The Plaza de María Pita is the undisputed heart of A Coruña and one of the most monumental and lively urban spaces in Galicia. Designed in the mid-19th century, this majestic arcaded square pays tribute to the great local heroine, María Pita, who heroically defended the city from the siege of the English Armada led by Francis Drake in 1589. In the center of the square stands her imposing bronze statue wielding a spear, a symbol of Coruña's courage. The space is enclosed by beautiful buildings with traditional glass galleries and lively terraces, but the true architectural protagonist is the Palacio Municipal (City Hall). This spectacular eclectic-style building, topped with three striking domes, presides over the square and brings an air of grandeur to the whole. Today, it is the meeting point par excellence, a perfect place to stroll, enjoy local gastronomy, and feel the authentic pulse of the city.