, directly opposite the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Built in the late 18th century as a municipal palace, it currently serves as the seat of the city council and hosts official ceremonies and administrative functions.

Architecturally, Raxoi is noted for its neoclassical, symmetrical façade and restrained ornamentation, reflecting the civic architectural style of its era. The building contributes to the monumental character of the Obradoiro square, which lies within the historic center of Santiago de Compostela, a site recognized by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage status of the city.

Functionally, the palace has long been associated with local governance and public administration. It is commonly referred to simply as Raxoi by residents and remains the central location for the Concello de Santiago (City Council) operations and city-level ceremonial events. The structure forms a key element of the city’s political and ceremonial life and is a prominent landmark for visitors.

Culturally, Raxoi is one of the defining architectural elements of the Praza do Obradoiro, complementing the nearby Cathedral and other historic buildings in the UNESCO-listed historic center. The palace embodies the historical continuity of municipal governance in Santiago de Compostela and stands as a symbol of the city’s civic identity.