A Coruña

The Tower of Hercules in A Coruña is the oldest Roman lighthouse in the world still in operation and an impressive testament to ancient engineering. Since the 1st century AD, it has guided ships along the rugged Galician coast and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. You can climb the 234 steps to the top to enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view over the city of A Coruña, the Atlantic, and the surrounding coastal landscape. Its current neoclassical cladding dates from the 18th century but preserves its Roman core. Around the tower, an extensive sculpture park invites visitors to stroll and offers further interesting perspectives on the structure. Our Tip: Visit the tower in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and capture the special light for photos. For the best shots of the tower itself, we recommend a walk through the sculpture park, especially from the western slopes, where you can capture the tower with the sea in the background. Plan enough time to also explore the small visitor center at the foot of the tower, which offers further insights into its history.

The National Museum of Science and Technology (MUNCYT) in A Coruña is a key venue for promoting science and technology in Spain. Here, you'll find an impressive collection of exhibits that trace the development of technology from its beginnings to the present day. The museum houses, among other things, historical instruments, means of transport, and communication devices that vividly convey the principles of physics and engineering. A special highlight is the original Boeing 747, which once transported Spanish King Juan Carlos I and is now impressively displayed inside the museum – a unique exhibit that you can view from various perspectives. The interactive exhibitions are aimed at a broad audience and offer deep insights into the world of innovation and its historical development. Practical Tip: Plan at least two to three hours for your visit to explore the diversity of exhibits at your leisure. To avoid the largest crowds, a weekday visit is recommended, ideally in the morning when the atmosphere is calmer. For impressive photos of the Boeing 747, you should use the upper levels of the museum to optimally capture the aircraft's dimensions.

The **Parque de Bens** in A Coruña is an extensive green space that stretches over former landfill sites and now plays an important ecological role for the city. Its creation is an impressive example of the reclamation and conversion of a formerly degraded area into a valuable recreational zone. Here you'll find a unique blend of carefully designed landscape and natural sections that invite you to stroll and linger. From the park's elevated areas, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Atlantic, the coast, and the iconic Tower of Hercules. It's an ideal place to escape the urban hustle and bustle and experience the tranquility of nature. Its expansive paths are perfect for long walks or a relaxing bike ride. Our Tip: Plan your visit for the late afternoon to watch the sunset over the sea – an unforgettable natural spectacle. For the best photos of the Tower of Hercules with the coast in the foreground, you should head to the western viewpoints.

The Museo de Belas Artes da Coruña, located in the heart of A Coruña, is a central institution for art in Galicia. You'll find it in an impressive neoclassical building that originally served as a convent and was later adapted for its current purpose. The museum's collection offers a comprehensive overview of Galician art from the 19th century to the present day, complemented by significant works from Spanish and European masters. Here you can admire paintings, sculptures, and graphic works that showcase the region's artistic development and its connections to European art history. Particularly noteworthy are the works of Galician artists such as Francisco Lloréns and Jenaro Pérez Villaamil, which offer deep insights into the local art scene. The chronological arrangement of the exhibits allows you to trace the stylistic changes and thematic focuses throughout the centuries. Our Tip: Visit the museum on a weekday morning to fully enjoy the tranquility of the halls and let the artworks impress you without large crowds. Plan at least two hours to explore the various floors and collections at your leisure. Pay attention to the temporary exhibitions, which often offer additional perspectives on art.

The Campo da Rata in A Coruña is a significant place of remembrance and admonition. It serves as a memorial for the victims of political repression during the Spanish Civil War and the early Franco dictatorship. On this stretch of coastline, near the Tower of Hercules, numerous executions were carried out between 1936 and 1937. Here you'll find a simple yet poignant memorial, recalling the tragic events and inviting quiet reflection. The memorial, often in the form of a sculpture or stele, stands in an open landscape overlooking the Atlantic. It is an important part of the historical memory of the city and Galicia. Our Tip: Visit Campo da Rata in the early morning or late afternoon to fully soak in the tranquility of the place and avoid the crowds. From here, you can also enjoy sweeping views of the sea and the lighthouse. It is a place that encourages contemplation and makes Spain's dark past tangible.