A Coruña City Council

A Coruña City Council

The City of Glass

The other great symbol of A Coruña, following the Tower of Hercules, is the Galerías de la Marina, whose unique architectural design is the reason why the city is known as "La Ciudad de Cristal" (The City of Glass).

This stunning windowed architectural complex was built over two phases: the first between 1870 and 1876 and the second between 1879 and 1884. The origin of this architecture, in the neighbourhood known as La Pescadería (the Fishermen's Quarter), has humble roots. Its arcades served to moor ships, especially to protect them on stormy days. In addition, the glass galleries created a thermal chamber with multiple uses: it protected the façade from the rain, allowed ventilation, captured heat in winter and cooled the rooms in summer. Most importantly, the glass galleries allowed for increased lighting and more visual contact between the homes' interior and the harbour area outside.

These old fishermen's dwellings have changed over the years, but they still retain the essence of a city that lives reflected in the Atlantic. Life now happens in the streets, in the bustling terraces, in the strolls of locals and visitors, in the nearby gardens, in the colourful fishing boats moored in the port and in the activities linked to the sea.

Don't miss the opportunity to snap a photo of yourself with the glass galleries in the background.

  • Galerías de la Marina

    • ¿Qué te parece esta sección?

    -101-101-101

    Follow us on

    Iniciar sesión