FERROL

Ferrol, sometimes called O Ferrol, or El Ferrol, is a city in the province of A Coruña, in the autonomous community of Galicia. Ferrol is a port city of about 68,000 people and is located on an estuary of the Atlantic Coast. It offers all of the convenience of a small city as most city attractions and stores are within walking distance, especially if one lives in the center of town. It is the capital of the Spanish Navy’s Department of the North and has been a major naval shipbuilding city for most of its history. It is today the home of the shipbuilding yards of Navantia, the 9th largest shipbuilder in the world. Before Ferrol became a major shipbuilder in the 17th Century, it was the most important arsenal in Europe. Ferrol’s proximity to the ocean makes it a humid city with an oceanic climate, meaning mild temperatures all throughout the year. Winter will be much better than in other Galician cities, with temperatures ranging from 45-56º F (7-13º C), and summer will also be much cooler, with temperatures remaining below 77º F (25º C). Rainy weather will begin in late October and will last through January.

Ferrol’s history can be traced back to prehistoric times, with evidence of Phoenician, Ancient Greek, and Roman settlements. The port of Ferrol began in the First Century B.C. as a fishing village, and expanded from there on to become an important strategic safe port, and later on, naval base, during numerous wars. The ascent of the Bourbons to the Spanish monarchy increased the importance and influence of Ferrol, with the establishment of royal docks, missions to the Spanish Empire in America, and the Spanish Royal Academy of Naval Engineers. The British also became interested in the city, so much so that they constructed electric trams all over the city beginning from 1924. Ferrol is the birthplace of the Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. During the Spanish Civil War, all of the shipbuilding yards, docks, and foundries were taken over by the state and nationalized. Due to this, the naval sector heavily declined, even as Spain transitioned to democracy in the 80’s and 90’s. The city of Ferrol then focused on other areas of growth, and today sees economic growth and prosperity in all aspects.  In general people in Ferrol are interested in talking to international residents because there are not as many expats as in Madrid. They will pause their work or invite you to meet up later to continue conversations. In addition to this, as there are only a handful of other U.S. auxiliares, linguistic and cultural immersion is possible. As one 2016-2017 grantee said, “the Spaniards I’ve met have welcomed me to hang out with them one-on-one or with pre-established friend groups. I’ve heard it is more difficult to make Spanish friends in Madrid.”