Menhirs for Peace, La Coruna

Memorial, Sculpture and Viewing Point in La Coruna

Menhirs for Peace
Menhirs for Peace
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ramon Piñeiro

The Menhirs for Peace (Menhires pola Paz) are a striking circle of granite standing stones set on La Coruna's wild Atlantic edge, close to the Tower of Hercules and the city's scenic seafront paths. Each monolith is carved with a rectangular opening, turning the sculpture into a series of “viewfinders” that frame the sea, sky, and lighthouse depending on where you stand.

This is an easy add-on to a coastal walking tour of the Tower of Hercules peninsula: you can approach from the promenade, wander among the stones for different angles, and continue on to nearby viewpoints and artworks in the surrounding open-air sculpture park.

History and Significance of the Menhirs for Peace

The Menhirs for Peace were created by Galician sculptor Manolo Paz as a contemporary, neo-megalithic ensemble that nods to ancient standing-stone traditions while speaking in a modern visual language. The circle-like arrangement encourages you to move around it, look through it, and notice how the landscape changes with every step.

Their setting adds a deeper layer. The installation stands in the Campo da Rata area, a place associated with remembrance and the city’s historical memory, which gives the work a quiet, reflective tone beyond its photogenic forms.

Today, the menhirs function as both public art and a contemplative stop on one of La Coruna’s most beautiful walks, where wind, light, and ocean sound become part of the experience.

Things to See and Do in the Menhirs for Peace

Start by walking the full circle and looking through the rectangular openings from multiple positions. The “frames” create ready-made compositions of the Atlantic, the horizon line, and the Tower of Hercules, and the best views shift quickly with changing weather and light.

Spend a few minutes noticing the scale and spacing: the stones feel intentionally grouped, almost like a family or community in conversation. It’s a simple idea, but it lands powerfully in this exposed coastal landscape.

Afterward, continue your stroll along the nearby paths around the Tower of Hercules peninsula. This area works especially well as a self-guided walking tour: menhirs first, then lighthouse viewpoints, then a loop back along the cliffs and lawns for more sea panoramas.

How to Get to the Menhirs for Peace

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.

From elsewhere in Spain, you can reach La Coruna by train to A Coruña station, then continue by taxi, local bus, or a longer walk toward the Tower of Hercules area. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you're driving, set your GPS toward the Tower of Hercules / Paseo dos Menhires area and use nearby public parking, then finish on foot along the coastal paths. 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 Menhirs for Peace

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Go near golden hour for the most dramatic light and silhouettes, or on a clear day for crisp lighthouse-and-ocean views.
  • How long to spend: 15–30 minutes at the stones is plenty, but plan 1.5–2.5 hours if you're pairing it with a full Tower of Hercules coastal loop.
  • Accessibility: The site is outdoors with uneven ground and exposed coastal conditions; some approaches involve slopes, so it can be challenging for limited mobility.
  • Facilities: There are no dedicated facilities at the stones themselves; treat it like a park stop and plan restrooms, snacks, and water around the Tower of Hercules area.

Where to Stay Close to the Menhirs for Peace

Base yourself in central La Coruna (around the beach and Old Town edge) for the best balance of walkability, dining, and easy access to the Tower of Hercules peninsula.

Melia Maria Pita A classic seafront choice with a prime promenade location, great for sunrise walks and quick access to the coastal route toward the menhirs.

Hotel Riazor A practical, comfortable base by the beach that makes it easy to combine city sightseeing with long waterfront strolls.

Eurostars Ciudad de La Coruña One of the closest full-service hotels to the Tower of Hercules area, ideal if you want to be near the menhirs early or late in the day.

NH Collection A Coruña Finisterre A polished, higher-end option near the marina and Old Town, good for travelers who want amenities and an easy taxi ride to the peninsula.

Hotel Zenit Coruña A solid mid-range pick in a convenient central area, well-placed for dining nights out and daytime walks to the waterfront.

Is the Menhirs for Peace Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy places where art and landscape work together. The Menhirs for Peace are free, open-air, and genuinely memorable: they're simple in concept, but the views, wind, and shifting light make the experience feel different every time.

Honest Pivot: if you're short on time and only want “must-see” landmarks, prioritize the Tower of Hercules itself and treat the menhirs as an optional add-on. Also consider skipping in heavy rain or strong wind, when the exposed setting can feel more punishing than peaceful.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (2,391)

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with travelers highlighting the powerful blend of public art and Atlantic scenery, plus the fun of using the stone “windows” to frame views toward the sea and lighthouse. Many mention it as a peaceful, thought-provoking stop that fits perfectly into a coastal walk near the Tower of Hercules and works well for photos. Common drawbacks include exposure to wind and weather and some difficulty for visitors with limited mobility due to uneven terrain and slopes.

Seokjin Ham
2 months ago
"Created in 2003 by Manolo Paz, this sculptural ensemble consists of twelve large stone menhirs, each carved with a rectangular opening that framesviews of the sea, sky, or the nearby lighthouse. The stones are arranged to suggest a family group — parents and children — evoking themes of unity and reflection. The site of Campo da Rata has historical significance, which adds a contemplative layer to the work. Late afternoon and sunset are the best times to visit, when the light creates a particularly atmospheric setting...."
Jacob Whitmore
6 months ago
"This is a truly special spot in La Coruña. The Menhirs for Peace blend art, history, and nature in such a powerful way. Set on a scenic coastal walkwith sweeping views of the Atlantic, the stones create a striking silhouette against the sky. It’s peaceful, thought-provoking, and ideal for a reflective stroll or just enjoying the sea breeze. Open 24/7 and completely free, it’s one of those places that makes you stop and appreciate the moment. A must-visit if you’re exploring the Galician coast...."
Delsia G.
2 months ago
"he strange name of Campo da Rata (Rat Field) where the monument is located seems the most appropriate to designate the space where many citizens werekilled during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. It is a tribute to the victims of the Spanish Civil War and is co ected to the former provincial prison, which is also located in the area surrounding the tower...."

