A Coruña Province

This province is a relatively recent creation, having been made into an administrative district in 1833.

Before this, during the reign of the Catholic Kings and earlier, the province was a much smaller entity with its spiritual centre always being focused on Santiago de Compostela.

After 1833 the administrative capital was placed in A Coruña, a feature that is something that still irks the population today, especially those of the cities of Ferrol and Santiago de Compostela.

One of the consequences of this is that, unlike most modern Christian cities, the capital of the province does not have a cathedral. And, even though A Coruña is the capital of the province, it is Santiago de Compostela that is the spiritual capital city of Galicia and, arguable, of Spain.

Historically speaking, A Coruña has played an essentially important role in the industrial development of Spain. It was here, in Ferrol that the Industrial Revolution was first introduced. The ports of the city were the first to build metal-clad ships.

A Coruña also played its role in the Wars of Independence from France during the early 18th century. It was here that a key battle between the English (this time fighting on the side of the Spanish) and the French (the bad guys on this occasion) took place.

During the battle, fought on the 16th January 1809, the fighting was so bitter that the British commander, Sir John Moore, was killed although the French were prevented from taking the city.

Galicia and A Coruña has seen a great upheaval of fortunes leading up to and after the Civil War of Spain with many people leaving the country for South America.

After the was, however, and especially after the death of the Dictator, A Coruña’s fortunes have changed to make it the modern, industrialized yet, essentially traditional province that it is today.

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Routes and Places worth a Visit

The road to Sanitago de Compostela is the classic route to follow in Galicia and especially in A Coruña.

There are many possibilities from taking a bus from Santiago to a place within easy reach of the city and walking the rest of the way. The atmosphere amongst the travellers along the road is well worth the experience and the road takes you through some of the most beautiful countryside in Galicia.

Once you are in Santiago, the cathedral of St. James and the chamber, which holds his bones, are so imposing that faith is almost unquestionable.

Important Fiestas

Pontedeume in May, the romeria of San Miguel. September, the local fiesta in honour of the patron saint, Nuestra Señora de Las Virtudes and San Nicolás de Tolentino.

A Coruña in August, the festival in honour of the heroine María Pita who defended A Coruña against pirate attack. In October, the festival in honour of the patron saint, the Virgin del Rosario.