The memorial was inaugurated in 2003 to honor the victims of the repression following the 1936 military coup.
The stones used in the installation are intentionally raw and unpolished, reflecting the brutality of the historical events they commemorate.
The location was chosen specifically because it was a known site for the secret execution of political dissidents by firing squads.
The menhirs are positioned to interact with the Atlantic wind and coastal light, creating a stark visual connection between nature and historical grief.
The site remains a central focal point for annual remembrance ceremonies held by local historical memory associations.
Campo da Rata is a poignant memorial site in A Coruña dedicated to the victims of the Spanish Civil War and the subsequent Francoist repression. Located on a coastal cliff, the site served as an execution ground where many republican prisoners were executed between 1936 and 1939. The memorial features a set of menhirs, designed by architect Manolo Paz, which stand as symbolic monoliths facing the Atlantic Ocean. These stone structures evoke the memory of those who lost their lives in the nearby areas of the Tower of Hercules and the O Portiño cliffs. The site functions as a place of historical memory, encouraging reflection on local political violence during the 20th century. Its rugged landscape is inextricably linked to the tragic history of the Galicia region during the postwar era.
Position yourself between the largest menhirs to capture the contrast between the stone, the ocean, and the horizon.
Bring a windbreaker or warm jacket, as the coastal location is extremely exposed to Atlantic gusts.
Pair your visit with a walk along the adjacent coastline, which offers wide views of the Tower of Hercules.
The terrain is uneven and rocky; wear comfortable, flat-soled walking shoes.
Do not climb or sit on the stone menhirs, as they are part of a solemn memorial structure.
Maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor, as this is a site of historical tragedy and remembrance.
