Symbol of Oleiros

Santa Cruz Castle

Santa Cruz Castle is one of the symbols of Oleiros town, both due to its natural extraordinary beauty and landscape, as well as its high historical interest.

Its construction was commissioned in the 16th century to reinforce the city defence system, after the attack on A Coruña Port by the English Armada, led by Sir Francis Drake.

Over time it lost its strategic value and in the 19th century it became property of the family of writer Emilia Pardo Bazán. Later on, the castle became the summer residence for orphaned children from the military. Currently on the ground floor there are two Municipal Exhibition Halls which house the exhibitions: "EnsambleIsaac" and "Obxectomanía: Unha historia singular do coleccionismo" (Objetomania: A singular history of collecting). On the first floor is the headquarters of CEIDA (Galician Centre for University Extension and Environmental Dissemination), a regional reference, dedicated to promoting environmental education in all sectors of society, as well as scientific and cultural exchange, working in the search for solutions to environmental problems and promoting good practices in this field.

The castle is located on a little island connected to Santa Cruz Port by a pedestrian footbridge. Around the island, a coastal promenade offers a unique view of A Coruña city.

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