Day 43 - Walking tour of A Coruña

A Day Exploring A Coruña (Approx. 12 miles)

We started our day with a simple breakfast in our room—yogurt and fruit—before getting ready for a full walking tour of the city. Soon after, we met our guide at the beautiful Plaza de María Pita, the historic heart of A Coruña.

There is so much history in this city that it is hard to absorb it all in one day, but a few stories stood out the most.

The square is named in honor of María Pita, who became a symbol of the city’s courage and resistance. During the English Armada, English forces led by Sir Francis Drake attacked A Coruña. According to tradition, when an English soldier breached the walls, María Pita killed the standard-bearer and rallied the defenders, shouting:

“Quen teña honra, que me siga!”
(“Whoever has honor, follow me!”)

Her actions helped turn the tide of the battle and the English eventually withdrew, cementing her place in local history.

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From there, we walked through the Old Town visiting some of its most important churches.

We first stopped at the Iglesia de San Jorge, an elegant Baroque church dedicated to St. George, the soldier-saint often depicted slaying a dragon as a symbol of good overcoming evil. Dating mainly from the 18th century, it remains an important parish church and has been part of key civic and religious moments in the city’s history.

We also visited the Iglesia de Santiago, the oldest church in A Coruña and one of the most significant landmarks along the Camino de Santiago route. Built in the Romanesque style, it dates back to the 12th century and has long served as a spiritual stop for pilgrims walking toward Santiago de Compostela. Its carved stone details and simple, solid structure reflect its medieval origins, and inside it preserves a strong sense of continuity with centuries of pilgrimage tradition. For many visitors, it represents A Coruña’s deep connection to the Camino and to Galicia’s spiritual heritage.

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We continued to the peaceful Convento de Santa Bárbara, one of the oldest religious sites in the city. Founded in the 15th century and still home to cloistered Poor Clare nuns, it feels like stepping back in time. The nuns continue a centuries-old tradition of prayer and make handmade cookies that visitors can purchase by ringing a bell and speaking through a small window.

The convent is also known for its striking Gothic relief of the Last Judgment above the entrance, and for a charming local tradition where families once brought eggs in exchange for prayers for good weather on wedding days. The quiet square outside offers a peaceful contrast to the nearby bustle of the city.

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As we explored further, we noticed one of A Coruña’s most iconic features—the glass-fronted balconies known as the Galerías de la Marina, which give the city its nickname, “The Glass City.” Built in the 19th century, these galleries were designed to protect homes from Atlantic weather while maximizing natural light and sea views. Originally part of a working fishing district, they now form one of the most distinctive waterfront skylines in Europe.

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We also learned about a surprising connection to art history: Pablo Picasso lived in A Coruña as a child from 1891 to 1895. During this time, his father, José Ruiz Blasco, taught at the local art school, and Picasso received his earliest formal training here. He even held his first public exhibition in the city at just 13 years old, making A Coruña an important early chapter in his artistic development.

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After the tour, we stopped for a quick bite of tapas before making our way to the highlight of the afternoon—the Tower of Hercules.

This ancient Roman lighthouse, built in the 1st century AD, is the oldest working lighthouse in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has guided ships for nearly 2,000 years and is surrounded by legend, including the myth of Hercules defeating the giant Geryon, which gives the tower its name.

We also explored the surrounding Parque Escultórico de la Torre de Hércules, a dramatic coastal park filled with walking paths, ocean views, and modern sculptures inspired by Celtic mythology and the sea. It was the perfect blend of nature, art, and history, especially with the Atlantic stretching endlessly beyond the cliffs.

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After finishing our visit, we walked the long promenade back to our hotel—about 12 miles in total for the day. Our feet were sore, but it was worth every step.

We rested for a bit and then headed out again for a nice dinner, ending a long but incredible day filled with history, scenery, and the unique charm of A Coruña.Baca lagi