Banco Pastor Building
A Coruña's iconic early skyscraper, blending historic grandeur with a modern work café. A symbol of architectural ambition.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter for work or reflection
Banco Pastor Building
Best Time
Quieter for work or reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Coruña's iconic early skyscraper, blending historic grandeur with a modern work café. A symbol of architectural ambition.
"It's the most American building in the city, a little piece of New York in our Marineda."
☕ Coffee & Work Spot
Great for working on your laptop; it's spacious and not too noisy in the afternoons. :coffee:
💳 Santander Customer Perks
Bank customers get a discount when paying with their card at the café. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Imposing Skyscraper Facade
Marvel at the solid, forceful structure symbolizing modernity and security, a break from traditional A Coruña architecture.
Historic 'Skyscraper' Status
Discover its legacy as one of Spain's first skyscrapers, standing tall for decades and influencing city planning.
Work Café Experience
Enjoy coffee and work in the spacious former bank branch, offering a unique blend of history and modern functionality.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Coruña's Architectural Gem
Modern Use, Historic Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Coffee & Work Spot
Great for working on your laptop; it's spacious and not too noisy in the afternoons. :coffee:
💳 Santander Customer Perks
Bank customers get a discount when paying with their card at the café. :moneywithwings:
🦇 Batman's Perch
Look up during the Comic Show to spot the iconic Batman figure on the cornice! :bat:
🏛️ Architectural Significance
Appreciate its neo-baroque elements and its role as a pioneer 'skyscraper' in Spain. :classical_building:
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Coffee & Work Spot
Great for working on your laptop; it's spacious and not too noisy in the afternoons. :coffee:
💳 Santander Customer Perks
Bank customers get a discount when paying with their card at the café. :moneywithwings:
🦇 Batman's Perch
Look up during the Comic Show to spot the iconic Batman figure on the cornice! :bat:
🏛️ Architectural Significance
Appreciate its neo-baroque elements and its role as a pioneer 'skyscraper' in Spain. :classical_building:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Banco Pastor Building is lauded as a well-preserved, mythical landmark and one of A Coruña's most significant historic buildings. Visitors appreciate its imposing architecture, its legacy as an early skyscraper, and the modern adaptation of its ground floor into a popular work café. Some note the building's current ownership by Santander, though its original name and signage persist.
"A mythical and very well-preserved building, it's cool when they put Batman on the roof watching over the city during the comic book fair."
Kike Rey
"Today it belongs to Banco Santander. It is one of the main historic buildings on the avenue.
On the ground floor there is a work café that was the old bank branch and was adapted for this use. It is very spacious, it has different areas to work alone or in a group. Desks, bar, tables, etc.
The prices are those of any cafeteria with the additional advantage that if you are a bank customer they give you a significant discount when paying with the card."
Víctor M. Rodríguez P.
"To this day it is still known as the Banco Pastor building, despite the fact that now its name would actually be the Santander building, after the purchase by the banking entity chaired by Botín. However, if we look up we can still see the Banco Pastor sign.
The Banco Pastor Building began construction almost a century ago, in 1922, and was the tallest building in Spain until 1929. It was superseded by the Telefónica Building on Gran Vía in Madrid but still retains the recognition of being one of the first 'skyscrapers' in the country with its 38 meters and 11 floors. Although its height does not attract our attention today, the local press in the 1930s still referred to it as a 'skyscraper' and raising it was audacious at the time, since municipal planning prevented buildings from exceeding 20 meters. Furthermore, the project by Antonio Tenreiro Rodríguez (1893-1969) and Peregrín Estellés Estellés (1891-1981) represented a break with the previous architecture, in which white wooden gallery facades predominated, representative of the A Coruña port front. Fortunately, the Municipal Works Commission approved the project, not with the intention of creating a trend but as an exception "that would make the city more beautiful", thus making the Pastor the only tower in the city until the 1960s.
For the Banco Pastor building, Tenreiro and Estellés designed a solid and forceful structure that symbolized the modernity and security of a banking entity. Nothing like verticalism and stone and iron to represent that power in the Cantons, in the heart of the Pescadería neighborhood, with the port as the main driving force.
