A historical walking tour of A Coruña

1. A stroll through the historic centre

A. Walking route through the old town of A Coruña

A Coruña has a favourable temperate climate, a rich history, access to a warm water harbour, a wide crescent beach, a unique peninsular geography, a robust economy and a welcoming community.

Having so much to see and enjoy, we have prepared two short walks for a more relaxed and meaningful experience. Our first walking route is around and within the Old Town. It is a 3 km circuit full of historically important destinations, noble mansions, museums and squares. Let's start in the heart of the Old City - the Praza de Maria Pita a large square surrounded by impressive structures such as the large Concello da Coruña or City Hall, restaurants and cafés in well-preserved historic buildings, and the Tourist Office. At the Tourist Office you can also pick up some free maps of the city, a list of must-see places, transport routes and business cards or discount vouchers from hotels and restaurants all over the city.

B. María Pita Square and its history

This square was named after the heroine of A Coruña, María Mayor Fernández de Cámara y Pita, or María Pita. The story tells of the bravery of María Pita who fought against the English invaders, together with her husband who was a captain in the army. The English had to abandon their siege and retreat to their ships. A 9-foot monument of Maria Pita stands on the south side of the square.

C. Walking through the streets of the Old Town

Take the south exit from the square and follow Calle Angeles. On your left is the emblematic Molina Housean impressive residential building of the Molina Family, built by the famous architect Rafael González Villar.

Continue along the Damas Street until you reach the Azcárraga Square on your right. This park has many centenary trees, a central fountain and has hosted several fairs and festivals during certain months of the year.

D. Church of Santiago and Palacio de Capitanía

Take the exit on Rúa Santiago and at the corner of Rúa do Parrote you will see the Igrexa de Santiago. This beautiful 12th century Gothic church is carefully preserved inside and out. This church is the starting point for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela Way of St. James from A Coruña.

Moving along the same street, on your left is the Palace of Capitanía or Palacio de los Capitanes, a 17th century Baroque military museum. Every last Friday of the month, there is a guided tour of the building's facilities and you can watch the ceremonial Changing of the Guard.

E. Promenade and the Castle of Santo Antón

When you leave the Palace, enjoy a quiet and pleasant walk to the promenade. Take the exit to Praza Parrote on your left. As you walk along the Praza Parrote you will find the landmark of the Porta da Cruz ou do Parrote o Door of the Cross. This gate is part of the old medieval walls that protected the Old Town. Note that you will pass through the two cannons removed at the top of the old fortification.

We will stay in the Praza Parrote until we cross the land bridge to get to the Castelo de Santo Antón Archaeological and Historical Museum or the Archaeological and Historical Museum and Santo Antón Castlea defensive fortress from the 16th century that used to be on an island called L'ila da Pena Grande. Since then, the island has been connected to the mainland by a concrete road. The castle is now a museum dedicated to weapons, maritime warfare and prehistoric artefacts related to the city and the Galician region. General admission costs 2 euros.

F. Porta de San Miguel and the Military Museum

Following our steps to the Praza Parrote you will see the Gate of San Miguel on your right, another entrance that was part of the old wall.

Turn right into the Paseo del General Sir John Moore and on your right you will find the Third Order Church of St. Francis. Next to it is the Military History Museum of A Coruña. The Military Museum has a vast collection of traditional and modern weaponry, military uniforms, ammunition and other interesting war technology.

G. Praza Santo Domingo and the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria do Campo

Head north to the Rúa San Francisco until you reach the Praza Santo Domingo o Santo Domingo Square and in front of this small park we find the majestic façade of the Convent and the Church of Santo Domingo. The church is Romanesque-Gothic, with a glass dome and a Latin cross plan.

Take the Rúa de Santa María then turn right at Praza Santa Bárbara and turn left on Rúa de Herrerías Rúa de Herrerías until you reach the María Pita House Museum on your left. The exhibits in this museum tell the story of María Pita's life and the significance of her role in defending the city from invaders.

H. Collegiate Church of Santa María do Campo and the Casares Quiroga House-Museum

Back on the Rúa de Herrerías take a left on the Travesía Porta de Aires until you see the Colexiata Santa María do Campo on your left. This Romanesque church from the 12th century houses the Museum of Sacred Art with an exhibition of valuable religious artefacts and silver objects. The façade has an exquisite Gothic doorway and rose window. This Collegiate Church is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the city.

Continue along the Rúa Porta de Aires then to Rúa X General Alesón Rúa X General Alesón to the right of the Praza das Atochas and cross the street to the Praza de España. When we reach the Rúa Panaderas you will find the Casares Quiroga House Museum on your right. This museum was the residence of Santiago Casares y Quiroga, a Prime Minister of Spain during the 1930's. It is a well-preserved traditional Galician house, seemingly frozen in its time, offering visitors an authentic experience of the old days.

