Praza de María Pita, La Coruna

Area, Attraction and Square in La Coruna

Praza de María Pita
Praza de María Pita
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Elnachocb

Praza de María Pita is La Coruna's main civic square: a broad, elegant plaza framed by arcaded buildings and anchored by the City Hall (Palacio Municipal) on its northern side. It's the kind of place you naturally drift into while exploring the old town, then end up lingering for a coffee, people-watching, and photos of the grand façade.

Because it sits right between the historic streets of Ciudad Vieja and the waterfront, it's a perfect stop on a walking tour and an easy “base point” for finding your bearings. For the best views, stand near the central statue and look north toward City Hall, then walk under the porticoes to scout terraces and side streets that lead deeper into the old quarter.

History and Significance of the Praza de María Pita

The square is named for María Pita, the local heroine associated with La Coruna’s resistance during the 16th century. Today, her name signals more than a historic figure: it’s shorthand for the city’s pride, identity, and public life.

The plaza itself was laid out in the 19th century as a monumental urban space, designed to feel open and ceremonial. Its most recognizable landmark is the City Hall, a modernist building constructed in the early 20th century, which gives the square its formal, “capital city” look.

Over the year, Praza de María Pita also works as La Coruna's outdoor living room: a gathering place for celebrations, cultural events, and seasonal installations. Even on an ordinary day, you'll see how it functions as a crossroads between local routines and visitor itineraries.

Things to See and Do in the Praza de María Pita

Start with the statue of María Pita in the center of the square, a dramatic focal point that makes for a classic “I'm in La Coruna” photo. From there, take in the symmetry of the plaza and the arcaded buildings that wrap the space, which create a sheltered walkway on windy or drizzly Atlantic days.

If you want a quick cultural add-on without committing to a full museum visit, check whether the City Hall’s exhibition hall is open; it often provides a free, low-effort way to see a small show and step inside the landmark building. Even if you don’t go in, the façade details and the overall scale are worth a slow lap around the perimeter.

Finally, use the square as a springboard: walk a few minutes into Ciudad Vieja for historic streets and viewpoints, or head toward the nearby waterfront for sea air and a change of scenery. It’s one of those places that’s less about a single “attraction” and more about how effortlessly it connects the best of the city.

How to Get to the Praza de María Pita

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

If you're arriving by rail, La Coruna's main station connects with major Spanish cities (often via Madrid), and from there you can continue by taxi or local transit toward the old town area near the square. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Driving can be convenient for exploring Galicia beyond the city, but the center around Ciudad Vieja is best handled on foot once you arrive, and parking is typically easier in garages outside the tightest historic streets. 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 Praza de María Pita

  • Official website: http://www.visitcoruna.com
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Come in the morning for calmer photos and softer light, or at golden hour when the City Hall façade glows and terraces start to fill.
  • How long to spend: 20–40 minutes is enough for a loop, photos, and a quick drink; plan 60–90 minutes if you want to pair it with nearby old-town wandering.
  • Accessibility: The square is generally flat and open, with wide walking space; the arcades provide smoother, sheltered routes if weather turns.
  • Facilities: You’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants around the edges, plus nearby services in the city center within a short walk.

Where to Stay Close to the Praza de María Pita

For most visitors, the best area to base yourself is central La Coruna near Ciudad Vieja and the waterfront so you can walk to the square, restaurants, and key sights.

Hotel Riazor A reliable, well-located option for travelers who want easy beach-and-center access, with a straightforward walk or quick ride to the square.

NH Collection A Coruña Finisterre A strong pick for a more upscale stay near the marina and old town, ideal if you want comfort plus a scenic stroll to Praza de María Pita.

Melia Maria Pita Chosen for its sea views and polished feel, great for travelers who want a classic waterfront hotel and easy access to the historic center.

Eurostars Ciudad de La Coruña A quieter base near the Tower of Hercules area, good if you like being close to iconic coastal walks while still reaching the square without hassle.

Hotel Zenit Coruña A practical mid-range choice that balances price, comfort, and a central position for walking to shops, dining, and the plaza.

Is the Praza de María Pita Worth Visiting?

Yes, it’s worth visiting because it’s the city’s most important “orientation point” and one of the best places to understand La Coruna’s rhythm in a single stop. The architecture, the statue, and the café culture combine into a memorable snapshot of the city, especially if you’re exploring on foot.

Honest Pivot: if you're short on time and you don't enjoy plazas, people-watching, or architecture, you could treat it as a quick pass-through on the way to more “activity-based” sights like the waterfront walks or the Tower of Hercules. It's not a ticketed attraction with a long checklist; its value is atmosphere and location.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

Pedestrianized square with a town hall, arcades, terraces, named after a local heroine.

For Different Travelers

Praza de María Pita is flexible: it can be a five-minute photo stop, a relaxed café break, or the start of a deeper old-town wander. How much you'll love it depends on whether you travel for ambiance, history, and city life.

Families with Kids

For families, the big open space is the main advantage: it’s easy to regroup, let kids stretch their legs, and keep an eye on everyone without navigating narrow streets. The arcades also help on rainy days, giving you a sheltered loop to walk.

