Casa De Paredes, La Coruna

Attraction, Historic Building and Historic Site in La Coruna

Casa De Paredes
Casa De Paredes
CC BY-SA 3.0 / FirkinCat

Casa De Paredes (often referred to as the Casas de Paredes) is a distinctive 18th-century architectural ensemble on Avenida de la Marina in La Coruna, created as part of the city's grand seafront image. It's best appreciated from the outside, where the symmetry and urban-scale design read like a statement piece along the waterfront.

Because it sits in a highly walkable part of town, Casa De Paredes is easy to include on a self-guided stroll between the Old Town, the marina-front promenades, and nearby plazas. For the best views, approach from the seafront side for the “façade moment,” then loop back through adjacent streets to see how the complex connects to everyday city life.

History and Significance of the Casa De Paredes

Casa De Paredes dates to the late 18th century and is closely linked to the era when military engineers and Enlightenment-era planning ideas shaped parts of Galicia's coastal cities. The ensemble is commonly associated with a broader ambition to give La Coruna a more monumental maritime frontage, reflecting the city's strategic and commercial importance.

Architecturally, the complex is typically described as neoclassical in spirit: ordered, restrained, and designed to project civic confidence. Even if you’re not an architecture specialist, the appeal is immediate in the proportions and the way the buildings “frame” the waterfront streetscape.

Today, the site’s significance is as much urban as it is historical. It’s a reminder that La Coruna’s most photogenic stretches aren’t only beaches and viewpoints, but also carefully planned city fabric that still shapes how the center feels and flows.

Things to See and Do in the Casa De Paredes

Start by taking in the main façade from Avenida de la Marina, where the ensemble reads as a unified architectural statement. Look for the rhythm of windows and the overall symmetry, then step back far enough to appreciate how it was meant to be seen as part of a broader waterfront “scene.”

Next, treat Casa De Paredes as a short, high-impact stop on a walking tour: pair it with nearby seafront viewpoints, the Old Town lanes, and a café break along the marina. If you enjoy urban photography, this is a great place to practice clean, geometric compositions and perspective lines.

Finally, don’t expect a deep interior visit experience here. Many travelers simply stop for exterior viewing, photos, and context—then continue to nearby museums, gardens, or the beach promenades for more time-intensive sightseeing.

How to Get to the Casa De Paredes

The nearest airports are A Coruña Airport (LCG) for the quickest arrival, with Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) as a common alternative with more flight options. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to La Coruna on Booking.com.

If you're coming from elsewhere in Spain, La Coruna is well connected by rail, and arriving at A Coruña's main station makes it straightforward to continue by taxi, bus, or a short ride into the center. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Driving can work well for a Galicia road trip, but central La Coruna can be slower for parking and one-way streets, so it's often easiest to park once and explore on foot. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Casa De Paredes

  • Official website: https://www.coruna.gal/cultura
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: Open 24 hours.
  • Best time to visit: Go in the morning for softer light on the façades, or near sunset for warmer tones and fewer harsh shadows.
  • How long to spend: Plan 10–25 minutes for exterior viewing and photos, longer if you’re pairing it with a waterfront walk.
  • Accessibility: The area is generally flat and city-pavement friendly, though curb cuts and crossings vary by block.
  • Facilities: There are plenty of cafés, shops, and public services nearby in central La Coruna, but facilities are not a “feature” of the building itself.

Where to Stay Close to the Casa De Paredes

Base yourself in central La Coruna near the waterfront and Old Town for the easiest walking access to Casa De Paredes and the city's main sights.

Melia Maria Pita A strong pick for waterfront views and a classic, comfortable stay that keeps you close to the marina-front walking routes.

Hotel Riazor Ideal if you want beach proximity while still being within easy reach of central landmarks and promenades.

Eurostars Ciudad de La Coruña A quieter-feeling option near green spaces and coastal paths, great for travelers who like morning walks with sea air.

NH Collection A Coruña Finisterre A higher-end base with excellent access to the Old Town edge and the port area, good for a “treat-yourself” city break.

Hotel Zenit Coruña A practical, well-located choice for travelers who want straightforward comfort and quick access to central streets and dining.

