Galicia is a region full of charming corners that seem to come straight out of a fairy tale. On this occasion, the magazine Journey highlighted several magical placesby selecting a municipality from each Spanish province that evokes classic movie settings. In La Coruña, the elected official is Betanzosa place known for its exquisite potato omelette and its exceptionally well-preserved historic center. Betanzos fascinates with its steep streets, the imposing Concello, the Clock Tower and Casa Núñez, in addition to its medieval walls, which still preserve three of their original gates: Ponte Vella, O Cristo and Ponte Nova.
The selection of Journey This is not limited to A Coruña; it also covers other fascinating places in Galicia. In Pontevedra, Combarro, with its seaside atmosphere, is reminiscent of the film “Luca”. Meanwhile, Lugo brings the magical Piornedo, with its pallozas that could shelter fantastic creatures. Finally, in Orense, Castro Caldelas stands out for its stone houses and galleriesthat seem to come straight out of a medieval adventure. These places offer not only beauty, but also a nostalgic connection to the movie sets that have captured our imagination.
Betanzos: the Galician charm of a story
Legend attributes the founding of Betanzos to Celtic leader Breogan. Although the first settlements in the area are ancient, the city seems to be documented in Ptolemy’s geography under the name of Flavium Brigantium. In 1219, King Alfonso IX of León moved the population of San Martiño de Tiobre to the current location of the fort of Untia, granting it the title of city.
Henry IV He elevated it to the rank of city in 1465 and the Catholic Monarchs made it the capital of one of the provinces of the Kingdom of Galicia. However, the city suffered a decline due to fires and bad harvests, and in 1834 it was incorporated into the province of La CoruñaDespite its historical decline, Betanzos was revitalized by the railway in the 20th century and remains a tourist and administrative center.
Places of interest
Betanzos, a hidden gem in Galiciaoffers a rich experience to visitors thanks to its historic center and architectural heritage.
Places of interest include its churches and historic buildingssuch as the Church of San Francisco, built by the Andrade family, and the Convent of Santo Domingo. The old town of Betanzos is characterized by its Gothic and medieval architecture, with notable examples in the Church of Santiago and the Church of Santa María del Azogue. In addition, the glass galleries, wooden balconies and traditional granaries give a unique charm to the town.
In the heart of Betanzos, the Constitution Square It stands out for its history and beauty, surrounded by the City Hall and the Clock Tower. The Plaza de Fernán Pérez de Andrade and the Plaza de los Hermanos García Naveira are also key points, where tributes are paid to influential figures in local history.
THE García Naveira Brothers SquareMore specifically, it is a nerve center of the city, famous for its weekly market and for the statues that commemorate these important benefactors. These, after having made their fortune in America, returned to contribute to the development of the city through the construction of buildings and parks.
Another treasure of Betanzos is the Amusement parkConsidered the world’s first theme park and the legacy of the Naveira brothers. Although it has suffered some abandonment, the park remains a fascinating place to visit with its green spaces, ponds and underground caves.
For history buffs, the Mariñas MuseumLocated in the former convent of Santo Domingo, offers an in-depth insight into the region’s rich heritage with its collection of traditional costumes, Castro goldwork and Roman art.
At the city gates, the hiking route through the Pelamios River Mills and the Caneiros River Path offer the opportunity to enjoy the Galician natural environment, complementing the cultural and gastronomic experience that Betanzos has to offer.
An important aspect of Betanzos culture is its gastronomy, especially the fnice potato omeletteKnown for its juicy, slightly curdled texture, made with local ingredients like potatoes, homemade eggs, and olive oil. Betanzos tortilla is so beloved that the Semana da Tortilla is celebrated every year, drawing locals and visitors alike.
Cesuras Sanatorium
Just 13 kilometers from Betanzos is the Cesuras Sanatorium, one of the most mysterious places in Galicia. Its origin dates back to 1924, when it was built as a hospital to treat tuberculosis, but it was never completed. Despite attempts at additional projects, lack of funds halted progress and, in 1933, the construction of the sanatorium was officially stopped. Since 1936, the building has remained in ruins. Currently, the property belongs to the municipality of Oza-Cesuras.
