According to cellphoneexplorer, the city of La Coruna is located on the northern coast of the autonomous region of Galicia on a small peninsula. In ancient times, this part of the coast was inhabited by Celtic tribes. In the 2nd century BC. the local lands were conquered by the Romans, under which a small settlement became a major trading port. In the 10th century, under King Bermudo II, a fortified fort was erected here. Since then and to this day, A Coruña has been one of the most important port cities in Spain.
The main attractions of the city are concentrated on the peninsula, deeply protruding into the ocean. Here stands the ancient lighthouse Tower of Hercules, which was built by the Romans on the orders of Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century AD. Tower of Hercules – the main symbol of A Coruña. Tourists are invited to climb to the top of the tower along the staircase, consisting of 234 steps, laid inside it, in order to admire views of the city and the coast. Another symbol of the city are the 19th century multi-storey buildings framing the port embankment. The main feature of these houses is glazed balconies, which save from the gusty wind blowing from the sea, and create the impression that the facades of the buildings are completely made of glass. Maria Pita Square is located in the heart of the Old Town., named after the brave girl who led the resistance in 1589 when the famous English corsair Francis Drake tried to capture the city harbor. On three sides, the square is framed by buildings, the first floors of which are occupied by arcades, and on the fourth, the monumental building of the City Administration rises. In the center of the square there is a monument to Maria Pita. On the streets of the Old Town you can also see beautiful examples of Romanesque architecture – the oldest church of A Coruña – Santiago (12th century), the church of Santa Maria del Campo (13th century) with a museum of religious art, which presents works of the 12th-15th centuries, and Church of Santa Barbara (15th century) on the square of the same name. Baroque buildings of the 18th century are also interesting – the churches of Las Capucinas, San Nicolás, San George and the Convent of Santo Domingo . In addition, it is worth visiting the Archaeological Museumlocated in the 16th century San Anton Castle, or stroll through the San Carlos and Santa Margarita parks, where the Science Museum with the Planetarium is located. The modern buildings of A Coruña are represented by the buildings of the Finisterrae Aquarium (one of the largest aquariums in Spain) and the Museum of Humanity.
In the summer, locals and guests of A Coruña go to the city beaches, which stretch along the coastline for 1.4 km. These are Riazor beach (Playa del Riazor) and Orsan beach (Playa del Orzan). Both have been awarded the Blue Flag for quality and safety standards. In addition, the local waters are restless, which attracts surfers here.
On both sides of A Coruña, there are vast rocky coastlines with coves, beaches, interesting towns and small fishing villages. To the east stretches the Rias Altas coast, washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Biscay and indented by narrow mouths of rivers framed by rocks, and to the west – the coast of the Costa de Morte washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean (“Coast of Death”), whose winds, waves and rocks more than once became the causes of shipwrecks. In terms of tourism, these coasts are poorly developed, but still, they are worth attention. The port city of Betanzos is located 24 km east of A Coruña in the Betansos estuary. It has been known since the time of the Romans under the name Brigantium, however, with the development of the port of A Coruña, it has lost its significance. The old town of Betanzos is considered one of the best preserved in all of Galicia. It is located on a hill between the Mendo and Mandeo rivers, whose mouths form the Betansos estuary. Of the city’s attractions, one can single out the central square of the Constitution with the neoclassical Consello Palace and the Church of Santiago (15th century), Plaza Fernan Perez de Andrade, home to the 14th-century Gothic churches of Santa Maria do Azoke and San Francisco, and Pasatempo Park with sculptures and fountains. Bethansos is adjacent to the town of Minho, which is famous for its sandy beaches.
Further along the coast of the Rias Altas, in the estuary of the River Eume, is the town of Pontedeume. It was founded in 1270. In Pontedaum, the Romanesque churches of the 12th century San Martin de Andrade and San Miguel de Breamo, the tower preserved from the castle of the Lords of Andrade of the 14th century, Real street with numerous taverns and cafes and the promenade that runs along the mouth of the river Eume are interesting. A little to the east upstream of the river Eume on an area of 91 square meters. km stretched natural park Fragas do Eume (Fragas do Eume natural park). The park is designed to protect a vast area (25 sq. km) of coastal relic oak forests that have been growing here since the Neolithic. The forests are home to 41 species of mammals and 103 species of birds. In addition to the natural attractions in the park, it is also worth seeing the remains of the 10th century Caaveiro monastery. There are 2 hiking trails in the park. You can also go on a trip through the local forests on bicycles, which are available for rent at the park’s information center. In addition, tourists are offered kayaking on the Eume River and fishing for trout, which this river is so famous for.