Is the Casa De Paredes Worth Visiting?

Yes—Casa De Paredes is worth a stop if you enjoy historic cityscapes, neoclassical architecture, and the feeling of discovering a landmark that locals pass every day. It's not a destination you build an entire day around, but it's a satisfying “connector sight” that enriches a waterfront-and-Old-Town walking itinerary.

Honest Pivot: If you prefer attractions with extensive interiors, exhibitions, or guided-room experiences, you may find this one underwhelming because the payoff is primarily exterior and contextual. In that case, keep it as a quick photo stop and prioritize La Coruna’s museums, viewpoints, and beaches for your longer visits.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (18)

Reviews are largely positive, with visitors highlighting the ensemble’s 18th-century neoclassical character and its role in La Coruna’s historic waterfront planning. Many people say it’s a worthwhile stop on a walk and especially enjoyable to admire from the outside. The most common downside is that it can feel under-maintained for a protected landmark, and several reviewers note there’s little to see inside beyond the exterior architecture.

Felipe Lata Raposo
2 years ago
"Las Casas de Paredes is an architectural complex based on an ambitious project by the then Captain General of Galicia, the engineer and architectPedro Martín Cermeño y García de Paredes, to create a grand maritime facade in A Coruña. It dates back to the 18th century and had a dual objective: to create a spectacular view of the city for ships approaching the port and, at the same time, to reclaim land from the sea for housing by introducing new urban pla ing ideas. Of that initial plan for A Coruña, which extended from the Cantón Grande to Puerta Real, only the houses we see today in the Marina (numbers 12 to 18) were built. They are Neoclassical in style and are part of a monumental complex in harmony with the former Royal Customs building, currently the headquarters of the Government Subdelegation. This building, with stone facades facing the Marina and Calle Real, was used to host the celebration in A Coruña for the appointment of King Charles III, the driving force behind the Royal Road between Madrid and A Coruña. Cermeño's proposal was highly i ovative and sought to co ect the Royal Customs House (1761) with the residential buildings through a large plaza, taking as a reference the French port architecture of Nantes, Toulouse, and Bordeaux. Ultimately, the project, which encompassed 300 meters of waterfront, was not entirely successful for economic reasons, as overseas trade was not going through a good period. Had this been the case, perhaps today we would associate the Marina with large arcades rather than glass-enclosed galleries. In the Casas de Paredes, in addition to the porticoed ground floors, the continuous balconies and windows decorated with triangular motifs are striking. Since its construction, the space has been used for residential, administrative buildings, and commercial ground floors. For example, the headquarters of the Real Club Deportivo de A Coruña football team once stood there. It remains a key building for understanding the city's political history and its importance as a maritime-commercial center in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries...."
Ariberna OU
4 years ago
"They're really cool. For a listed building, they could be better maintained, like everything else. They're worth the trip to see."
Miguel López
6 years ago
"The so-called Casas de Paredes of A Coruña are unique buildings built from 1778 onwards, within the neoclassical style that various militaryengineers from various origins were developing in northern Galicia, especially in the city of Ferrol. They owe their name to Captain General García de Paredes, a great promoter of the project...."

For Different Travelers

Casa De Paredes works best as a flexible, low-effort stop that adds historical texture to a day of exploring central La Coruna. Think of it as a scenic architectural highlight rather than a time-consuming attraction.

Families with Kids

For families, the best approach is to keep it short and visual: a quick look at the façade, a few photos, then move on to a nearby open space or promenade. Kids often respond better when you turn it into a mini “spot the symmetry” game or a quick scavenger hunt for shapes and patterns.

Pairing it with a snack stop nearby is the easiest win. You’ll get the cultural value without pushing attention spans too far.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will appreciate Casa De Paredes most as part of a relaxed waterfront walk, especially in golden-hour light. The setting lends itself to slow strolling, people-watching, and a café or wine stop nearby.

If you like photography together, it’s a fun place to capture clean, elegant backdrops without crowds clustering like they do at the biggest headline sights.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers will like that this is essentially a free, outdoor-friendly highlight you can enjoy while walking between other neighborhoods. It’s a good way to add “big-city history” to your itinerary without paying for tickets.