For Different Travelers

The Menhirs for Peace are easy to fit into a La Coruna itinerary because they work as a quick stop or as part of a longer coastal walk. Think of it as a flexible, outdoorsy attraction where the experience depends on weather, light, and how much time you give the surrounding peninsula.

Families with Kids

Kids often enjoy the “giant stones” aspect and the simple game of looking through the cut-out windows to spot the sea and lighthouse. It’s also a good energy-burn stop because there’s room to move around without the constraints of an indoor attraction.

That said, you’ll want to keep a close eye in windy conditions and near cliffside paths. Pair it with a relaxed walk and a snack break rather than trying to turn it into a long, structured visit.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, this is a quietly romantic spot: ocean views, dramatic skies, and a natural reason to slow down and take photos together. It’s especially good at sunset, when the stones become silhouettes and the coastline feels cinematic.

Make it part of a simple date-style itinerary: a coastal walk, a few unhurried photos, then head back toward town for seafood and a glass of wine.

Budget Travelers

This is a top-tier budget stop because it's free, outdoors, and rewarding even if you only spend 20 minutes. If you're building a low-cost day, combine it with the Tower of Hercules exterior viewpoints and a long promenade walk.

Bring water and a light layer so you’re not forced into paid cafés when the weather turns. The wind can make it feel colder than expected, even on bright days.

History Buffs

While the menhirs are contemporary, the location’s memorial context adds weight and makes the visit more than just a photo stop. It’s a place where landscape, memory, and public art intersect in a way that invites reflection.

To deepen the experience, connect it with a broader walk around the Tower of Hercules area and read up on the peninsula's role in the city's story. You'll get more out of it if you approach it as a site of meaning, not only a sculpture.

FAQs for Visiting Menhirs for Peace

Getting There

Yes, it’s walkable for many travelers via the waterfront, but it can take time depending on your starting point. If you’re tight on time, a short taxi ride can save your legs for the coastal loop.
Use the Tower of Hercules as your anchor point, then follow the coastal paths toward the menhirs area. Once you’re on the peninsula, signage and foot traffic usually make it straightforward.
Yes, it works well as a shore excursion if you plan transport efficiently. Combine it with the Tower of Hercules area for a compact, high-impact visit.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s a public outdoor installation with open access. You can simply walk up and explore.
There’s no timed entry for the menhirs themselves. Any costs you encounter would be for optional guided walks or tours in the wider area.
The menhirs are free to enjoy, and the views are part of the open landscape. If you want a paid experience, that’s more likely tied to other nearby attractions rather than the stones.

Visiting Experience

Expect an open, grassy coastal setting with large stones arranged for wandering and photography. The experience is simple and self-guided, with the ocean doing a lot of the work.
It can get busy on sunny weekends and during peak travel months, but people tend to spread out. Visiting early or near sunset usually feels calmer.
Dress for wind and changeable coastal weather, even if it’s sunny in town. Comfortable walking shoes help on uneven ground and longer promenade stretches.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it’s one of the most rewarding quick stops on the peninsula. It adds a strong art-and-landscape moment to an already scenic route.
Start at the menhirs, continue toward the Tower of Hercules viewpoints, then loop back along the promenade. This keeps the best views unfolding as you go.
No, but a little context can enrich the visit. If you like deeper storytelling, consider a guided walk that interprets the wider sculpture park and coastline.

Photography

Look through the rectangular openings to frame the sea and lighthouse, then step back for wide shots with the stones against the sky. Side lighting near sunrise or sunset adds the most drama.
Yes, the stones create natural frames and leading lines. Just be mindful of wind-blown hair and shifting light.
Yes, since it’s outdoors, but conditions can be dark and windy. Use caution and bring a light if you’re walking back along unlit stretches.

Accessibility & Facilities

Parts of the area may be challenging due to uneven terrain and slopes. If accessibility is a priority, consider approaching via the smoothest paved paths and keeping the visit short.
You’ll find occasional places to pause in the wider park and along the promenade. Plan a few rest stops if you’re combining it with a longer walk.
Not directly at the stones. Use facilities near the Tower of Hercules area or in central La Coruna before heading out.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Not immediately beside the installation. It’s better to plan food in town or around busier nearby areas before or after your walk.
Yes, it’s a pleasant place for a simple picnic on a calm day. Pack out any trash and be prepared for wind.
Absolutely, La Coruna is excellent for seafood. Treat the menhirs as a pre-dinner walk, then head back to central neighborhoods for restaurants.

Safety & Timing

Use common sense: strong gusts and wet ground can make cliffside paths uncomfortable. If conditions feel rough, shorten the walk and stick to safer paved areas.
Early morning tends to be quieter and calmer, with softer light. Sunset is beautiful too, but can be busier.
The menhirs are set above the shore, so tides usually won’t affect access. Still, avoid getting too close to wave-washed rocks during rough seas.

Nearby Attractions to the Menhirs for Peace

The Menhirs for Peace 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:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: Paseo dos Menhires, 15002 A Coruña, La Coruña, Spain
La Coruna: 7 km

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