Private Visit in A Coruña

The City of A Coruña is mainly known as THE CITY WHERE NOBODY IS A FORASTER but it has many other expressions that describe it, such as The City of Smiles, The City of Glass, but also as The City of Light. Yes, just like Paris. A Coruña dazzles by its luminosity.

Its history dates back to centuries before Christ, but we will highlight the Tower of Hercules, a Roman lighthouse from the 1st century AD. The oldest lighthouse in the world still in operation and that in 2009 received the well-deserved recognition of Historical Heritage of Humanity. This lighthouse has been lighting the route for sailors for centuries to bring them safe and sound to the mainland. Find out why it is named after a Roman demigod, its legend, and whose skull and bones are buried under the monument.

At the end of the 16th century, the pirate Francis Drake, sent as admiral of the Contra Armada by Elizabeth I of England to take revenge and finish off what was left of the Invincible Spanish Armada, arrived at the port of Coruñés with the intention of invading the city in search of food and bend the City. Little did he imagine that it would only be an attempt. The bravery and courage of the men and women of Coruña, all encouraged by María Mayor Fernández de la Cámara Pita, better known as María Pita with an English banner in hand, that she snatched from the lieutenant that had just murdered her husband after killing him with a pike and shouting (in Galician) “Quen teña honor, que me siga” (“whoever has honor, follow me”) incited her compatriots, and served them to fight and defend the city, causing English morale to collapse. The English left the city defeated and headed for Lisbon where they would also fail.

But History is not a static subject because a century later it would be the English who would fight hand in hand in the Battle of Elviña against Napoleon Bonaparte's soldiers. The English were led by General Sir John Moore, who was wounded in battle by a cannon ball that ripped off his left arm and shoulder and bled to death that night. Sir John's orders were that he wanted to be buried wherever he died and so it was, the tomb of this brave Scotsman is here in A Coruña. His rival in battle, the French General Soult, aware of his death, ordered a monolith to be erected in his honor. The citizens of A Coruña every year show affection and respect for this man so brave and who rests eternally so far from home. Every year he is respected by the municipal corporation and the people of the city.

It is not scarce history that this city exudes, although many of the facts are little known but of great importance as you can see. These are not local historical events, but directly affected Spain and Europe and even worldwide, as was the first humanitarian mission in the world that left the port of A Coruña, called the Royal Philanthropic Expedition of the Vaccine. The expedition would take a doctor and a Galician nurse named Isabel Zendal. They would reach not only South America, but even the Philippines, Japan and China. Isabel would never return to Spain.

At this time, curiosity must be at its highest level and we are delighted to arouse even more interest, so join us to know, learn and get acquianted with the history, stories, legends and anecdotes that make this beautiful city surrounded by water and is Balcony of the Atlantic. We look forward to seeing you!