We walked past the Marina and behind the hill, discovering a different face to Ferrol. As we returned there was ‘Banksy’ in Ferrol! It was a busy day and fairly typical of how we spent our time exploring in Spain.
Read more: ‘Banksy’ in FerrolBehind the hill
As we walked up the far side of the hill we looked down on the narrow entrance into the port area and could see a container ship slowly making its way in. We also looked down into the commercial port.
Behind the hill we could look down into the Enseada da Malata, another part of the Ria of Ferrol. Buildings were quite sparse, and mainly houses – and a washhouse, fed by a small stream. There is a walk all round this cove, ending with an old oyster bed – it would have been fun to do! Instead we turned inland again, up the hill.
‘Banksy’ in Ferrol
As we walked upwards we starting seeing wall paintings – street art – Ferrol’s own ‘Banksy’. This area is Canido, and rather delapidated. But sixteen years ago an artist, Eduardo Hermida, painted a menina on a wall and started a trend in this area. It has developed into a major festival in Ferrol, attracting artists from all over the world at the beginning of September.
Today the area is becoming fashionable “since it has become an open-air museum, with one of the most important street-art festivals in Europe. Every year, Meninas de Canido brings together around 100 artists: painters, photographers, sculptors, poets, filmmakers, actors, dancers and musicians… from different parts of the world.”1
Refreshments!
We arrived in the Praza Crucero de Canido a little tired, and there was a nice square and three cafes. We chose the La Margarita and had excellent coffee and delicious (free) lemon sponge cake. Just at the right time.
Onwards!
The dereliction is clear but the painting continued as we walked down the hill, back into the town.
Evening out
That evening we went out for local food and on the way stopped at the Concathedral of San Julian of Ferrol, the Patron saint of the town.
The restaurant/cafe is in the Praza de Constitucion, close to the Naval Museum. The An Strato was very pleasant indeed and I ate far too many croquettas, which I love!
And when we came out the fountain in the Alameda was magically changing colour… And the moon was rising
Walking around Ferrol, finding ‘Banksy’ in Ferrol, enjoying local food – it was a super day, and one to remember.
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