Betanzos, in the heart of the Gulf of Ártabro, is one of Galicia’s medieval gems.
Covering 24 km² and home to nearly 13,500 inhabitants, it blends history, nature, and tradition in a setting full of authenticity.
Its old town, declared a Historic-Artistic Ensemble, preserves the essence of the former capital of the Kingdom of Galicia.
The Mandeo, Mendo, and Mero rivers, together with the Betanzos Estuary, shape a unique landscape—ideal for walking, sailing, or simply enjoying good food and even better company.
History
A millenary city with a Galician soul
The origins of Betanzos date back to prehistoric times, although its consolidation as an urban center began with the Celtic settlement of Untia and the subsequent Roman occupation. In 1219, King Alfonso IX relocated the old settlement of “Betanzos O Vello” to its current location, marking the beginning of a period of splendor. The city grew under the shelter of the Castro of Untia, protected by walls and crossed by bridges and churches that still retain their medieval essence.
During the 14th century, under the patronage of Fernán Pérez de Andrade—the great feudal lord of the region—some of the most emblematic monuments were built: Gothic churches, hospitals, and the fortifications that shaped its famous historic quarter, now declared a Historic-Artistic Ensemble.
Betanzos was the capital of one of the seven provinces of the Ancient Kingdom of Galicia, which gave it a key role in Galician politics and trade for centuries. The exchange of wine, salt, and agricultural products turned its port into one of the most active in the region.
Despite the great fire of 1569, which destroyed more than 600 houses, the city maintained its vitality. In the following centuries, it became a major agricultural and wine-producing center, with commercial links even to the Americas.
In 1834, Betanzos lost its provincial status when it was incorporated into A Coruña. However, in the 19th century and early 20th century, it experienced renewed growth thanks to the return of emigrants from the Americas, known as indianos.
It was then that landmarks such as the Pasatiempo Park, the Liceo, and the Casa Núñez were created, reflecting an enlightened bourgeoisie committed to social progress. The García Naveira brothers were key figures in this transformation.
Hoy,Today, Betanzos is a city that has preserved its legacy. Walking through its streets is a journey into the past: Gothic churches, walls, arcades, fountains, modernist architecture—and a gastronomy and festive tradition that remain very much alive.
Betanzos is not just history: it is living history.
Location
Betanzos se encuentra Betanzos is located in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, within the province of A Coruña. Its strategic position ensures excellent connections by road, rail, and air.
By road:
• N-VI Madrid–A Coruña
• A-6 Northwest Motorway
• AP-9 Atlantic Motorway
• N-542 (Santiago), N-651 (Ferrol)
• AC-840 (Ourense) and AC-0905 (Vilalba)
By train:
• Betanzos-Ciudad Station, with connections to A Coruña and Ferrol
• Betanzos-Infesta Station, with links to Monforte, Madrid, and Barcelona
By air:
• Alvedro Airport, 19 km away (national and international flights)
• Santiago–Rosalía de Castro Airport, 56 km away
By bus:
Several companies connect Betanzos with numerous towns and cities throughout Galicia and beyond.
Must-See Highlights
What to see and do in Betanzos
Historic Old Town Essentials
• Plaza de la Constitución
• Church of Santiago
• Church of Santa María do Azougue
• Pazo de Bendaña
• Medieval gates (Puente Viejo, Puente Nuevo, Cristo)
• Preserved section of the city wall in Valdoncel
Nature and Surroundings
• Riverside routes along the Mandeo, Mendo, and Mero rivers
• Walks beside the Betanzos Estuary
• Trails through the rural parishes
• Discovery of ethnographic heritage and agricultural landscapes
Betanzos is a perfect destination for walkers, photography lovers, and travelers in search of authenticity.
Betanzos is living culture all year round.
Pasatiempo Park
Museums
• Museo das Mariñas
• CIEC – Printmaking Interpretation Center
Major Festivals
• San Roque Hot Air Balloon, one of the most unique events in Galicia
• San Roque Festival and traditional popular pilgrimages (romerías)
• Medieval Fair (Feria Franca)
Gastronomy
The city is a culinary landmark:
• Betanzos tortilla
• Betanzos wine (Branco Lexítimo)
• Betanzos cabbage, Galician stew (cocido gallego)
The hospitality of the people of Betanzos ensures that every visit leaves a special memory.
Historic Old Town
Cobblestone streets, arcades, and squares with medieval charm
Church of Saint Mary of Azougue
Galician Gothic with a unique agricultural calendar
San Francisco Church
National Monument with medieval knights’ tombs
Constitution Square
Home to the Town Hall, the Clock Tower, and arcades
Medieval wall and gates
Well-preserved sections and historic entrances
Pasatiempo Park
History, symbolism, and exoticism in a modernist park
Betanzos estuary
A peaceful estuary, ideal for walks or boat routes
Mandeo and Mendo Rivers
Natural paths alongside the water
Route of the mills
Paths with mills, washhouses, and ethnographic heritage
Biosphere Reserve
Protected landscape of nature, rivers, and heritage
San Roque Balloon
A giant paper balloon takes to the skies every August 16
Medieval Trade Fair
In July, the old town comes alive with the Middle Ages
Mariñas Museum
History, costumes, art, and works by Rubens in a restored convent
CIEC – Print Center
Contemporary art in the Casa Núñez
Wandering aimlessly
Betanzos is best discovered slowly, by wandering its streets
Betanzos omelette
Soft-set, juicy, and famous throughout Galicia
Betanzos white wine
Branco Lexítimo, with PGI status and centuries-old tradition
Strolling and tapas in the city
Squares, terraces, and local flavors
Parishes
Betanzos and its parishes: a map of living history, nature, and tradition
Santiago and Santa María are the parishes located within the urban area of Betanzos. On the outskirts of the city you can find the following rural parishes:
San Martiño de Tiobre
Places: O Barral, Betanzos O Vello, Braxe, Caraña de Abaixo, Caraña de Arriba, Caraña do Medio, Gas, Lanza, A Ponte Vella, San Paio, Touriñao de Abaixo, Touriñao de Arriba, A Xerpe.
Patron Saint: Saint Martin, November 11.
The Pilgrimage of San Paio is also celebrated on August 24.
San Martiño de Bravío
Places: Acea, Barallobre, A Casilla, O Coto, O Martinete, O Marulo, Piñeiro, Roibeira, Os Tabaques.
Patron Saint: Saint Martin, November 11.
Santa María de Pontellas
Places: O Castro de San Fiz, Illobre.
Patron Feast: Ascension of Our Lady (variable between May and June).
Santiago de Requián
Places: As Abelares, Campodeira, As Casas Novas, O Farragoto, A Graña, A Infesta, O Pontillón, O Pequeno Regueiro, Requián, O Terreo, Xanrozo.
Patron Saint: Saint James, July 25.
San Estevo de Piadela
Places: Guiliade, Montellos, Piadela, Vila de Suso, Viúxe.
Patron Saint: Saint Stephen (mid-September).
San Pedro de Viñas
Places: As Abelares, As Angustias, O Cepiño, Illobre, Vista Alegre.
Patron Feast: Our Lady of Sorrows (mid-September).
Parroquia de Santiago
Parroquia de Santa María de Azougue
San Martiño de Tiobre
San Martiño de Bravío
Santa María de Pontellas
Santiago de Requián
San Estevo de Piadela
San Pedro de Viñas