A Coruña Free Day 2

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. We were the only two on the tour so we learned alot.

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 main plaza is named in honor of María Pita, who became a symbol of the city’s courage and resistance. During an attempted siege by the English, led by Sir Francis Drake, Maria Pita's second husband was killed. According to legend, when an English soldier breached the town walls, María Pita killed him and rallied the A Coruñans, 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. Her skills as a butcher came in handy that day.

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

We 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.

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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 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.

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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. The owner of the Zara empire lives in one of these galería homes.

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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. The facade has been reconstructed but the interior Roman structure remains.  We climbed the 300 interior Roman steps to take in the views.

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.Læs mere