A Coruña, a vibrant city in Galicia, Spain, seamlessly blends its rich history with a modern and playful spirit. From the iconic Tower of Hercules to the expansive Riazor and Orzán beaches, this coastal gem offers a diverse range of attractions. The city’s culinary scene, renowned throughout Spain, is a must-try, particularly its fresh seafood and Galician meat. This A Coruña tourist guide will help you navigate this captivating destination and create unforgettable memories.
While A Coruña’s origins trace back to Celtic settlements, its significance grew during Roman times, becoming a crucial port along navigation routes. This era is epitomized by the Tower of Hercules, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s oldest working Roman lighthouse.
Commissioned by Emperor Trajan in the late 1st or early 2nd century, the tower has undergone several renovations, most notably in 1791 under Charles III.
The port of A Coruña has witnessed significant historical events, including the heroic defense against Sir Francis Drake in 1589, led by the legendary María Pita.
The medieval town, confined to the peninsula, showcases charming streets adorned with Romanesque architecture. The Church of Santiago, built in the 12th century and later enhanced in the 14th and 15th centuries, stands as the city’s oldest church and a testament to this architectural style.
Its wide nave, pointed arches, and a 13th-century polychromed statue of St. James the Apostle contribute to its historical and artistic significance. Another notable church in the old city center is Santa María del Campo, constructed by the Sailors’ Guild in the 12th and 13th centuries, featuring a Museum of Religious Art with artifacts from the 12th to 15th centuries.
The convent of Santa Bárbara, dating back to the 15th century, along with its picturesque square, is a designated historic and artistic site. The convent complex evolved from an earlier chapel dedicated to St. Barbara and was expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Exploring Baroque A Coruña
The influence of the Baroque style is evident in several religious buildings throughout A Coruña. The church of Las Capuchinas, with its stunning Compostelan Baroque façade from the 18th century, is a prime example. Nearby, the churches of San Nicolás and San Jorge, both constructed in the early 18th century, showcase Baroque design. San Nicolás, located near the Town Hall and designed by Domingo de Andrade, and San Jorge, featuring a niche with an image of the Virgin of Sorrows, are worth visiting. The convent of Santo Domingo boasts a slender 18th-century façade that conceals a chapel dedicated to the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of the Rosary.
Civic and Cultural Landmarks
A visit to A Coruña isn’t complete without exploring its important civil constructions. The Town Hall, situated on Plaza de María Pita, the city’s central square, is an impressive early 20th-century building characterized by arcades, galleries, and three towers topped with elegant domes. Nearby, the Emilia Pardo Bazán museum house, an 18th-century aristocratic mansion, was home to the renowned Galician writer, Emilia Pardo Bazán. Part of the building now houses the Real Academia Gallega.
Another must-see is the Garden of San Carlos, a historic and artistic site enclosed within the walls of the fortress of San Carlos, dating back to 1843. This unique space houses the Archive of the Kingdom of Galicia and the tomb of Sir John Moore, a British general who died in the Battle of Corunna in 1809.
Circling the old city center is the coastline, where A Coruña beautifully merges tradition and modernity. On Avenida de la Marina, facing the port, you’ll find the iconic houses with glazed white balconies, a hallmark of A Coruña that has earned it the nickname “Glass City.”
The Castle of San Antón, located at the end of the port area, was built in the late 16th century for defense and later remodeled in the 18th century. Today, it houses the Provincial Archaeological Museum, offering a comprehensive overview of Galician prehistory.
The extensive seafront promenade features several cultural attractions. The Aquarium Finisterrae, near the Tower of Hercules, is one of Spain’s largest aquariums, showcasing diverse marine life and interactive exhibits. The Domus or House of Man, a futuristic building designed by Arata Isozaki, explores humanity through interactive galleries and art forms. The promenade culminates at the expansive Riazor and Orzán beaches, popular leisure destinations for locals and tourists alike.
Consider visiting the Science Museum in Santa Margarita Park, one of the city’s largest green spaces, featuring a Planetarium and interactive exhibitions on scientific, technological, and natural principles.
For art enthusiasts, the Picasso Route offers a fascinating journey through the life of the renowned artist, who lived in A Coruña for nearly four years. The route includes his former residence, Plaza de Pontevedra, Riazor beach, the Art School, Santo Amaro Cemetery, and the Tower of Hercules.
A Coruña’s Culinary Delights and Surrounding Countryside
A Coruña’s cuisine showcases the best of both the coast and the interior. Indulge in fresh seafood, including velvet crab, goose barnacle, spider crab, and langoustine. Savor delectable fish dishes such as monkfish caldeirada, hake a la gallega, or grilled sole. Don’t miss the traditional pies, filled with fish or seafood along the coast and meat inland. Try the famous lacón con grelos, pork stewed with vegetables, or Galician veal, protected by a Designation of Origin. Complement your meal with one of Galicia’s exceptional wines, such as Monterrei, Ribeira Sacra, Ribeiro, Rías Baixas, or Valdeorras. For dessert, indulge in the iconic Santiago cake, made with almonds, sugar, and flour.
Explore the captivating countryside surrounding A Coruña, including Betanzos, a historic and artistic site, Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia and a World Heritage city, and Ferrol. In Santiago de Compostela, consider staying at the Parador ‘Hostal de los Reyes Católicos’, a National Monument dating back to the 15th century. The Parador of Ferrol is also an excellent choice for accommodation. Explore Galicia’s important ecosystems, such as the Fragas do Eume Natural Park and the dunes and lagoons of Dunar de Corrubedo and Lagunas de Carregal y Vixán Natural Parks. The landscapes of the Costa da Morte offer a stunning coastal route through towns like Camariñas, Corcubión, and Fisterra.
A Coruña offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a destination worth exploring. With this A Coruña tourist guide, plan your visit and discover the charm of this Galician gem.
