The City of Glass!

Known as “The City of Glass” for its 19th-century enclosed balconies—or galerías—La Coruña has blended tradition and modern life in the most beautiful way.
Our journey began on the Avenida da Mariña, where the iconic glass façades line the marina. These galleries were originally inspired by naval architecture and helped locals enjoy natural light while being protected from Atlantic winds—a practical and stylish solution unique to Galicia.
We stopped at the Monument to Virxe do Carme, honoring the patron saint of sailors. Her statue watches over the harbor, a reminder of La Coruña’s roots as a fishing and naval hub for centuries. Just down the way, the Castelo de Santo Antón stood strong on the water. Built in the 16th century, this fort once guarded against English pirates and invaders and is now home to the city’s archaeological museum. Although we didn’t go inside, the fortress’s presence alone felt like stepping back in time.
Our walk continued past the modern Maritime Control Tower, a beacon of the port’s continued importance in international trade. La Coruña’s port has long been one of Galicia’s key economic engines, linking Spain to the Atlantic. We strolled by San Amaro Beach—a local favorite named after a Galician hermit saint—and passed the Club del Mar San Amaro, a traditional seaside sports and cultural center that reflects the city’s strong connection to the sea. Eventually, we reached the crown jewel of the city: the Tower of Hercules. This Roman lighthouse is over 1,900 years old and is the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world! It was renovated in the 18th century, but its core still stands from Roman times, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also paused to admire the Breogán statue, honoring the mythical Celtic king said to have founded Galicia—believed by some to be the father of the Irish nation! On our way back to the city, we stopped at a Gadis supermarket to explore local life—and grab a few bottles of Spain’s fantastic (and affordable!) local wine. Our walking tour continued into Praza de España, a lively hub for locals. Not far from there is the Church of San Xurxo (St. George), built in the 18th century and once used by British Protestants during the Napoleonic Wars. At the heart of the city lies Praza de María Pita, named after a local heroine who, in 1589, rallied citizens against the English fleet of Sir Francis Drake. The surrounding City Hall, built in 1918, is one of the city’s most beautiful architectural achievements. We continued past the Obelisco de La Coruña, built in 1895 to honor liberal politician Aureliano Linares Rivas, and ended in the peaceful Jardines de Méndez Núñez, a 19th-century garden filled with statues of Galician writers and philosophers.
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