The city of Gijon in Spain is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the autonomy of Asturias. For a long time Gijon was the industrial and commercial center of the country, with a well-developed metallurgical industry and large reserves of natural resources. Towards the end of the last century, tourism began to develop actively in Gijon, which significantly replenishes the city budget.
The history of the city of Gijon
On the land where the city is today, the first settlement appeared in the VI century BC. In the 1st century BC e. it was subdued by the Romans. The influence of Roman culture and today is clearly visible in the architecture of the city, especially this applies to the mansions between San Lorenzo and the marina.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Gijon was captured by the Visigoths, and then by the Arabs, who established their rule until 722. Legend has it that at this time the head of the tiny kingdom of Pelayo opposed the Arab governor. As a result, Pelayo was forced to flee to the caves of Asturias. It was there that the Madonna appeared to him and convinced him of the need to fight and defend the Christian faith.
Was the phenomenon of the Madonna or not, but in 722 the army of Pelayo defeated the Arabs in Kovadong. This event was the beginning of the reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula by Christians. In 1395, a terrible fire almost wiped out Gijon in Spain from the face of the earth. However, it was restored quite quickly.
In 1480, the city began to build a port on the north coast. In the middle of the XVI century it was fortified, and at the end of the XVIII century, active trade with the West Indies was already conducted through it. Today it is one of the main ports of the country.
Climatic conditions
Everyone who plans to visit this city is probably interested in the weather in Gijon. Spain is famous for its mild Atlantic climate. Gijon is no exception: it is not as hot as in other parts of the Iberian Peninsula. In summer, air rarely warms above +28 ° C, and in winter the temperature does not drop below +5 ° C. The only thing that can overshadow the rest is the rains that happen in these places quite often. The swimming season is quite short - from June to August. The rest of the time, the water in the ocean does not warm above +15 ° C.
Beach vacation
Gijon in Spain is not considered the most popular beach resort. But this type of recreation is actively developing, and, probably, in the coming years the city will catch up with its more famous competitors. The best urban beaches are Poniente, Arbeyal and San Lorenzo, which stretches for almost three and a half kilometers along the coast.
However, “San Lorenzo” is more suitable for lovers of extreme relaxation. There are quite strong currents and large differences in depths. Fans of noisy entertainment should opt for Poniente Beach. Pure sand was brought here from the Sahara desert. The beach of San Juan is annually celebrated on this beach: bonfires are burned all night and thousands of vacationers and townspeople have fun. Here is a fun festival of cider.
For a relaxing family vacation, Arbeyal Beach is ideal. It should be noted that all the beaches of the city are awarded the highest distinction - the Blue Flag.
Gijon in Spain: sights of the city
It's hard to believe, but just a hundred years ago, at the place where the modern city is today, there was a tiny fishing village. Modern travelers know Gijon in Spain as an actively developing resort, the country's cultural center with many interesting objects of history and architecture. There are ancient places of worship and museums, parks and squares, sports facilities and many other interesting places. But usually the ancient city of Gijon in Spain, the photo of which you can see in this article, tourists begin to study from its historical part - Cimadeville. Nor will we break tradition.
Historic city center - Simadevilla district
It is located in the fishing village of Cimadevilla, on a peninsula that bisected the port. Most of the local streets are lined with cobblestones. Many buildings have been restored in recent years. On the hill of Santa Catalina, opposite the sea, there is an amazing sculpture “Praise” by Eduardo Chillida. She is a symbol of this part of the city.
In Simadeville, you can visit the clock tower, which today houses the historical archive. In addition, Roman baths located in the old part of the city are popular among tourists.
Museum of the people of Asturias
One of the most interesting cultural centers in Gijon (Spain) is the Museum of the people of Asturias, which acquaints visitors with the culture and features of the local population. This ethnographic museum began work in 1968 and during this time has earned recognition not only from the townspeople, but also from many tourists.
The museum has an unusual layout - it is located in the park and consists of several separate pavilions, each of which has its own unique collection.
Hoveljanos House Museum
Tourists who love excursions are advised to visit the Hovelanos House Museum. This is a beautiful palace-type building, which for many years belonged to the family of the famous Spanish writer. The museum was opened in 1971, and today it houses a large collection of works of art. Conferences, concerts and other city events are held here.
Isabel Park
In the mid-20th century, the architect Ramon Ortiz created a landscape park in the city, which he named in honor of Queen Isabella I of Castile. Today, the park territory occupies fifteen hectares. There are a lot of fun rides, colorful flower beds. Shady alleys are decorated with sculptures. The picturesque pond is especially attractive, on the banks of which peacocks are important for walking, swans, ducks and geese nest.
Aquarium
Has its own aquarium Gijon. Spain boasts many similar structures, but this one is unusual in that it is located on the Poniente beach. Four thousand underwater inhabitants are represented in it - from otters and penguins to sharks, which are kept in fifty tanks. Here, more than twelve separate underwater environments have been restored - from the Bay of Biscay and the Asturian rivers to the tropical oceans.
Gijon Workers University
Fans of architectural monuments will be interested in the working university of Hijon in Spain. It is considered the main architectural attraction of the city. The university was founded in 1946 and was intended for children from families of coal mines.
Today it houses the faculty of the University of Oviedo, the Center for Industrial Creativity, the Higher Stage School and the Conservatory. The height of the main tower of the building is 130 meters. On a high bell tower is an observation deck, which offers amazing views of the city and surroundings.
Museum of Roman Baths
Gijon in Spain is able to impress even sophisticated connoisseurs of historical monuments. Specialists attribute the construction of baths to the I-II centuries of our era. In the VI century, they were still used as living quarters, and in the Middle Ages a necropolis was organized here.
Picturesque ruins are preserved to this day, in which you can see unique murals. The heating system was also well preserved.
El Molinon Stadium
This is the oldest existing football stadium in Spain, located on the banks of the Piles river. It was built in 1908, and before that there was a water mill on this site. In 1969, a large-scale reconstruction took place at the stadium, during which for the first time in Spain the stands were covered with a visor.
Today the stadium seats thirty thousand people. It is the home arena for the famous football club Sporting (Gijón, Spain). But besides football matches, concerts of Spanish and foreign artists are often held here. At different times, the stadium applauded the Rolling Stones and Tina Turner, the Bon Jovi and Sting, Paul McCarthy and Bruce Springsteen.
What is the attractiveness of the town of Gijon in Spain: reviews of tourists
Most of the tourists who have chosen Gijon from the many Spanish resorts have not regretted this at all. On the contrary, they were pleased with the opportunity not only to relax on the magnificent beaches, but also to visit many interesting places that Gijon is rich in.
The advantages of holidays in this city include many lack of a huge number of tourists, unlike many famous Spanish resorts. It can have a great time and fun youth companies, and families with children. There are many hotels in the city where you can always choose a room in accordance with your requirements.