I. Museum of Fine Arts of A Coruña

The next destination is the Museum of Fine Arts of A Coruña walking towards the museum along the Rúa Panaderas you will pass by the Church of the Capuchinas or the Church of the Capuchins. The impressive façade is believed to be a work of the Obradoiro of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

On arriving at R. Zalaetathe Museum of Fine Arts is on your right. It was built by the architect Manuel Gallego Jorreto and has won the National Architecture Prize. It houses an impressive collection of sculptures, paintings and engravings by notable Galician artists from the 16th century to the present day.

J. Church of San Nicolás and Church of San Xurxo

Leaving the museum, go out onto the Rúa Corralón continue along the Pintor Sotomayor Square and the Rúa San Nicolás until you reach Rúa San Agustín. On this corner is the San Nicolás Parish Church a baroque church from the 13th century. The main feature of the church is the sculpture of the Virgen de los Dolores on the altar.

Stay on the Rúa San Agustín until you reach the Plaza Marqués de San Martín where you will find the emblematic 18th century baroque church of the Igrexa de San Xurxo o Church of San Jorge. It has etched its name in the pages of Spanish history as the church where the first same-sex marriage was celebrated in Spain. This church is described as small but elegant. In front of the church there is an intricate transept in a courtyard.

K. End of the tour and dinner at Taberna Arallo

When you leave the church, you will notice that you are back in the Praza de María Pita where we started. Go to the east corner, towards the Taberna Arallo a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant, awarded the Michelin Dish Distinction for serving food carefully prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Take one of the outdoor seats and enjoy the cool evening breeze.

2. Tower of Hercules Route

The other highly recommended walk is the Tower of Hercules Sculpture Park. Pack your most comfortable trainers that can withstand a moderate hike in the hills. As this area is located just a few minutes north of the city, it is best to take a bus, taxi or drive your rental car to the Tower of Hercules Visitor Centre and Interpretation Centre or the CIAV. This is where you buy a ticket to enter the Tower for 3 euros.

A. Start of the tour: Paseo Marítimo

The quiet promenade starts along the Dr. Vázquez Iglesias and moves to the left on the Paseo Marítimo Alcalde Francisco Vázquez. At the roundabout take the first exit towards Agra de San Amaro/Rúa Regata Cutty Sark. On your right, you will see the immaculate shores of the Praia de Santo Amaro a beautiful fine sandy beach. Stay to the right, skirting the coast.

B. Beaches and Monument to the Fallen of the Republic

You will pass by Durmideiras Beacha small isolated beach. Take another right, following the dirt road closest to the shore. Passing another beach, the Praia dos Mouros on your right, and to the left, is the Monumento aos Fusilados da República (Monument to the Fusilados da República) o Monument to the Fallen of the Republic a Stonehenge-like sculpture by Isaac Díaz Pardo in honour of the victims of the Civil War.

C. Menhirs pola Paz and Monument to Hercules

Moving along the road, you will see the Menhirs pola Paza group of vertical stones, each with holes in a specific direction. The artist Manolo Paz intended visitors to look into the holes and interpret what they see through personal reflection.

Further on there is an interesting sculpture by Gonzalo Viana the Hercules Monument on the Argonauts' Ship in search of the Golden Fleece.

D. The Cup of the Sun and the Rose of the Winds

The next work you will find is the The Cup of the Sun or the Cup of the Sun by Pepe Galán. It is a chalice containing the balm of immortality that Hercules wants to acquire.

Heading in the direction of the Tower, continue following the path that hugs the shores to enjoy a calm and refreshing view of the Atlantic, with the waves splashing against the rugged shores. Near the Tower is the Rosa dos Ventos o Wind Rose by Correa Corredoira which shows a circular mosaic with seven signs representing seven Celtic tribes.

E. The Tower of Hercules: The oldest lighthouse in the world

Now, go inside the Tower and explore the interior of the oldest lighthouse in the world believed to have been built in 415 AD. Your entrance will give you access to the open turret at the top where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Legend has it that Hercules killed a giant and buried his head here.

F. Sculptures and the journey between life and death

Along the path, there is the Ara Solis a door sculpture by Silveiro Rivas representing the journey between life and death.

The sculptures of Guitar from Pablo Serrano, Hydra of Lerna from Fidel Goás Mendes, Artabros by Arturo Andrade, Pentacephalic Menhir by Ramón Miranda, y Combat between Hercules and Geryon by Tim Behrens y Xosé Espona are grouped in one area.

G. End of the route

Leaving the Combat of Hercules you are now a few steps away from the visitors' parking area. Thus returning to the starting point.