Castelo de San Anton (Castle of San Anton), La Coruna
The Castle of San Ant贸n, a remarkable 16th-century fortress, stands proudly on the coastline of La Coru帽a. It was originally constructed as part of a strategic defensive network alongside the Castle of Santa Cruz and the Castle of San Diego, aimed at protecting the city from maritime attacks. Built on what was once a small island in the middle of the bay, its initial purpose was to defend against naval invasions. Construction began in 1587 and, despite being unfinished, it played a crucial role in repelling the English Navy during the attack of 1589. Completed in 1590, the fortress later transitioned into a prison in the 18th century, serving that purpose until its transfer to the City Council of La Coru帽a in 1960. Declared a Historic Artistic Monument in 1949 and recognized as an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1994, the castle is now a protected cultural site.
Since 1968, the castle has housed the Archaeological and Historical Museum of La Coru帽a, showcasing the city's rich past and Galicia's broader historical narrative. The museum is divided into three main sections: medieval and heraldic exhibits in the access and bailey areas, archaeological collections on the ground floor, and historical displays that illustrate the castle's evolution and the city's growth. Among its most striking features is an ancient cistern carved into the rock that once supplied water to the fortress. Visitors can also explore a replica of an Iron Age boat, and admire the upper patio-garden, where megalithic structures and petroglyphs from nearby archaeological sites are displayed.
The upper terrace offers a unique view of the bay and features a Sargadelos ceramic mural created by Francisco Xos茅 P茅rez Porto in 1987. This artistic piece narrates key historical moments and legends of La Coru帽a, including the Battle of Elvi帽a, the heroic deeds of Mar铆a Pita, and tales of Hercules. Inside the Governor's House, visitors can explore rooms dedicated to the Baroque period, the Independence War, and maritime journeys, reflecting the city's deep-rooted connection to the sea. The chapel, with its neoclassical design, is home to the Rosary Virgin, providing a glimpse into the religious heritage of the fortress.
Since 1968, the castle has housed the Archaeological and Historical Museum of La Coru帽a, showcasing the city's rich past and Galicia's broader historical narrative. The museum is divided into three main sections: medieval and heraldic exhibits in the access and bailey areas, archaeological collections on the ground floor, and historical displays that illustrate the castle's evolution and the city's growth. Among its most striking features is an ancient cistern carved into the rock that once supplied water to the fortress. Visitors can also explore a replica of an Iron Age boat, and admire the upper patio-garden, where megalithic structures and petroglyphs from nearby archaeological sites are displayed.
The upper terrace offers a unique view of the bay and features a Sargadelos ceramic mural created by Francisco Xos茅 P茅rez Porto in 1987. This artistic piece narrates key historical moments and legends of La Coru帽a, including the Battle of Elvi帽a, the heroic deeds of Mar铆a Pita, and tales of Hercules. Inside the Governor's House, visitors can explore rooms dedicated to the Baroque period, the Independence War, and maritime journeys, reflecting the city's deep-rooted connection to the sea. The chapel, with its neoclassical design, is home to the Rosary Virgin, providing a glimpse into the religious heritage of the fortress.
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Castelo de San Anton (Castle of San Anton) on Map
Sight Name: Castelo de San Anton (Castle of San Anton)
Sight Location: La Coruna, Spain (See walking tours in La Coruna)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: La Coruna, Spain (See walking tours in La Coruna)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in La Coruna, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in La Coruna
Creating your own self-guided walk in La Coruna is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
La Coruna Introduction Walking Tour
A coastal city in Spain鈥檚 autonomous region of Galicia, La Coru帽a carries a layered history shaped by its connection to the sea, strategic position, and strong regional identity. With elegant architecture, sweeping ocean views, and golden beaches, the city delivers a full sensory experience, with moments of beauty around every corner.
Perched on a rocky headland along the Atlantic, the area... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Perched on a rocky headland along the Atlantic, the area... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles