Plaza de María Pita
Galicia
Plaza de María Pita is the main square in the city of A Coruña, Galicia, serving as the city's social and administrative heart. Designed by architect Juan de Ciórraga in 1877 after the demolition of the old city walls, the plaza connects the historic old town with the fishing district. It is a large rectangular space of over 10,000 square meters, bordered by porticoed buildings with typical Galician galleries. The city hall is housed in the Palacio de María Pita, which dominates one side of the square. The plaza is crowned by the statue of María Pita, a local heroine who played a key role in defending the city during the 16th century, installed in 1998 facing the city hall. The surrounding arcades host numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants, with glass-enclosed terraces added in 2002, which sparked debate over their impact on the historic aesthetic. The plaza was pedestrianized in 1987 with the construction of an underground parking and tunnel, enhancing its role as a public gathering place. It remains a focal point for civic events and everyday social life in A Coruña.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Plaza de María Pita is during spring and summer when outdoor terraces are open and the weather is pleasant for strolling. Visitors are encouraged to explore the surrounding arcades for local cuisine and to attend occasional cultural events held in the square. Purchasing tickets in advance is generally not necessary as the plaza is a public space, but nearby attractions like the city hall may have guided tours requiring booking. Note that the glass terraces have been controversial for their visual impact, so visitors interested in architecture may wish to view the square from different angles.
Faits intéressants
- •The plaza covers an area of more than 10,000 square meters, making it one of the largest public squares in Galicia.
- •The statue of María Pita, installed in 1998, honors the woman who famously led the defense of A Coruña against English forces during the 16th century.
- •The plaza was pedestrianized in 1987, which included building underground parking and a tunnel to improve accessibility and preserve the space for public use.
- •Glass-enclosed terraces were controversially added in 2002 under the arcades, sparking debate about their impact on the historic appearance of the square.
Histoire
The Plaza de María Pita was designed in 1877 by Juan de Ciórraga following the demolition of A Coruña's city walls to improve access between the old city and the Pescadería district.
Initially known by several names including Plaza de Alesón, Libertad, and Derribo, it was paved in 1936 and later asphalted in the 1950s under Mayor Alfonso Molina.
Parking was allowed in the following decade until the plaza was pedestrianized in 1987 with the construction of underground parking and a tunnel.
The statue of María Pita, the city's celebrated heroine, was installed in 1998, solidifying the plaza's identity as a tribute to local history and civic pride.
Guide du lieu
Palacio de María Pita (City Hall)19th century
The historic city hall building located on one side of the plaza, known as the Palacio de María Pita, serves as the administrative center of A Coruña. It is an architectural highlight with its grand facade and is central to the square's identity.
Statue of María Pita1998
A prominent bronze statue of María Pita, the heroine who defended A Coruña from English attacks in 1589, stands facing the city hall. The statue was installed in 1998 and symbolizes local pride and resistance.
Porticoed Buildings and Galleries19th century
The plaza is surrounded on three sides by porticoed buildings featuring traditional Galician galleries - enclosed balconies typical of the region's architecture. These buildings house various cafes, bars, and restaurants under their arcades.