A Coruña is located in the autonomous community of Galicia and is the eponymous capital of its province.
Bordering the Atlantic, this coastal city is a city rich in maritime history and culture. It is also known for its emblematic Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, the only one of its kind still in operation in the world and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
A Coruña offers us a glimpse of the Roman past of the peninsula, a living witness to the civilisations that have passed along its coasts.
The city also stands out for its vibrant cultural life, with festivals such as the Noroeste Pop Rock or the celebration of San Juan.
If you want to know what to see in A Coruña without missing out on anything, read on.
What to see in A Coruña: 8 unique places
1. Tower of Hercules: The oldest lighthouse in A Coruña
did you know that the Tower of Hercules is the oldest working lighthouse in the world?
It dates back to the 1st century AD and was built by the Romans to guide ships sailing along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, the Tower of Hercules is also a cultural symbol and tourist attraction, surrounded by legends linking it to the mythological hero Hercules.
With its spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, it is a must-see in A Coruña.
2. Plaza de María Pita: English Defence
This large square is the heart of the city and one of the most emblematic places to see in A Coruña.
It is surrounded by an impressive collection of buildings that reflect the city’s rich architectural and cultural history.
The most prominent is the Palacio Municipal, a majestic modernist-style building that was completed in 1912.
Fun fact: the square was named in honour of María Pita, a local heroine who was crucial in the defence of the city against the attack of the English Armada.
3. Mount San Pedro:
Monte de San Pedro is one of the most impressive viewpoints in A Coruña, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and its coastline.
This mountain, formerly a strategic military base, has been transformed into a public park that offers a unique combination of history, nature and technology.
In addition to its historical value, Monte de San Pedro is an ideal space for leisure and recreation.
One of the most unique elements is the geodesic dome that houses a panoramic elevator, offering a unique visual experience of the surrounding landscape that you have to see in A Coruña.
4. San Antón Castle:
San Antón Castle was built on a small island at the entrance to the port. Like many castles, it was once part of a defensive system to protect the city from attacks by sea.
This castle served as a military defence during the 16th and 17th centuries and was also used as a prison until the 20th century. Its architecture is an example of the military engineering of the time, with thick walls and a structure designed to withstand attacks and inclement weather.
Today, this ancient defence is connected to the mainland and houses the city’s Archaeological and Historical Museum, making it a must-see in A Coruña.
5. Méndez Núñez Gardens
With more than 3 hectares, these gardens are famous in the city for being one of the largest and oldest green spaces in A Coruña.
They were named after the Spanish sailor Casto Méndez Núñez and were established in the 19th century becoming a place of encounter and culture.
Within the gardens, we can highlight its wide variety of plants such as the mountain elm, the Japanese privet or the Canadian poplar.
It also has monuments dedicated to cultural figures and children’s play areas.
Currently, the park hosts cultural and musical events, especially during the summer, making it a unique place to visit in A Coruña.
6. Domus Museum
Also known as the House of Man, this is one of the most innovative and unique museums to see in A Coruña.
Opened in 1995, this museum is dedicated to human biology and evolution, exploring the science of human beings from multiple perspectives.
Its exterior is remarkable and iconic in the city. Its modern, curvilinear façade, which simulates the shape of an unfurled sail in homage to the city’s relationship with the sea.
Its interior is no slouch, with interactive exhibitions on genetics, physiology and neuroscience.
In short, an essential place to see in A Coruña to enjoy and learn about science.
7. Church of Santiago
Located in the heart of the Old Town, this is one of the most emblematic and oldest monuments in the city, and one of the main things to see in A Coruña.
With Romanesque architecture dating back to the 12th century, the church has been remodelled and restored several times over the centuries, although it still retains original elements, such as its impressive main doorway.
Curiosity: Did you know that this church used to house pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela?
8. San Agustín Market
The Mercado de San Agustín is a vibrant centre of local commerce inaugurated in 1938.
This market is notable for its modern architecture, with a concrete structure and large windows that flood the space with natural light.
Famous for the quality of its fresh produce, especially fish, seafood, meat, fruit and vegetables, the market is a bustling meeting point for the people of A Coruña.
In addition to its traditional stalls, it hosts gastronomic events and cultural activities, and offers tapas and dishes made with fresh produce, providing an authentic experience of what to see in A Coruña.
Tourism means visiting the city but also tasting the typical dishes. Here are some tapas that characterise the city:
Top 5 Galician dishes
Octopus á feira
Galician octopus, or pulpo a feira, is a traditional Galician dish, prepared by boiling the octopus in copper cauldrons until tender, and served over potatoes cooked with olive oil, coarse salt and paprika. It is an essential dish to see in A Coruña and to try!
This delicacy has a rich history. Its roots go back to ancient Greece, where octopus was already considered a delicacy and was prepared with parsley and an orange sauce. At that time, there were no refrigerators or refrigeration methods for transport, so the food was dried and then eaten with parsley and orange sauce to preserve it. However, the current recipe comes from the Maragatos of León, who seasoned the dried octopus with olive oil and paprika. This method became popular, reaching the Galician fairs, hence its name “á feira”.
Undoubtedly a delicacy of the past and present to see in A Coruña through the mouth, yum!
Galician Empanada
The origins of pescaíto frito (fried fish) date back to the 3rd century BC with the Phoenicians who introduced this technique in cities such as Cádiz.
The Galician empanada is a traditional Galician dish, known for its delicious crispy dough and its varied filling, which can include tuna, meat, seafood or vegetables.
Its origins date back to medieval times, when it was prepared for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, thanks to the fact that the dough preserved the filling well.
Nowadays, decorated with strips of dough on top, the Galician empanada is a symbol of the Galician gastronomic culture to see in A Coruña.
