Barrio da Madalena
Ferrol's Enlightenment quarter: a grid of streets, glazed galleries and uniform 18th-century architecture.
The Magdalena was designed as a new town for the people working at the Arsenal. Its orthogonal plan, squares and repeated façades make it one of Europe's most singular urban ensembles.
Walking it is free and takes little more than an hour. The best streets are those that keep the wooden and glass galleries typical of northern maritime architecture. A good place to start a visit to Ferrol.
Getting there
Ferrol's historic centre, between Plaza de España and the harbour.
Other places
View allCastelo de San Felipe
A 16th-century fortress that guarded the mouth of the estuary alongside Palma castle and the Viñas battery.
HeritageArsenal de Ferrol
The great 18th-century Enlightenment shipyard, today a naval base and the anchor of Ferrol's urban landscape.
HeritageMuseo Naval de Ferrol
Maps, ship models and navigational instruments in the Arsenal's old guardhouse.