A Coruña history

The history of A Coruña, a city on the north-western coast of Spain, is rooted in deep antiquity and is inextricably linked to the Atlantic Ocean. Its strategic location on a peninsula has defined the city's destiny as a vital port and trading hub throughout the centuries.

Foundation and Early Period

The first settlements on the site of modern-day A Coruña emerged even before the arrival of the Romans. It is believed that a Celtic fortified settlement (castro), inhabited by the Artabrian tribe, was located here. However, the true flourishing of the city began in the Roman era, when it became a key port on maritime trade routes. It was during this period, in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, that the famous Tower of Hercules was built — the oldest functioning Roman lighthouse in the world and the symbol of the city.

Key Factors of Formation

• Geographical Location: Situated on a peninsula with two sea fronts — the port side and the side facing the open ocean — A Coruña became an ideal location for navigation and trade.
• Trade and Port: Beginning in the 10th century, the port welcomed pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela. In the 13th century, King Alfonso IX officially founded the city under the name Crunia, granting it trade privileges. In the 16th and 17th centuries, A Coruña became one of Spain's most important centres for trade with the New World.
• Political Significance: From the 16th to the 19th century, the city served as the political capital of the Kingdom of Galicia. It was from here that the "Spanish Armada" set sail in 1588. The city is also known for its heroic defence against the English fleet led by Francis Drake in 1589, where a key role was played by local resident Maria Pita.

Cultural and Economic Features

Economic development has always been closely tied to the sea — fishing, trade, and shipbuilding formed the foundation of the city's prosperity. In the 19th century, a unique architectural feature appeared in A Coruña — glazed balcony galleries designed to protect homes from wind and moisture, earning the city the nickname "City of Crystal" (Ciudad de Cristal). Today, A Coruña is the economic centre of Galicia, harmoniously combining rich historical heritage with modern business activity.

Chronology of A Coruña's History

The history of A Coruña is a kaleidoscope of events reflecting its strategic importance as a port city on the Atlantic coast. From ancient Celtic settlements to the modern economic hub of Galicia, the city has witnessed great maritime expeditions, heroic defences, and cultural flourishing.

• 2nd Century BC — The Romans arrive in lands where a Celtic settlement already existed and establish the port of Brigantium.
• 1st-2nd Centuries AD — During the reign of Emperor Trajan, the Romans build the lighthouse known today as the Tower of Hercules — the oldest operating lighthouse in the world.
• 991 — King Bermudo II begins the construction of defensive structures to protect against Viking raids.
• 1208 — King Alfonso IX officially founds the city under the name Crunia and grants it trade privileges, fostering its growth.
• 1563 — A Coruña becomes the political capital of the Kingdom of Galicia.
• 1588 — The famous "Spanish Armada" sets sail from the port of A Coruña.
• 1589 — The city heroically repels an attack by the English fleet under the command of Francis Drake; local resident Maria Pita plays a key role in the defence.
• 16 January 1809 — During the Napoleonic Wars, the Battle of Corunna takes place outside the city walls between British and French troops.
• 19th Century — The city is actively developed with houses featuring glazed balcony galleries, earning it the nickname "City of Crystal" (Ciudad de Cristal).
• 1982 — The capital of Galicia is moved to Santiago de Compostela.
• 2009 — The Tower of Hercules is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, confirming its universal cultural value.

Key Milestones in the Development of A Coruña

The development of A Coruña is the story of an ancient port settlement transforming into a thriving economic and cultural centre of Galicia. The key stages of this journey have defined the modern appearance and character of the city.

• Medieval Revival (13th Century): In 1208, King Alfonso IX granted the settlement of Crunia the status of a city and special trade privileges. This decision became a powerful stimulus for economic growth, the development of fishing and trade, turning A Coruña into an important port on the route of pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela.
• Capital of the Kingdom of Galicia (16th-19th Centuries): From 1563, A Coruña became the political capital of Galicia. The city turned into a key administrative and commercial centre, from where trade with the New World was conducted and from where the "Spanish Armada" departed in 1588. This status contributed to significant urban and cultural development.
• The Age of Enlightenment and Flourishing Trade (18th Century): The creation of the Royal Maritime and Land Consulate and the opening of the Royal Tobacco Factory marked a new stage of economic upswing. These institutions contributed to the modernization of the port, the development of industry, and the strengthening of trade ties.
• "City of Crystal" (19th Century): During this period, the unique architectural appearance of the city was formed. The wealthy bourgeoisie began to mass-glaze balconies and galleries for protection against the humid climate, which gave A Coruña its famous nickname and unique elegant look.
• Industrialization and Expansion (Early 20th Century): The construction of the railway connecting the city with the rest of Spain and the modernization of the port gave a new impetus to industrial development. A Coruña strengthened its position as the main logistical and industrial hub of the country's north-west.
• Modern Economic Centre (Late 20th - Early 21st Century): Despite the transfer of the political capital to Santiago de Compostela in 1982, A Coruña became the undisputed economic engine of Galicia. The headquarters of major international companies, including the fashion industry giant Inditex (Zara), are located here, ensuring the city's prosperity and the active development of the service sector.
• Cultural and Tourism Renaissance: The opening of interactive museums such as the House of Sciences, Domus, and Aquarium Finisterrae, as well as the inclusion of the Tower of Hercules in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2009, significantly increased the city's appeal to tourists.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of a city like A Coruña is dictated by its unique geography and history. The urban structure clearly divides the city into two parts: the ancient "Upper City" (Ciudad Vieja) on the high ground and the commercial district of Pescadería on the isthmus connecting the peninsula to the mainland. This duality creates a unique ensemble where severe medieval walls sit alongside light glass facades.