Galician melindres
Galician melindres are traditional Galician sweets, especially popular in the province of Pontevedra and the Deza region. Characterised by their ring shape and soft, spongy texture, they are coated with a sugar and lemon glaze that gives them a distinctive shine and flavour.
These sweets are typical of Galician festivals and pilgrimages, where they are sold along with other traditional sweets, without a doubt a very local sweet.
Lacón with turnip tops
Lacón con Grelos is one of the most emblematic dishes of Galician gastronomy and a culinary experience not to be missed if you are wondering what to see in A Coruña. This dish, made with lacón (cured meat from the front leg of the pig), grelos (the tender leaves of the turnip), potatoes and chorizo sausage, is a perfect example of Galician rural cuisine, where fresh, quality ingredients are the protagonists.
Its smoky and salty flavour is perfectly complemented by the mild bitterness of the turnip greens and the texture of the potatoes, creating a comforting dish full of tradition. Tasting a good Lacón con Grelos is an excellent way to connect with the essence of Galicia, making it a must for food lovers visiting A Coruña.
Padrón Peppers
Another dish that cannot be missing from your list of what to see in A Coruña is a portion of Pimientos de Padrón. These small green peppers, originally from the town of Padrón in Galicia, are fried whole in olive oil and served sprinkled with coarse salt. Their fame is due to the surprise they hold, as although most are mild and tasty, some can be spicy, making each bite a unique and exciting experience.
This dish is perfect for sharing and enjoying as a tapa in one of the city’s many traditional bars and taverns. Pimientos de Padrón are a symbol of Galician gastronomy, and trying them in A Coruña is a delicious way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
These versatile and easy-to-prepare dishes are a delicacy to see in A Coruña if you want to fill your belly and eat well.
What to do in A Coruña
Beer tasting
A Coruña is home to one of the most important beer museums in Spain, the Estrella Galicia Museum, better known as MEGA.
Don’t miss this interactive tour and explore the history and production of this iconic Galician beer.
During the tasting you can sample different beers, from classics to special editions, guided by expert brewers who explain the styles, ingredients and perfect pairings with local products. Undoubtedly an essential activity to see in A Coruña if you like beer.
Enjoy the stars
If you want to enjoy both the earth and the Galician sky, we recommend the planetarium of the Casa de las Ciencias.
In this astronomical space you can enjoy immersive projections in a dome that simulates the night sky, showing stars, planets and constellations in great detail.
The projection sessions, guided by experts, allow you to learn about celestial movements and astronomical phenomena.
In addition, the planetarium organises astronomical observation sessions with telescopes, where you can see planets and stars live.
If you don’t know what to do or what to see in A Coruña, this is a stellar place.
Legends and Curiosities to See in A Coruña: Stories and Mysteries that Surround the City
A Coruña is a city full of history, but also of legends and curiosities that give it a special charm. From mythological tales to inexplicable mysteries, these tales have been passed down from generation to generation, becoming part of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the most fascinating legends and curiosities to see in A Coruña.
1. The Legend of Hercules and the Tower of Hercules
One of the oldest and best-known legends to see in A Coruña is related to its iconic lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules. According to mythology, Hercules arrived on the shores of what is now A Coruña after defeating the giant Geryon, a tyrant who had terrorised the region. After burying the giant’s head in these lands, Hercules ordered the construction of a tower over his tomb, giving rise to the lighthouse we know today as the Tower of Hercules. This legend not only adds a mythical aura to the lighthouse, but also connects the city with the grandeur of classical mythology.
2. The Curiosity of the House of Man: A Tribute to Science and the Sea
The Domus Museum, also known as the House of Man, is a place full of curiosities to see in A Coruña. In addition to being the world’s first interactive museum dedicated exclusively to man, its architecture is worthy of admiration. Designed by the Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, the building has a curved façade that simulates the shape of a sail swollen by the wind, a tribute to A Coruña’s link with the sea. This museum is not only a centre of knowledge, but also a reflection of the city’s connection with its maritime environment and its passion for science.
3. The Mystery of the María Pita Square
María Pita Square, one of the most emblematic places to see in A Coruña, is shrouded in a story of bravery and resistance. María Pita, a local heroine, is remembered for her courage during the siege of the English Armada in 1589. According to legend, when the English troops managed to enter the city, María Pita, seeing how her husband fell in battle, took the lance of a dead soldier and shot down the English standard-bearer, which demoralised the invading troops and helped defend the city.
Today, her statue in the square is a reminder of her heroism, and the square itself is a symbol of the strength and resilience of the people of A Coruña.
4. The Fountain of Wishes in San Carlos Park
Among the legends to see in A Coruña, the Fountain of Wishes in San Carlos Park has a special place. It is said that this fountain has magical powers and that anyone who throws a coin into it while making a wish will see it come true. Local tradition has it that sailors and their families used to go to the fountain before embarking on long voyages, asking for protection and a safe return. Although the veracity of these stories is uncertain, the fountain remains a popular place for visitors, who do not hesitate to participate in this ritual full of hope and magic.
5. The Curious History of San Amaro Cemetery
Another place steeped in history and curiosity to see in A Coruña is the San Amaro Cemetery. Inaugurated in 1813, this cemetery is one of the oldest and most emblematic in the city. However, what makes it truly unique is its location by the sea and the influence of Freemasonry in its design. Many of the tombs and mausoleums are adorned with Masonic symbols, which has given rise to numerous speculations and legends about the presence of this secret society in A Coruña. In addition, the cemetery houses the tombs of illustrious figures and is a place of reflection and tranquillity, where history is intertwined with mystery.
These legends and curiosities not only enrich the experience of discovering what to see in A Coruña, but also invite you to explore the city with a new perspective, where every corner can hide a fascinating story or an enigma to be solved.
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