The Royal Galician Academy (Real Academia Galega) was founded in La Coruña as a crucial institution for the promotion, preservation, and regulation of the Galician language. Established by a group of intellectuals and cultural enthusiasts, the academy emerged during a period of heightened awareness of regional identities in Spain. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a cultural renaissance within Galicia, characterized by the revival and enthusiasm for its linguistic heritage, which had been overshadowed by the predominance of Castilian Spanish.

Its founders, inspired by similar institutions in other parts of Spain and Europe, were committed to developing a formal structure for the study and promotion of Galician. The academy took on the task of establishing a standardized orthography for the language, promoting its usage in literature and education, and fostering a greater appreciation of Galician culture among its speakers. The inauguration of the academy was celebrated with great enthusiasm as a symbol of pride for the Galician community.

Over the years, the Royal Galician Academy has played a pivotal role in advocating for the Galician language, publishing dictionaries, grammar guides, and contributing to the academic discourse surrounding regional languages in Spain. Its establishment not only marked an important milestone in linguistic advocacy but also served as a catalyst for broader social and political movements seeking greater autonomy and recognition within Spain.