Banco Pastor takes as a reference the skyscrapers of the late 19th century of the Chicago School and English banks, adding neo-baroque elements. For many people from A Coruña it is the most American building in the city, a little piece of New York in our Marineda. It is no coincidence that, at the Comic Show held annually in A Coruña, Batman chooses to be placed at the top of its cornice, next to a logo that, even today, refuses to disappear."
Felipe Lata Raposo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Banco Pastor Building is centrally located on the main avenue in A Coruña, making it easily accessible by public transport or on foot if you're exploring the city center. Several bus lines stop nearby.
While street parking can be challenging in the city center, there are several public parking garages within walking distance of the building. Consider using a parking app to find available spots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No ticket is required to view the exterior of the Banco Pastor Building. The ground floor houses a work café and a Santander bank branch, which are generally open to the public during their operating hours.
The building itself doesn't have specific visitor hours as it's a functional bank and café. The work café typically operates during standard business hours, and the bank branch follows its own schedule. It's best to check the Santander A Coruña branch hours online.
There is no entrance fee to enter the work café. You only pay for what you order, such as coffee or snacks.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a coffee or work in the spacious work café, which was formerly the bank's main branch. You can also visit the Santander bank branch on the ground floor.
The ground floor, where the café and bank are located, is generally accessible. However, specific accessibility details for all areas might vary, so it's advisable to inquire directly if you have particular needs.
The building features a solid and forceful structure with neo-baroque elements, drawing inspiration from late 19th-century Chicago School skyscrapers and English banks.
Yes, despite being owned by Banco Santander, it is still widely known and referred to as the Banco Pastor Building, with the original sign still visible.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a spacious work café on the ground floor that serves coffee, snacks, and other refreshments.
Prices are comparable to other cafés in the city, with the added benefit of discounts for Santander bank customers when paying with their card.
Absolutely! The café is designed with remote workers in mind, offering ample seating, tables, and a relatively quiet atmosphere, especially in the afternoons.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire facade is impressive, but capturing it from a slight distance on the avenue allows you to appreciate its scale. The top of the building is also famous during the Comic Show.
Photography is generally permitted in the public areas of the café and bank, but it's always good practice to be discreet and respectful of other patrons.
During the A Coruña Comic Show, look for the Batman figure placed on the building's cornice – a popular and unique photo opportunity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more interactive family experience, consider combining a visit to the building's exterior with a stroll along the nearby waterfront or exploring other family-friendly attractions in A Coruña. The building's central location makes it easy to incorporate into a broader city exploration itinerary.
💻 Remote Workers & Students
Take advantage of the Santander customer discount if you bank with them. The café provides a unique backdrop for your workday, blending historical ambiance with modern amenities. It's a great alternative to traditional co-working spaces or busy libraries, offering a chance to soak in some local history while you get things done.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Coruña's First Skyscraper
The architectural vision for the Banco Pastor Building was to create a solid and forceful structure that embodied the modernity and security of a banking institution. The architects drew inspiration from the skyscrapers of the late 19th century, particularly those of the Chicago School, and also incorporated elements from English banks, adding neo-baroque touches. This resulted in a building that many locals consider the most 'American' in the city, a piece of New York in A Coruña. Its prominent location in the heart of the Pescadería neighborhood, overlooking the port, further emphasized its role as a symbol of economic power and progress.
Today, the building is owned by Banco Santander following its acquisition of Banco Pastor. However, it continues to be affectionately known by its original name, and the Banco Pastor sign remains visible, a testament to its enduring legacy. The ground floor has been thoughtfully adapted into a spacious work café, offering a modern amenity within a historic setting. This blend of past and present makes the Banco Pastor Building a must-see for anyone interested in A Coruña's architectural heritage and urban development.
From Bank to Café: A Modern Adaptation
This adaptation has proven popular with locals and visitors alike, particularly those seeking a comfortable and inspiring environment to work remotely or simply enjoy a coffee. The café offers a range of refreshments, and a notable perk for Santander bank customers is a significant discount when paying with their card. This initiative not only provides a practical benefit but also encourages engagement with the historic building.
The café's ambiance is often described as conducive to productivity, with many users noting that it remains relatively quiet, especially during the afternoons, making it suitable for taking calls or concentrating on tasks. The unique setting, surrounded by the architectural echoes of a bygone era, adds a distinct charm to the experience, making it more than just a place to grab a coffee, but a destination in itself.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit