Praza da Fariña is one of the main public spaces of the old town. Its name comes from the fact that it was traditionally the site of one of the most important markets, where grain was traded. Other important festivals and events also took place here.
In 1896 its name was changed to Plaza de Azcárraga, in homage to the Minister of War who returned the Captaincy General to A Coruña. That same year, the local architect Pedro Mariño completely restructured the space, designing four paved avenues, which border other flowerbeds covered with a variety of vegetation such as sycamore trees, magnolia trees and palm trees.
It is the ideal spot for walking and relaxing. In the centre of it is the Fountain of Desire, a metal structure cast fused at the end of the 19th century at the Dumgem workshops in Paris. It has four spouts and is crowned by the stylised figure of a woman holding a torch, symbolising desire. For a long time, it was one of the city's main water pumps and supplied water to residents, barracks, hospitals, and the prison. It still preserves the metal seats to support the seals under the spouts.