June 3, 2017

La Corona is one of Spain’s busiest ports. We had originally scheduled a tour today but ended up cancelling it and decided to just experience this lovely European town instead of taking a 7 1/2 hour tour.  We are just loving our time in Spain and Portugal and enjoy the ports that are easy walking distances to the town.

We set out to Maria Pita Square, a short walk from the port.  This is La Coruna’s greatest public plaza. It is named for the heroine who rallied the townspeople against English invaders in 1589.  It features the Palacio Municipal, an ornately designed town hall and council building, beautiful building facades in all directions as well as a statue of the heroine.

As always, we enjoyed seeing the many churches and buildings in the old town and we also visited the Jardin de San Carlos. This garden is on the grounds of a medieval fortress.  It was constructed in 1843 and has a wonderful view of the old town.  It is also the burial place of Sir John Moore, a British general who died fighting Napoleon’s forces in 1809.

Look at the size of those knockers!

We saw the cleanest market ever with people buying their fresh fish.  The women were cleaning off the scales.

A bit more strolling through the old streets and into the shops (which didn’t open until 11 today – Saturday)  and then we had lunch at what is said to be one of the best restaurants here.  They are known for sardines and octopus.  Well, Norm had his sardines, and we had delicious wine and bread, lobster carpaccio, asparagus with parmesan and local olive oil. And look at how they presented the bill!

Statue time:

Goodbye Spain, on to France tomorrow.