María Pita saved the relics of St. James and also The Way

María Pita played a crucial role in the history of Saint James Way, as she prevented Francis Drake from looting the Apostle’s tomb. Starting the English Way from A Coruña means walking through a city full of history, culture, and extraordinary characters that shaped the destiny of Galicia. And one name stands above the rest: María Pita. Her story is so powerful that the city’s main square is named after her. It’s where you’ll find the City Hall and where the people of A Coruña gather every year to celebrate her courage. But who was María Pita? And what role did she play in the history of A Coruña?

A Coruña vs. the English Armada

In 1589, after the failure of the Spanish Armada, Queen Elizabeth I of England sent another offensive against Spain. The famous privateer Francis Drake arrived in Galicia with over 14,000 soldiers. His plan was clear: conquer A Coruña, plunder Santiago de Compostela, and send a strong message against Catholic power. What few people know is that one of the main objectives of this attack was to steal the relics of St. James and take them to England as a trophy for Elizabeth I. Fortunately, Archbishop Juan de Sanclemente acted fast. He ordered the relics to be hidden in a secret place inside Santiago Cathedral. Only a few people knew the location — and for centuries, it was forgotten. The relics were only rediscovered in the 19th century. This decision was key to saving one of Europe’s greatest Christian symbols — and so was the bravery of María Pita.

María Pita, widow and fearless fighter

During the battle, María Pita’s husband, Gregorio de Rocamonde, was killed in combat. Furious and fearless, María grabbed a spear from an English officer, killed him, and shouted the famous words: “Quen teña honra, que me siga!” (“Whoever has honor, follow me!”) Her courage ignited the spirit of the defenders, turning the tide of the fight. Thanks to her bravery, the English troops failed to capture the city. Her actions earned her legendary status,  and even caught the attention of King Philip II of Spain, who awarded her a lifelong pension and the honorary title of distinguished soldier.

María Pita, a remarkable and complex life

Born into a humble family, María Pita married four times and had several children. Her life was anything but easy — lawsuits, loss, legal disputes, and even a short stay in prison were part of her story. But she never gave up fighting for her rights and those of her family. In her later years, she managed her estate with skill, traveled to the royal court to defend her claims, and remained a respected figure until her death in 1643 in Cambre, near A Coruña.

Visit the María Pita House Museum in A Coruña

Today, anyone wanting to learn more about her can visit the María Pita House Museum, located in the historic heart of the city. The museum includes:

• A reconstruction of her home, with a shop on the ground floor and her bedroom.
• A room dedicated to the Kingdom of Galicia in the 16th and 17th centuries.
• A look at A Coruña during that time.
• An in-depth view of the Anglo-Spanish conflict and the city’s role in it.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions to enhance the visitor experience.

María Pita Festivities

Every August, A Coruña celebrates the María Pita Festivities — an essential event in the city’s cultural calendar. For several weeks, the city comes alive with concerts, fairs, cultural events, and historical reenactments of the battle against the English. It’s the perfect time to visit Galicia and experience A Coruña from a different perspective, combining history, culture, and festive atmosphere.

The English Way from A Coruña

A Coruña, the city of María Pita, is also one of the starting points of the Camino de Santiago,  specifically, the English Way. This historic route was once used by pilgrims from England, Ireland, and Scandinavia, who landed in Galicia to reach Santiago de Compostela. The route from A Coruña is shorter than the one from Ferrol, so it doesn’t meet the 100 km minimum required to obtain the Compostela, unless you live in the city and complement the route with visits to Jacobean sites. If a foreign pilgrim wants to start the English Way from A Coruña and get the Compostela, they must prove they have walked the remaining distance in their home country, always on an official Camino route. This option is only available for European pilgrims. Still, the English Way from A Coruña is ideal for those seeking peace, nature, and a less crowded route. It begins by the sea and continues inland through forests and rural landscapes — a truly intimate Camino starting in a city bursting with history.

A Coruña, the glass City

A Coruña is much more than María Pita. It’s a city open to the sea, with urban beaches like Orzán and Riazor, and the longest seafront promenade in Europe. It’s home to the Tower of Hercules, the oldest working Roman lighthouse in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And its iconic glass-fronted buildings have earned it the nickname “The glass City.” Sitting on a terrace in María Pita Square, with the City Hall in front and the statue of the hero watching over everything, is one of those experiences that make you fall in love with Galicia.

Walk through Galicia’s history :from A Coruña to Santiago

At Rutas Meigas, we invite you to discover Galicia, start your Camino Inglés from A Coruña, and learn the story of María Pita,  a woman who changed the fate of her city, protected the relics of St. James, and left an unforgettable legacy. Buen Camino!