GIJON AND OVIEDO

GIJON

Gijón Port
Gijón Port

Gijon is one of the most important cities in Asturias, Once a roman settlement; this is evident from many buildings throughout the town, especially the mansions and houses between the marina and San Lorenzo, with almost 2000 years of history. Originally Gijon was formed between the hill of Santa Catalina and the fishing neighbourhood of Cimadevilla.

Gijon offers some very unusual characteristics. It is an active industrial centre, a highly traditional port, a monumental centre and a summer resort area. "El Musel" harbour located in Cimadevilla is one of the busiest in Spain today. Cerro de Santa Catalina. It is a park on the tip of the peninsula that provides a view of the outstretched coastline forming the port. On the very edge of the peninsula is a sculpture the size of a house, Eligio del Horizonte, or Praise of the Horizon.

The beaches near Gijon are beautiful, with golden sands and promenades. Some of the best attractions however are historical, the roman baths being one of the most popular. Medeival palaces within the Gijon are also very popular, the baroque Revillagigedo Palace dates back to the 18th century, and the palace is now used to show works of modern art, with successful exhibitions every year.

Gijon is now a mixture of modern times with evident historical influences, it is well known for its exhibitions and concerts. The 'Fiesta del Bollu is celebrated at Easter'; a Carnival parade cruises along Galiana Street with bright floats and street bands. Most of the streets are cobblestone and barely two cars wide. Many of the buildings have been renovated to display the colourful life of the village. Those that have not are evidence of centuries of construction designed to withstand the powerful forces of the Atlantic.

Places of interest

  • Fundacion Museo Evaristo Valle
  • Jardin Botanico
  • Museo Casa Natal de Jovellanos
  • Museo de las Termas Romanas
  • Museo del Ferrocarril de Asturias
  • Museo Etnografico del Pueblo de Asturias
  • Museo Juan Barjola
  • Museo Nicanor Piñole
  • Palacio de Revillagigedo
  • Parque Arqueologico y natural de la Campa Torres

OVIEDO

Oviedo Cathedral
Oviedo Cathedral

Oviedo is the capital of the Asturian region. We can recapture the atmosphere and spirit of the city from its palatial origins and at the same time enjoy the comfort of a clean, modern and well-kept city. Oviedo maintains a cosmopolitan air, enveloped in the noble, cultured and spiritual climate, which king Alfonso II endowed upon the city when he chose it as his Royal Seat.

You will find a legacy of monuments, which its kings bequeathed to Oviedo. A whole millennium of art is represented in the city centre, from the 8th to the 18th centuries.

Oviedo has twelve National Monuments, which include the most important examples of Asturian pre- Romanesque architecture. Visitors must not miss the opportunity to visit the renowned Gothic Cathedral San Salvador. One of the relics held by the cathedral is a piece of cloth measuring approximately 84 x 53 cm. The remarkable thing about this cloth is that both tradition and scientific studies claim that the cloth was used to cover and clean the face of Jesus after the crucifixion. A whole circle of thriving industry has grown up around its centuries-old centre. Its cultural institutions, the University, Institute of Asturian Studies, Museums, Athenaeum, the "Caja de Ahorros Cultural Endeavors" attract the most diversified visitor.

Oviedo offers an entirely different perspective of Spanish's things. It replaces refreshing Gazpacho with a hearty fabada, Flamenco with the Celtic bagpipe, and Jug of sangria with bottles of cider. Cider houses, or sidrerìas, are scattered all throughout Oviedo, but perhaps the easiest way to get acquainted with the drink is to go to Calle Gascona, a pedestrian road right outside of old town that is lined with sidrerìas. Although the cider tradition also exists in the Basque country, Asturians claim to be the pioneers of the drink and take particular pride in its pouring and production.

Places of interest

  • Aula de Naturaleza La Manjoya
  • Basílica de San Salvador
  • Basílica de San Tirso
  • Basílica de Santa María
  • Cámara Santa de la Catedral
  • Catedral de Oviedo
  • Fuente de Foncalada
  • Iglesia de San Isidoro
  • Iglesia de Santa Maria del Naranco
  • Monasterio de San Pelayo (Antiguo de San Juan Bautista)
  • Monasterio de San Vicente
  • Museo Arqueologico de Asturias
  • Palacio de Alfonso III
  • Palacio de Congresos de Oviedo
  • Palacio Episcopal de Oviedo
  • Primitivo Conjunto Catedralicio
  • Restos constructivos del "Jardín de Pachu el campanero"

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