With a relief view of the Atlantic and a glass -coated urban silhouette, there is a city in northern Spain that escapes the most conventional tourist scripts, but accumulates rare distinctions.
Situated in Galicia, Corunha (or La Corunha) is a port city with about 245 thousand inhabitants, the second largest in the region. Its urban center extends through a sea that advances over the sea, giving it a direct and constant relationship with the ocean. This particular geography is not only a skull, shaped the history of the city over the centuries.
The connection to the sea is present in almost every symbols of the city, being the most emblematic the Tower of Hercules. Built in the first century by the Romans, it is the oldest lighthouse in the world still in operation. At 55 meters high, he continues to guide vessels, now as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A glass facade facing the Atlantic
The city also earned the nickname “City of Crystal”, due to the glazed galleries that cover the buildings along Marina and Maritime Paseo. These structures, originally installed to protect the interiors of the Atlantic winds, reflect the light of the sea and create a characteristic and recognizable visual effect at the distance.
In the central square, María Pita’s Paza pays tribute to the local heroine who, in 1589, led the civil resistance against the English Armada led by Francis Drake. It is one of the broader public spaces of Galicia, surrounded by historical buildings and the neoclassical building of the Council (City Hall).
Despite being immersed in Galician traditions, with Celtic roots still visible at parties and music, the city of Corunha has a dynamic urban life and a cosmopolitan profile. Urban beaches, such as Riazor and Orzán, are part of the daily landscape, frequented by both residents and discreet surfers and tourists.
A discreet empire with local origin
But the true economic revolution of the city began in the late twentieth century, when a small clothing business gave rise to a global empire. The corn is the cradle of Zara and Inditex, a group founded by Amancio Ortega. The first store was opened in the city center in 1975, and the multinational headquarters remains located around the city, in Arte Baixo.
According to the El País newspaper, the impact of Inditex on the local economy is significant, employing thousands of people and influencing the urbanism and mobility of the region. The company also contributed to put Galicia on the world fashion map, with a logistics structure that connects Corranha to shopping centers on all continents.
According to the same source, Amancio Ortega himself maintains a close relationship with the city. Through the foundation that bears its name, investments were made in health, culture and education in the region, contributing to social and urban development.
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However, the city does not only live in the shadow of the business giant. Its cultural offer includes museums such as Domus (the first interactive museum dedicated to humans), the Museum of Fine Arts and the Finisterrae Aquarium, where it is possible to observe sharks in an underwater environment.
At the equity level, in addition to the Tower of Hercules, stands out the Castle of San Antón, former defensive fortress and today archaeological museum. The city’s sea tour, over 13 km, is one of the most extensive in Europe and crosses green zones, viewpoints and beaches.
Atlantic gastronomy with Galician accent
Local gastronomy is also a visit to a visit, especially the octopus to the fair, Lacon with Gralos, and fresh clash. The Lugo Square market and the restaurants on the streets of Tapas, such as Calle de La Fronja, are part of the mandatory circuit for those who enjoy Galician kitchen.
As reported by the Galicia Official Tourism Site, the city is a gateway to know other locations in the Province of Corunha, such as betanzos, Ferrol or Santiago de Compostela, easily accessible by train or car.
Two languages, an identity
The city of Corunha still has its own linguistic identity. Galician and Castilian coexist in the public space, being the Galician the official form used in the institutions. This linguistic duality reinforces the culturally distinct character of the city within Spain.
In recent years, the city has invested in urban rehabilitation, cycling mobility and the modernization of public transport. Corunha Airport connects to Madrid, Barcelona and other Spanish cities daily, facilitating access to the region.
A soft climate and a city in mutation
The damp and seasoned Atlantic climate makes winters soft and fresh summers, being an alternative appreciated by those who prefer to avoid the intense heat of southern Spain.
In short, according to O Corunha is distinguished by its Roman heritage, its glazed architecture, the connection to the sea and an unexpected global dimension in the fashion world.
For those looking for a different escape, with sea, culture and history, no crowds or clichés, Corunha offers a rare combination of authenticity and modernity.
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