Ruins of the Convent of Saint Francis, La Coruna

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Ruins of the Convent of Saint Francis, La Coruna

Ruins of the Convent of Saint Francis, La Coruna

The Ruins of the Convent of Saint Francis are a poignant reminder of the city's medieval past and its turbulent history. Once a significant Franciscan monastery, the convent is believed to have been established at the wish of Francis of Assisi himself during a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, although its origins trace back to the mid-13th century, decades after his death. The convent played a crucial role in Spanish history, serving as a lodging for Emperor Charles I and his son Philip II, and hosting the Spanish Court in 1520.

The Church of the Third Order of San Francisco, built in 1743 following the designs of architect Simón Rodríguez, remains as a surviving structure, adjoining what is left of the old convent. Its bell tower, dating back to the 16th century with elements from the 13th century, stands as the only architectural vestige of the original convent still in its place.

The remnants of the convent, once scattered and neglected, were eventually reclaimed by the Franciscans and moved stone by stone to Paseo de los Puentes between 1961 and 1985. This painstaking process aimed to preserve what remained of the original structure. Today, the ruins lie in the green space of The Armory, offering visitors a glimpse into La Coruña's medieval history and the legacy of the Franciscan Order. Among the stone fragments are hints of its former significance, recalling the days when it hosted emperors, soldiers, and pilgrims.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in La Coruna. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Ruins of the Convent of Saint Francis on Map

Sight Name: Ruins of the Convent of Saint Francis
Sight Location: La Coruna, Spain (See walking tours in La Coruna)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in La Coruna, Spain

Create Your Own Walk in La Coruna

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

La Coruna Introduction Walking Tour

A coastal city in Spain’s autonomous region of Galicia, La Coruña 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