Gijón, Spain

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Gijón, Spain

Region: Asturias


Geographic Coordinates: 43.533300, -5.700000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 25.0°C (50°F to 77°F)
Climate: Mild and humid climate with rainfall throughout the year, and cooler temperatures in winter.
Population: 268896
Language: Spanish

Gijón is a lively city located in the northwestern region of Asturias, Spain. Situated on the Bay of Biscay, It’s renowned for its stunning beaches, Rich history, And cultural heritage. With over 270, 000 inhabitants, It’s one of Asturias’ largest cities. The city has a long history dating back to Roman times when it was called Gigia. Over time Gijón has been home to several cultures such as Celts, Romans, Visigoths and Moors. During the Industrial Revolution in Spain it became an important center for steel production. One of Gijón’s top attractions is its beautiful beaches.

San Lorenzo Beach is one of Europe’s largest urban beaches and attracts thousands of visitors annually with activities like surfing and kayaking. Gijón also has several museums showcasing its rich cultural heritage such as the Evaristo Valle Museum featuring contemporary art pieces while the Jovellanos Birthplace Museum celebrates Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos who was born in Gijon. Food lovers can explore traditional Asturian cuisine including fabada asturiana (bean stew), Cachopo (stuffed meat dish) and locally produced cider made from Asturian apples.

For outdoor enthusiasts interested in hiking or cycling there are nearby natural parks like Sierra del Sueve or Picos de Europa National Park just a short drive away from Gijon. In summary, Giion offers something for everyone with its beautiful beaches, Museums, Cultural heritage, And outdoor activities making it an ideal destination to experience Spanish culture.



Important Landmarks

  1. Playa de San Lorenzo is a popular attraction in Gijón, boasting a long stretch of golden sand and clear blue waters.
  2. Jardín Botánico Atlántico is home to various plant species, including those native to the Atlantic coast.
  3. Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura hosts concerts, theater performances, and art shows throughout the year.
  4. Museo Evaristo Valle showcases local artist Evaristo Valle’s work and other contemporary artists from Spain and beyond.
  5. Cerro Santa Catalina provides stunning views of Gijón’s coastline and features historic landmarks like an old military fortification.
  6. Plaza Mayor is located in Gijón’s historic center, lined with cafes/restaurants perfect for people-watching.
  7. Museo del Ferrocarril de Asturias explores Asturias’ train history through interactive exhibits/displays.
  8. Palacio Revillagigedo was built in the 18th century for a local nobleman; now it houses a cultural center that hosts art exhibitions/events all year round.
  9. Acuario de Gijón features marine life from around the world like sharks, turtles, rays etc., making it a must-visit site in Gijón.
  10. Universidad Laboral de Gijón was once an orphanage but has now become one of Spain’s largest buildings attracting visitors with its grand architecture.

Primary Industries

  1. Steel industry: Gijón is home to several steel production plants, including ArcelorMittal, which is one of the largest steel producers in the world.
  2. Port and shipping industry: The port of Gijón is an important hub for maritime trade and transportation.
  3. Tourism industry: Gijón has a rich cultural heritage and beautiful beaches that attract many tourists every year.
  4. Chemical industry: There are several chemical companies located in Gijón that produce chemicals for various industries such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and cosmetics.
  5. Renewable energy industry: The city has invested heavily in renewable energy sources such as wind power and solar energy.
  6. Information technology (IT) sector: The IT sector is growing rapidly in Gijón with the establishment of several technology parks and innovation centers.
  7. Food processing industry: The region around Gijón produces high-quality seafood, dairy products, meat products, and baked goods that are exported worldwide.
  8. Automotive industry: Several automotive companies have established manufacturing facilities in the region around Gijón due to its strategic location near major markets like France and Portugal.

