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Historic neighborhood · Ferrol, Galicia
Barrio de la Magdalena
Neighborhood planned in the 18th century, under the reign of Carlos III, with straight streets, houses with glass galleries, modernist buildings and the praça de Armas; a protected historic ensemble.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Barrio de la Magdalena
A Madalena is Ferrol's central bairro and was built in the 18th century, under the reign of Carlos III, following the urban rules of the Enlightenment. When King Fernando VI decided to install in Ferrol the Estaleiro Real do Norte da Espanha in 1749, the town was a small fishing village. The arrival of thousands of workers, military personnel and officials required a new city.
The result was a bairro laid out on a grid, with six long parallel streets crossed by side streets, and two large squares at the ends. The houses, two or three storeys high, have the typical glass galleries of the Galician coast, which protect from wind and rain and capture the sun.
At the beginning of the 20th century, architects like Rodolfo Ucha left several modernist buildings in the bairro, with decorated façades, balconies and iron details. The praça de Armas, with the town hall, is at the end closest to the arsenal.
The bairro has been a protected historic-artistic ensemble since 1984. The streets are pleasant for walking and concentrate shops, cafés and restaurants.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1.5 hours on foot.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, with light on the glass galleries.
How to get there
It is in the center of Ferrol, about a 10-minute walk from the train station.
Tip
Look up as you walk: the glass galleries and the modernist details of the façades are on the upper floors.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Barrio de la Magdalena
Why does the Madalena neighborhood have straight streets?
Because it was planned in the 18th century, during the reign of Charles III, according to the urban rules of the Enlightenment.
What to see in Madalena?
The houses with glass galleries, the modernist buildings, the concatedral de San Xiao and the Plaza de Armas.
Is Madalena protected?
Yes, it has been a historic-artistic ensemble since 1984.