Learn How to Pronounce La Coruña | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce La Coruña
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Meaning and Context
La Coruña, officially known as A Coruña in Galician and often referred to as La Coruña in Castilian Spanish, is a major port city and the capital of the province of the same name in the autonomous community of Galicia, in northwestern Spain. Renowned for its deep-rooted maritime history and vibrant urban energy, the city is most famously home to the Tower of Hercules (Torre de Hércules), an ancient Roman lighthouse declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognized as the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world. Beyond this iconic monument, La Coruña boasts a distinctive architectural feature in its galerías—enclosed glass balconies that line the facades of buildings along the Avenida de la Marina, earning it the poetic nickname "Ciudad de Cristal" (City of Glass). As a pivotal economic and cultural hub, it offers visitors a compelling mix of pristine beaches like Orzán and Riazor, exceptional seafood cuisine, and significant cultural institutions such as the Domus museum. Its strategic location on the Atlantic coast has cemented its status as a key destination for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and a central player in the region's tourism, history, and gastronomy.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The primary variation in spelling stems from the city's bilingual status in Galicia. The official and preferred name in the local Galician language is A Coruña. The Castilian Spanish version, La Coruña, is also widely accepted and used, particularly in broader Spanish and international contexts. A common error, especially in English-language texts, is the omission of the tilde over the 'n', resulting in the incorrect "La Coruna" or "A Coruna"; the correct form requires the letter ñ. Another frequent typo is the misspelling of the article, such as "El Coruña" or "LaCoruña" (written as one word). Historically, the English exonym "Corunna" was used, most notably in reference to the Battle of Corunna during the Peninsular War, but this archaic form is rarely used in modern contexts outside of specific historical discussions.
Example Sentences
No visit to Galicia is complete without exploring the historic streets and sweeping promenades of La Coruña.
Many pilgrims on the English Way of the Camino de Santiago conclude their journey at the city's historic church of Santiago.
The Tower of Hercules, standing sentinel on a rocky peninsula, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Locals and tourists alike flock to the bustling pulperías in the old town to sample the region's famous pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus).
The city's unique galerías, glistening in the afternoon sun, create a mesmerizing facade along its picturesque harbor.
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