A Coruña is the most important city in Galicia, Spain.
In the Cidade Vella, you can find (among others):
- Castelo de San Antón. This Castle holds an interesting Archaeological museum. It used to be located in an island.
- Church of Santiago. Located in the Old Town, the church is originally medieval, but has seen major changes.
- Colexiata de Santa María. Now hosting the Museum of Sacred Art
- Museo Militar. The Military Museum holds collections of weapons, uniforms, maps and so on.
- Museo Emilia Pardo Bazán. A museum dedicated to one great Spanish writer of the XIX century. The building also houses the Galician Language Academy
- Xardín de San Carlos. A beautiful and romantic garden. Often used for wedding photoshoots, and where the remain of Sir John Moore (a British General that fought in the Elviña battle during the Napoleonic wars) lie.
Some other sights:
- Torre de Hércules—Roman lighthouse. Apparently, this is the oldest lighthouse in the world that is still in use. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Castro de Elviña—Castros are Roman or pre-Roman settlements. This particular castro has been neglected for a long time, and is undergoing major archaeological work. Many findings are on display on the Castelo de San Antón.
- The port
- Casa de las Ciencias—Science Museum
- Domus—Another science museum, dealing with the human body.
- Aquarium Finisterrae—An aquarium, very close to the Domus.
- Picasso's home which you cannot visit; there is simply a small plaque to identify it.
- María Pita´s square, with the Council Building
- Fine Arts Museum
Castelo de San Antón. This Castle holds an interesting Archaeological museum. It used to be located in an island.
Church of Santiago. Located in the Old Town, the church is originally medieval, but has seen major changes.
Colexiata de Santa María. Now hosting the Museum of Sacred Art
Museo Militar. The Military Museum holds collections of weapons, uniforms, maps and so on.
Museo Emilia Pardo Bazán. A museum dedicated to one great Spanish writer of the XIX century. The building also houses the Galician Language Academy
Xardín de San Carlos. A beautiful and romantic garden. Often used for wedding photoshoots, and where the remain of Sir John Moore (a British General that fought in the Elviña battle during the Napoleonic wars) lie.
Torre de Hércules—[[Roman Empire|Roman]] lighthouse. Apparently, this is the oldest lighthouse in the world that is still in use. It's a [[UNESCO World Heritage site]].
Castro de Elviña—Castros are Roman or pre-Roman settlements. This particular castro has been neglected for a long time, and is undergoing major archaeological work. Many findings are on display on the Castelo de San Antón.
The port
Casa de las Ciencias—Science Museum
Domus—Another science museum, dealing with the human body.
Aquarium Finisterrae—An aquarium, very close to the Domus.
Picasso's home which you cannot visit; there is simply a small plaque to identify it.
María Pita´s square, with the Council Building
Fine Arts Museum
- Beaches. The beaches of Orzán and Riazor (situated on the Western side of the peninsula) provide a nice sandy beach within the city itself. However, if you are used to swimming in the Mediterranean, you might find the water slightly cold.
- Paseo Marítimo. The seafront promenade that surrounds the peninsula provides an opportunity for nice strolls. Starting by the La Marina, you can proceed on to the Castelo de San Antón, the Dique de Abrigo, towards the Torre de Hércules, Casa de los Peces, Casa del Hombre, Orzán and Riazor beaches, Millennium monument, and proceed towards the area known as O Portiño, on the flanks of Monte de San Pedro. This last bit of the promenade is outside the main city.
Beaches. The beaches of Orzán and Riazor (situated on the Western side of the peninsula) provide a nice sandy beach within the city itself. However, if you are used to swimming in the Mediterranean, you might find the water slightly cold.
You will find a huge selection of typical Spanish cafeterias. Most restaurants offer sea food dishes of good quality.
You will also find a good number of hamburgueserias, a few Italian restaurants/pizzerias and at least one typical Mexican restaurant.
Prices are similar to the rest of Spain.
The local beer is called Estrella Galicia.
- La Gloira, calle San-Francisco. In the old city. a lovely tea bar with a miscellaneous accumulation of objects as an unlikely decoration. Drinking a mint tea in this place sat on sofas or cushions is a real pleasure.
- A Repichoca, Orillamar, 13. One of the best places in town to have a truly Galician night. Drink licor café, buy handmade crafts or just enjoy one of the spontaneous parties that happen every now and then with people bringing their own instruments to play and dance to traditional Galician music.
- Momos, Santo Domingo 16. A great little restaurant with a witches’ theme. A good place to drop in for a drink and complementary tapas. The Menu del Dia offers several choices, quality food and unbeatable value. You may have to queue or reserve a table but it’s well worth it.
La Gloira, calle San-Francisco. In the old city. a lovely tea bar with a miscellaneous accumulation of objects as an unlikely decoration. Drinking a mint tea in this place sat on sofas or cushions is a real pleasure.
A Repichoca, Orillamar, 13. One of the best places in town to have a truly Galician night. Drink licor café, buy handmade crafts or just enjoy one of the spontaneous parties that happen every now and then with people bringing their own instruments to play and dance to traditional Galician music.
Momos, Santo Domingo 16. A great little restaurant with a witches’ theme. A good place to drop in for a drink and complementary tapas. The Menu del Dia offers several choices, quality food and unbeatable value. You may have to queue or reserve a table but it’s well worth it.
- Santiago de Compostela, an ancient place of pilgrimage for its magnificent cathedral, is an easy day trip by bus or train and well worth it.