Page 95 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

GALICIA  93

Stone cross standing above the perilous waters of the Costa da Morte
4 A Coruña situated beneath the tympanum, 5 Costa da Morte
and the Iglesia de Santa
A Coruña. * 244,000. ~ £ @ A Coruña. @ A Coruña, Malpica.
n Praza de María Pita, 981 92 30 93. María. This church, feat uring n Praza de María Pita, A Coruña,
_ Fiestas de María Pita (Aug). a tympanum carved with the 981 92 30 93. _ Fiesta de la
∑ turismocoruna.com Adoration of the Magi, is one of Virgen del Carmen (16 Jul).
the best-preserved 12th-century ∑ turismo.gal/costa-da-morte
This proud city and busy port buildings in Galicia.
has played a sizable role in The quiet Jardín de San Carlos From Malpica to Fisterra the coast
Spanish maritime history. contains the tomb of the Scottish is wild and remote. It is called
Felipe II’s doomed Armada general Sir John Moore, who the “Coast of Death” because of
sailed from here to England was killed in 1809 as the British the many ships lost in storms or
in 1588 (see p63). Today, the army evacuated the port during smashed on the rocks by gales
sprawling industrial suburbs Spain’s War of Independence over the centuries. The headlands
contrast with the elegant town from France (see p67). are majestic. There are no coastal
centre, which is laid out on an towns, only sim ple villages, where
isthmus leading to a headland. fishermen gather gastronomic
The Torre de Hércules, Europe’s percebes (barnacles), destined
oldest working lighthouse, is a for the region’s restaurants.
famous local landmark. Built by One of the most northerly
the Romans and rebuilt in the points of the Costa da Morte,
18th century, it still flashes Malpica, has a picturesque
across the deep. Climb its 242 fishing port. Laxe has good
steps for a wide ocean view. beaches and safe bathing.
On the large, arcaded Praza Camariñas, one of the most
de María Pita, the city’s main appealing places on this coast,
square, is the handsome town is a fishing village where women
hall. The sea promenade of make bobbin-lace in the streets.
La Marina is lined with tiers Beside the lighthouse on nearby
of glass-enclosed balconies Cabo Vilán, a group of futuristic
or galerías. Built as protection wind turbines, tall and slender,
against the strong winds, they swirl in graceful unison – a
explain why A Coruña is often haunting sight.
referred to as the City of Glass. To the south is Corcubión,
The peaceful, tiny Plazuela exuding a faded elegance, and
da las Bárbaras is enchanting. lastly, Cabo Fisterra “where the
A Coruña has several fine land ends”. This cape, with its
Romanesque churches, such as lighthouse, is a good place to
the Iglesia de Santiago, with a The lofty Torre de Hércules lighthouse watch the sun go down over
carving of its saint on horse back at A Coruña the Atlantic.

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