Pair the square with a short “treasure hunt” walk into Ciudad Vieja (spot balconies, coats of arms, and viewpoints) and you’ll keep the pace fun without overloading the day. Aim for earlier hours if you want fewer crowds around terrace seating.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples will appreciate how cinematic the square feels at sunset, when the light hits the City Hall and the terraces start to buzz. It’s an easy place to slow down, share a drink, and plan the next stop without pulling out a map every two minutes.

For a simple romantic mini-itinerary, do a loop of the plaza, wander into the old town for a few quiet streets, then head toward the waterfront for sea views. It's low-effort, high-reward, and very “La Coruna.”

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers can enjoy the square completely free, and it’s one of the best places to soak up the city without paying for admission. If you’re watching spending, treat it as your central meeting point and build a walking day around it.

Look for good-value menus around the center, or grab something simple and enjoy it while strolling under the arcades. The square also makes it easy to navigate between neighborhoods on foot, reducing the need for taxis.

FAQs for Visiting Praza de María Pita

Getting There

Yes, it sits right on the edge of Ciudad Vieja and is one of the easiest landmarks to reach on foot. If you’re already exploring central La Coruna, you’ll likely pass through naturally.
Yes, taxis can drop you close by, and central bus routes make the area straightforward to reach. The final approach is best done on foot due to pedestrian-friendly streets.
Yes, it’s ideal for starting a self-guided walk because it connects quickly to historic streets and the waterfront. It’s also easy to “reset” here if you get turned around.

Tickets & Entry

No, the square is a public space and you can enter freely at any time. Costs only apply if you choose to dine or join a paid tour.
Not for the plaza, but there may be exhibitions in nearby buildings depending on the day. If you plan to go inside City Hall spaces, check what’s open when you arrive.
They can be, especially if you want the María Pita story and city history in context rather than just photos. A walking tour also helps you connect the square to nearby old-town highlights.

Visiting Experience

Stand near the central statue and frame the City Hall behind it for the classic shot. A second great angle is from under the arcades, capturing the plaza’s scale.
It varies, but it often feels lively rather than packed, with peaks around meal times and weekends. Mornings are typically calmer for photos.
Look at the City Hall façade details and the uniform arcades around the square. The covered walkways are also part of the plaza’s character, not just a practical feature.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Use the square as your gateway: walk from the plaza into the old town streets for viewpoints and historic corners. It’s an easy loop that doesn’t require strict planning.
Yes, it’s close enough to link with a waterfront stroll for sea views and fresh air. This is one of the best “city + coast” combinations in La Coruna.
Yes, because it helps you orient yourself and sets the tone for the historic center. It’s also a convenient meeting point if you’re traveling with others.

Photography

Yes, the square can look dramatic after dark, especially with lighting on the City Hall and activity around terraces. Bring a steady hand or use a low-light mode for sharper shots.
In a public square, small tripods are usually fine if you’re not blocking walkways or causing disruption. Be considerate during busy times.
A wide-angle is great for capturing the full City Hall façade and the plaza’s scale. A standard lens works well for details like arcades and statue close-ups.

Accessibility & Facilities

Yes, you can usually find spots to pause around the square, though terrace seating belongs to cafés. If you want a longer break, consider a quick drink to secure a comfortable seat.
Facilities are typically found in nearby cafés and restaurants, and in central areas a short walk away. Plan on using a venue if you need a restroom.
Generally yes, because it’s open and relatively flat. The arcades can be helpful for smoother, sheltered movement depending on weather.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, the arcades and terraces make it one of the easiest places in the center to take a break. It’s ideal for people-watching while you recharge.
Yes, you’ll find a mix of cafés and casual bites within a few minutes’ walk. It’s a practical area for a light meal between sightseeing stops.
For popular spots and weekends, it can help to reserve, especially in peak travel seasons. For casual meals, you can often walk in.

Safety & Timing

It’s generally a central, well-trafficked area, especially when terraces are active. As in any city, keep an eye on belongings in busy moments.
La Coruna can be breezy due to its coastal setting, and the open plaza can amplify wind. Bring a light layer even outside winter.
Earlier mornings tend to be the calmest for photos and a relaxed look around. Midday and early evening are livelier if you want atmosphere.

Nearby Attractions to the Praza de María Pita

  • Ciudad Vieja (Old Town): A compact maze of historic streets and small squares that's perfect for a slow wander.
  • Jardines de Méndez Núñez: Central gardens ideal for a shaded stroll and a break from stone-and-architecture sightseeing.
  • Marina and Parrote waterfront: A scenic harborfront walk with classic city-and-sea views.
  • Iglesia de Santiago: One of the city's notable historic churches, easy to add on while exploring the center.
  • Torre de Hércules: La Coruna's iconic lighthouse and a must for coastal views, reachable by a longer walk or short ride.

The Praza de María Pita 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: Pr. de María Pita, A Coruña, 15001 A Coruña, Spain
La Coruna: 5 km
Official Website

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