To maximize value, combine it with other walkable stops—plazas, seafront viewpoints, and the Old Town—so your day feels full without relying on paid attractions.

History Buffs

History buffs will enjoy connecting the site to the late 18th-century push for ordered, monumental urban planning in strategic coastal cities. Even a short stop can spark a deeper appreciation for how military engineering and civic ambition shaped the look of the waterfront.

For a richer context day, use Casa De Paredes as a starting point, then continue to nearby historic areas and museums where the city's defensive and maritime story is more fully explained.

FAQs for Visiting Casa De Paredes

Getting There

Yes, it’s typically an easy walk from central areas, especially if you’re already exploring the marina-front streets. Plan a simple loop that also includes nearby plazas and the waterfront promenade.
A taxi or city bus is the quickest option if you don’t want to walk. If you do walk, treat it as a sightseeing route through the center rather than a direct commute.
Yes, it fits perfectly into a self-guided route because the main experience is exterior viewing. It also pairs well with other nearby architectural and waterfront stops.

Tickets & Entry

No ticket is needed to appreciate the building from the outside. If you’re hoping to go inside for exhibits, set expectations that this is not primarily an interior-visit attraction.
Not typically in the way museums offer guided tours. If you want deeper context, consider a city walking tour that covers waterfront planning and historic districts.
Usually, city passes focus on museums and paid attractions rather than exterior architectural landmarks. Treat this as a free add-on to your day.

Visiting Experience

The highlight is the neoclassical façade and the way it anchors the waterfront streetscape. It’s a quick, visually rewarding stop.
Yes, as long as you approach it as a scenic landmark and photo stop. If you want interactive exhibits, you’ll likely prefer nearby museums.
Because it’s part of the city fabric, it rarely feels “crowded” like a ticketed attraction. Foot traffic depends more on the time of day and nearby events.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Combine it with a waterfront stroll and a wander through the Old Town streets. Add a museum or viewpoint afterward for a more varied day.
It works well either way because it doesn’t require much time. Many travelers like it as a gentle start before heading to longer attractions.
Yes, the waterfront setting makes it easy to connect with promenades and scenic lookouts. It’s a natural “on the way” stop.

Photography

Step back across the street to capture the full rhythm of the façade, then try tighter shots focusing on repeating windows and lines. Early or late light tends to flatter the stonework.
It can be, especially if the street lighting gives the façade definition. Use a steady hand or a compact tripod if you’re shooting longer exposures.
For exterior street photography, restrictions are uncommon. Be mindful of privacy and avoid obstructing entrances or pedestrian flow.

Accessibility & Facilities

Generally yes, since it’s in a central urban area with sidewalks and crossings. Conditions can vary by block, so take it slow and choose the easiest curb cuts.
Not as a dedicated feature of the site, but central La Coruna has cafés and public venues where restrooms may be available to customers. Plan a café stop as part of your route.
You’ll find benches and places to pause along nearby promenades and plazas. If you want a longer break, a café is the most comfortable option.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the central waterfront area has plenty of cafés and restaurants within a short walk. It’s easy to turn this stop into part of a relaxed lunch or coffee route.
Yes, it’s ideal for a short walk before dinner because it doesn’t require timing or tickets. Pair it with a sunset stroll if the weather is clear.
Yes, you’ll typically have convenience options and bakeries in the surrounding central streets. Grab something portable and continue your walk.

Safety & Timing

Central areas are generally active, but use normal city awareness, especially late at night. Stick to well-lit streets and keep valuables secure.
La Coruna weather can change quickly, especially near the sea. Bring a light rain layer and plan an indoor backup (like a museum) nearby.
Yes, because it’s an outdoor, quick-stop landmark that doesn’t depend on seasonal opening times. Just dress for coastal wind and shorter daylight.

Nearby Attractions to the Casa De Paredes

The Casa De Paredes appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting La Coruna!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Monday - Sunday: Open 24 hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: Avenida Marina, 17, 15003 A Coruña, Spain
La Coruna: 5 km
Telephone: +34 981 18 42 00
Official Website

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