Santa Cruz Castle – Galicia 'n Maps

Located on a small island off the coast, the Santa Cruz Castle offers spectacular views of the A Corunna estuary. Today, it serves as an environmental education center, though its past is tied to coastal defense.

The Santa Cruz Castle, located on a small island off the coast of Oleiros, was built in the 16th century as part of the defensive system of the A Coruña estuary, protecting the city from pirate and corsair attacks. The fortress played a key role during the English invasion of 1589, when Francis Drake attempted to seize the city. In the 20th century, the castle became the property of Emilia Pardo Bazán, one of the most important writers in Galician and Spanish literature. Today, the castle houses the Galician University Extension and Environmental Outreach Center (CEIDA), combining its rich history with an educational and ecological mission.