El Ferrol

El Ferrol is interesting to visit, not because of any monument in particular, but because of the fascinating lay-out of the city itself, a fine example of the Neo-classic urban development promoted by Carlos III during the second half of the 18th century. The history of El Ferrol is very closely linked to the ship builders and to the naval battles, resulting from its strategic location. It seems that when a British squadron was defeated in 1800 by a far inferior local contingent, Napoleon supposedly drank to the health of those brave ferrolanos. This admiration did not, however, prevent the illustrious French general from invading the city nine years later. 

There is still evidence in the port area and the streets of the Magdalena quarter, of the industrious nature and the business conducted in this city during the 18th and especially the 19th centuries. Today, it is the seat of an important industrial center which extends to the shores of the estuary.