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

The city of La Coruña in Spain is located in Galicia (autonomous region), more precisely, on its northern coast, on a small peninsula. This is a famous resort and a large 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-kept 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 La Coruña

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

The history of the city is inextricably linked with the sea. From these shores, the Roman legions were sent to conquer Britain. In 1588, the legendary Spanish Invincible Armada left the port of La Coruña for the last time. After her death, the city was captured by English pirates, led by Francis Drake.

By the XVII century the port of La Coruña became the most important center of trade of Spain with the New World. The city was occupied in 1809 by the army of Napoleon, but rather soon it was liberated by the British army, commanded by General John Moore, who was killed during the liberation.

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

Climatic conditions

The climate in the city, as, indeed, throughout Galicia, is a mild sea. It is characterized by a not too hot summer and mild winter. In other words, tourism is favored by the weather. Spain is famous for its soft 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 to an average of +22 ° C.

In winter and autumn, the weather is unstable, strong winds are often blowing and heavy rain falls. Summer is sunny and arid, precipitation is quite rare at this time. The most comfortable visit to the city in the period from May to September.

Description of the city

For some reason they avoid the side of La Coruna, preferring the beaches of Ibiza or the architecture of Barcelona. And completely in vain. Many simply do not know what to see in La Coruña. This city is really a wonderful resort in which beach holidays are combined with cognitive, because there are many interesting and memorable places and natural monuments.

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

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

For several centuries the city was 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 made it possible to conduct satellite broadcasting exactly La Coruña. The next step to leadership was the opening of a science museum, which is famous for the glory of the American Guggenheim Museum (New York).

La Coruña in Spain: attractions

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

Area of Mary Pita

In La Coruña, unlike many Spanish cities, the main square is not called Plaza Mayor, but the square of Maria Pita. It was named after the local protagonist, who, together with the men, opposed the British Armada in 1589. For her courage and heroism, King Philip II appointed her a life pension and allowed the export of mules to Portugal. The statue of Mary with a spear in her hand rises above the square opposite the town hall.

Town Hall

This is not the most ancient building in La Coruna (Spain). It was built in 1912. But it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the city. Inside the majestic structure today, in addition to the city hall itself, there are a museum of clocks, as well as a pinnacle where the works of the best Galician painters are presented.

Visit the art gallery, which presents portraits of all mayors who at various times ruled the city. They are made by many masters and in a different manner. From the area of Maria Pita, as a rule, tourists begin to get acquainted with the old part of the city.

Old city

This area of La Coruña in Spain is famous for its exquisite facades, many of which date back to the early 19th century. Special interest of tourists is caused by the wide street Avenida de la Marina. The glazed balconies facing the harbor protect the houses from piercing winds. They gave La Coruña the second name - "crystal city".

Another attraction of the Old Town is the ancient Romanesque church of Santa Maria del Campo (XII century). Today in its building there is a museum of sacral art, in which various works are presented. There is also another very beautiful church - Santiago, built in the beginning of the XIII century. Unfortunately, it was in 1651 destroyed by the explosion and later rebuilt. Not less beautiful is the monastery of Santa Barbara, built in the middle of the XV century. It is located on the square of the same name.

Picasso's 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 typical Galician mansion, which until now has been preserved almost in its original form. The museum presents reproductions of the young master's works of youth, as well as a unique collection that consists of only four works of his father - a professor, an artist, a teacher at the A. Guarda Institute, where he later studied Picasso.

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

Tower of Hercules

It is the oldest Roman lighthouse in the world, which has survived to this day. It is under the protection of UNESCO. According to legend, the tower was built by Hercules himself after the performance of the tenth feat - the victory over Herion. The researchers believe that the lighthouse was built at the end of the 1st century AD. But what is especially surprising, the lighthouse is still operating and is a great pride of the city's inhabitants, its image can be seen on the coat of arms of La Coruña.

On the 55-meter tower you can climb, breaking 242 steps. From the top offers a stunning view of the city. Next to the lighthouse, the Spaniards created a sculptural park in which you can see the figure of Charonai, a wind rose with Celtic inscriptions.

Embankment

Do you know where the longest quay is in Europe? Quite right, in La Coruña. Its length is thirteen kilometers, and it traverses almost the entire city. Along it are installed original bright red lights, which are made in the Art Nouveau style.

Considering the drawings that are written on their grounds, you can get acquainted with the history of the city. For example, the Hercules tower reminds of the Roman period in the history of the city, the School of Arts on the lanterns, you can see sketches in the style of Picasso, and the oceanarium - drawings on the subject of the underwater world.

La Coruña in Spain: traveler reviews

Most tourists consider their trip to this Spanish town a success. Many liked that there are not as many tourists here as in other Spanish resorts. It is quite easy to find a hotel that meets your needs and financial possibilities. Liked the travelers and the possibility of combining recreation on the well-groomed beach with sightseeing. Here are a lot of interesting sights, which must be seen with my own eyes.