The Middle Ages: Romanesque Style and Gothic

The historical core of the city, Ciudad Vieja, has preserved the layout and atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Narrow cobbled streets and small squares surrounded by stone mansions of the nobility predominate here.

• Church of Santiago (Iglesia de Santiago): The oldest temple in the city (12th century), representing a classic example of the Romanesque style transitioning into Gothic. It was here that the city council gathered in olden times.
• Collegiate Church of Santa María del Campo: A late Romanesque basilica (13th-14th centuries) built by the mariners' guild. Its architecture is distinguished by the severity and massiveness characteristic of the Galician Middle Ages.

Baroque and Neoclassicism: Military and Religious Power

In eras when Spain was strengthening its maritime power, the city was enriched with buildings in the Baroque and Classical styles. This was a time of construction for monasteries and administrative buildings emphasizing the city's status.

• Convent of Santo Domingo: A striking example of Galician Baroque of the 17th century with its characteristic play of light and shadow on the façade.
• Captaincy General (Palacio de Capitanía General): A strict neoclassical building of the 18th century that served as the residence of the regional military authority.

"City of Crystal": Architecture of Galleries

The most recognizable feature of the city's architecture is the famous galleries (galerías). This style, which flourished in the 19th century, turned the La Marina promenade into one of the most beautiful maritime façades in the world.

Initially, glazed wooden balconies were invented by shipbuilders for the sterns of galleons, and then adapted by residents of the Pescadería district to protect homes from the damp ocean wind and rain, while allowing the accumulation of solar heat. The white frames and thousands of panes of glass reflecting the sun gave A Coruña the nickname "City of Crystal".

Modernism of the Early 20th Century

The expansion of the city (Ensanche) in the early 20th century brought the elegance of Modernism (Art Nouveau) to the streets. The local bourgeoisie commissioned houses from the best architects of the time, such as Julio Galán and Antonio López Hernández.

• Plaza de Lugo: The epicentre of Galician Modernism. Iconic buildings such as Casa Aroza and Casa Rey are located here, decorated with floral ornaments, wrought iron, and ceramics.
• Kiosco Alfonso: An elegant pavilion in the Méndez Núñez Gardens, serving as an example of industrial modernism using glass and metal.

Contemporary Architecture and Postmodernism

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the city continued to develop, integrating bold modern projects into the existing landscape.

• Domus: An interactive museum of mankind designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. Its slate-clad façade resembles a sail filled by the wind.
• MUNCYT (National Museum of Science and Technology): The "Glass Prism" building, which has received numerous architectural awards for its innovative design.
• Millennium Obelisk: A monument of glass and steel, 46 metres high, erected for the beginning of the 21st century, with panels engraved with scenes from the city's history.

Notable Figures Associated with A Coruña

The history of A Coruña is rich with the names of people who have left their mark not only on the life of the city but also on world history, art, and sport. From heroic defenders to geniuses of painting and icons of fashion — here are some of the most iconic figures associated with this Galician city.

Maria Pita (c. 1565–1643)

Role: National Heroine.

Maria Pita is a symbol of A Coruña's courage and resilience. During the attack of the English Armada under the command of Francis Drake in 1589, she, according to legend, led the defence of the city after the death of her husband. Her cry "Whoever has honour, follow me!" inspired the defenders and helped repel the attack. Today, the city's main square bears her name, where a monument to her is erected.

Emilia Pardo Bazán (1851–1921)

Role: Writer, Critic.

One of the most prominent figures of 19th-century Spanish literature, Emilia Pardo Bazán was born and raised in A Coruña. She was a bright representative of naturalism and feminism in Spain. Her home in the Old City is today a museum and the headquarters of the Royal Galician Academy.

Pablo Picasso (1881–1973)

Role: Painter, Sculptor.

Although Picasso was born in Málaga, it was in A Coruña that his formation as an artist took place. He lived here from the age of 9 to 13 (1891-1895), studied at the School of Fine Arts, and held his first exhibition. This period had a huge influence on his early work. The Picasso family house museum has been preserved in the city.

Amancio Ortega (born 1936)

Role: Entrepreneur, Founder of Inditex (Zara).

One of the wealthiest people in the world, Amancio Ortega built his fashion empire right here in A Coruña. Moving here in his youth, he went from a shop assistant to the founder of the global corporation Inditex. The first Zara store opened in the centre of A Coruña in 1975, marking the beginning of a fashion giant whose headquarters are still located in the city's vicinity.

Luis Suárez Miramontes (1935–2023)

Role: Footballer, Manager.

A native of A Coruña, Luis Suárez is a legend of world football. He is the only Spanish footballer to have been awarded the Ballon d'Or (in 1960). He began his professional career at the local club "Deportivo", after which he shined at "Barcelona" and Milan's "Inter", becoming a European champion with the Spanish national team in 1964.

Sir John Moore (1761–1809)

Role: British General.

Although Sir John Moore was not a resident of the city, his fate is inextricably linked with A Coruña. He commanded British troops during the Battle of Corunna in 1809 against Napoleon's army. The general died in battle and was buried with honours in the San Carlos Garden in the Old City, where his tomb can still be seen today.