La Coruña, Spain: detailed information, attractions and interesting facts

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

The city of La Coruña in Spain is located in Galicia (an autonomous region), more precisely, on its northern coast, on a small peninsula. This is a famous resort and a major port. The history of the city is reflected in perfectly preserved and carefully preserved architectural monuments.

La Coruña in Galicia (Spain) is famous for its interesting museums, cozy restaurants and well-groomed parks. The resort area attracts tourists with magnificent sandy beaches, azure warm sea. An integral part of life in this city are bright and original festivals and city holidays.

History of A Coruña

In ancient times this land was inhabited by Celtic tribes. In the second century BC, the settlement was conquered by the Romans and turned into a major trading port. In the 10th century, during the reign of King Bermudo II, a fortified fort was erected here. Since then, La Coruña has become the country's most important port city.

The history of the city is inextricably linked with the sea. From these shores the Roman legions were sent to conquer Britain. In 1588 from the portLa Coruña on its last campaign came the legendary Spanish Invincible Armada. After her death, the city was captured by English pirates led by Francis Drake.

By the 17th century, the port of La Coruña had become the most important center of Spanish trade with the New World. The city was occupied in 1809 by Napoleon's army, but soon enough was liberated by the British army, commanded by General John Moore, who died during the liberation.

Currently, the city of La Coruña in Spain retains the status of a major, significant port for the country. In addition, several industries are successfully developing here: shipbuilding, oil refining, textile and food.

Climatic conditions

The climate in the city, as, indeed, throughout Galicia, is temperate maritime. It is characterized by not too hot summers and mild winters. In other words, tourism is favored by the weather. Spain is famous for its mild and comfortable climate, and this city is no exception. February is considered the coldest month. At this time, the thermometer does not rise above +3 °C, the warmest month is August, when the air warms up to an average of +22 °C.

In winter and autumn, the weather is unstable, strong winds often blow and heavy rainfall occurs. Summers are sunny and dry, with little rainfall during this time. The most comfortable visit to the city is from May to September.

Description of the city

for some reason they bypass A Coruña, preferring the beaches of Ibiza or the architecture of Barcelona. And absolutely in vain. Many simply do not know what to see in La Coruna. This city is actually a wonderful resort, where a beach holiday is combined with an educational one, because there are many interesting and memorable places and natural monuments.

The city stretches along the coastline of the Atlantic coast. It is the huge beach that is its main natural attraction. While on the beach, vacationers can see several architectural monuments of the city. On one side is the Riazor stadium, the site of the football club Deportivo, on the other, the National Museum of Technology and Science.

La Coruña in Spain can be called a technological city, since it still replenishes the budget to a greater extent through its own production. Do not discount the fact that this is the second largest port in Galicia after Vigo. From here, products are traded that are produced in Galicia and the surrounding provinces. Nevertheless, the city seeks to raise the status not only among its inhabitants, but also in the eyes of the world community.

For several centuries the city has been a shadow of the capital of Galicia - Santiago de Compostela. And only in 2010 it was possible to slightly shake the greatness of the competitor. It was then that the organizers of the largest music festival in the country allowed La Coruña to be broadcast on satellite. The next step towards leadership was the opening of a science museum, which is predicted to be the glory of the American Guggenheim Museum (New York).

La Coruña in Spain: attractions

For tourists who prefer leisurely walks while sightseeing, A Coruña is a real find. Of course, it is preferable that one of the guides show you the local beauty.

Maria Pita Square

In A Coruña, unlike many Spanish cities, the main square is not called Plaza Mayor, but Maria Pita Square. She was named after a local protective heroine who led the men against the British Armada in 1589. For her courage and heroism, King Philip II granted her a lifetime pension and allowed her to export mules to Portugal. A statue of Mary with a spear in her hand rises above the square in front of the city hall.

Town Hall

This is not the oldest building in La Coruña (Spain). It was built in 1912. But it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the city. Inside the majestic building today, in addition to the city hall itself, there is a clock museum, as well as a pinacoteca, which presents the works of the best Galician painters.

Visit the art gallery, which displays portraits of all the mayors who ruled the city at different times. They are made by many masters and in a different manner. From Maria Pita Square, as a rule, tourists begin their acquaintance with the old part of the city.

Old City

This area of A Coruña in Spain is famous for its elegant house facades, many of which date back to the early 19th century. Of particular interest to tourists is the wide street Avenida de la Marina. glazed balconies,which face the harbor, protect houses from piercing winds. They gave La Coruña a second name - "Crystal City".

Another attraction of the Old Town is the old Romanesque church of Santa Marya del Campo (XII century). Today, its building houses the Museum of Sacred Art, which presents various works. Here is another very beautiful church - Santiago, built at the beginning of the XIII century. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by an explosion in 1651 and later rebuilt. No less beautiful is the monastery of Santa Barbara, built in the middle of the 15th century. It is located on the square of the same name.

Picasso House Museum

In this house for five years lived a boy who was destined to become a brilliant painter. The Picasso House Museum is a mansion typical of Galicia, which has survived to this day almost in its original form. The museum presents reproductions of the youthful works of the great master, as well as a unique collection that consists of only four works by his father, a professor, artist, teacher at the A. Guarda Institute, where Picasso later studied.

Despite his very young age, Picasso, living in this house, already worked hard: he painted portraits for a local magazine and even sometimes drew caricatures.

Hercules Tower

This is the oldest Roman lighthouse in the world that has survived to this day. He is underprotected by UNESCO. According to legend, the tower was built by Hercules himself after the tenth feat - the victory over Geryon. Researchers believe that the lighthouse was built at the end of the 1st century AD. But what is especially surprising is that the lighthouse is still in operation and is a great pride of the inhabitants of the city, its image can be seen on the coat of arms of A Coruña.

The 55-meter tower can be climbed by climbing 242 steps. From the top you have a stunning view of the city. Next to the lighthouse, the Spaniards created a sculpture park in which you can see the figure of Charonai, a wind rose with Celtic inscriptions.

Promenade

Do you know where the longest embankment in Europe is located? That's right, in A Coruna. Its length is thirteen kilometers, and it goes around almost the entire city. Along it there are original bright red lanterns, which are made in modern style.

By looking at the drawings that are applied to their bases, you can get acquainted with the history of the city. For example, at the Tower of Hercules, images are reminiscent of the Roman period in the history of the city, at the School of Art on the lanterns you can see sketches in the style of Picasso, and at the aquarium - drawings on the theme of the underwater world.

La Coruña in Spain: travel reviews

Most tourists consider their trip to this Spanish town successful. Many liked that there are not so many tourists here as in other Spanish resorts. Here it is quite easy to find a hotel that meets your needs and financial possibilities. Travelers also liked the opportunity to combine relaxation on a well-groomed beach withexcursion. There are many interesting sights that you must see with your own eyes.