Old Walls
The Old Walls of A Coruña are remnants of medieval fortifications that run along the old city and are partly walkable. They are made of stone and brick with preserved towers and gates, including the Gate of Parrote decorated with heraldic shields from around 1700.
The walls were mainly built from the late 1300s under King Henry III and were later repaired and extended multiple times. After Francis Drake's attack in 1589, they were reinforced and the San Anton castle was built to better protect the city.
The walls shape the character of the old city and show how the community developed over many centuries. Local people regularly walk along them, especially on the Paseo del Parrote, where history and daily life exist side by side.
The walls are best explored on foot, especially along the Paseo del Parrote with views of the bay. Note the varying states of preservation: some sections are restored while others still show signs of wear, which enriches the historical experience.
The Fortaleza Vella from the 1300s was transformed into the San Carlos garden, where visitors can relax among the old stones. This unexpected shift shows how the city converted its defensive structures into places of calm.
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