Noteable History

  1. Roman occupation: Gijón was originally a Roman settlement known as Gigia.
  2. Asturian Kingdom: During the Middle Ages, Gijón was an important city in the Asturian Kingdom.
  3. Industrial Revolution: In the 19th century, Gijón became an important industrial center due to its location on the coast and proximity to coal mines.
  4. Spanish Civil War: During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Gijón was heavily bombed by Franco’s forces.
  5. Jovellanos: Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, a prominent Enlightenment thinker and writer, was born in Gijón in 1744.
  6. Evaristo Valle Museum of Art: The museum is dedicated to Evaristo Valle, a local painter who lived from 1897-1951 and is considered one of the most important artists from Asturias.
  7. Labor University of Gijón: The university was founded in 1955 as a center for workers’ education and has since become one of Spain’s leading institutions for adult education.
  8. Sporting de Gijón football club: The club was founded in 1905 and has been an important part of the city’s culture ever since.
  9. Luis Adaro y Magro (1836–1898): A businessman who contributed significantly to modernizing Asturias through his investments in infrastructure such as railways or gas lighting.
  10. Juan Alvargonzález (1881–1940): A poet who wrote about rural life at a time when poetry mainly focused on urban themes.
  11. Antonio Gamoneda (born 1931): A poet awarded with several prizes such as Premio Nacional de Poesía or Premio Cervantes
  12. María Josefa Canellada (1918–1996): A writer who wrote in Asturian language and was awarded with Premio Nacional de Literatura Asturiana.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura: This cultural center features a museum, theater, exhibition halls, and more.
  2. Jovellanos Museum: A museum dedicated to the life of Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, an 18th-century writer and politician from Gijón.
  3. Evaristo Valle Museum: This museum showcases the works of local artist Evaristo Valle who was born in Gijón.
  4. Revillagigedo Palace: An impressive palace built in the 18th century that now houses the city’s Contemporary Art Center.
  5. San Lorenzo Beach: One of Gijón’s most popular beaches with stunning views of the Bay of Biscay.
  6. Cerro Santa Catalina: A hilltop park offering panoramic views over Gijón and its coastline.
  7. Aquarium of Gijon (Acuario de Gijon): A modern aquarium featuring exhibits on marine life from around the world.
  8. Campo Valdés Roman Baths (Termas Romanas de Campo Valdés): The remains of an ancient Roman bathhouse dating back to the 1st century AD.
  9. Plaza Mayor (Plaza Mayor): The main square in downtown Gijón surrounded by historic buildings and restaurants.
  10. Botanical Garden Atlántico (Jardín Botánico Atlántico): A beautiful botanical garden with over 30 hectares filled with native flora from Spain’s Atlantic coast region.


Sports Teams

  1. Real Sporting de Gijón is the most famous sports team in Gijón, Spain, founded in 1905 with a long history of success in football (soccer). The team has played in La Liga, the top tier of Spanish football for many seasons and has won several regional titles.
  2. Club Baloncesto Villa de Mieres is a basketball team based in Gijón that was founded in 1990. The team plays in the Liga EBA, which is the fourth tier of Spanish basketball.
  3. Club Deportivo Universidad de Oviedo is a multi-sports club based in Gijón that was founded in 1988. The club has teams competing across several sports including football, basketball, handball and volleyball.
  4. Hockey Club Liceo Asturias is a field hockey team based in Gijón that was founded in 2007. The team competes at both regional and national levels.
  5. Club Natación Santa Olaya is a swimming club based on Gijón that was founded over 100 years ago (in 1913). The club has produced many successful swimmers over the years who have competed at both national and international levels.
  6. Real Grupo de Cultura Covadonga is another multi-sports club based not far from Gijón (in nearby Oviedo) that was founded over 100 years ago (in 1915). The club has teams competing across several sports including football, basketball, handball rugby union and tennis among others.


Cultural Events

  1. Semana Grande de Gijón is the largest cultural event held in August every year, featuring music, dance, sports, fireworks and other activities.
  2. Festival Internacional de Cine de Gijón takes place in November annually and showcases films from around the world, attracting thousands of visitors.
  3. Festival Aéreo Internacional Ciudad de Gijón is an air show that occurs in July yearly with acrobatic displays by military and civilian aircraft.
  4. Feria Internacional de Muestras de Asturias is a trade fair held in August every year showcasing products from various industries including food, fashion, technology etc.
  5. Festival Arcu Atlánticu celebrates the Celtic heritage of Asturias with music, dance, traditional crafts and gastronomy held in July annually.
  6. Romería del Rosario is a religious festival commemorating the patron saint of fishermen with a procession through the streets of Cimavilla to El Musel beach on October 7th
  7. Festival Folklórico Internacional Villa de Xixón brings together groups from worldwide to perform traditional dances, music, etc.
  8. GastroGijon offers special menus at discounted prices for two weeks during this culinary event where local restaurants participate.

Cuisine

Traditional Asturian Dishes:

  1. Fabada Asturiana: A hearty bean stew with pork and chorizo.
  2. Cachopo: A dish made of two large veal fillets stuffed with ham and cheese.
  3. Sidra (Cider): A traditional alcoholic drink made from apples that is often served in a unique way by pouring it from a height to aerate the drink.

Popular Restaurants in Gijón, Spain:

  1. Casa Gerardo: Known for its traditional Asturian cuisine, including fabada asturiana and cachopo.
  2. La Galana de Gascona: Offers a variety of tapas and seafood dishes, as well as an extensive wine list.
  3. El Tizón de San Lorenzo: Specializes in grilled meats and has a cozy atmosphere perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
  4. La Taberna del Zurdo: Serves creative tapas with an emphasis on local ingredients, such as octopus carpaccio or black pudding croquettes.
  5. Restaurante Salgar: Offers modern takes on traditional Asturian dishes using fresh local ingredients, such as grilled fish or roasted lamb shoulder with apple puree.

Parks and Recreation

  1. Isabel La Católica Park – a large green space with walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
  2. Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura – a cultural center with exhibitions, concerts, and workshops.
  3. San Lorenzo Beach – a popular beach for swimming and sunbathing.
  4. Jardín Botánico Atlántico – a botanical garden featuring plants from the Atlantic region.
  5. Cervigón Sports Complex – an athletic facility with soccer fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts.
  6. Cerro de Santa Catalina Park – a hilltop park with panoramic views of the city and sea.
  7. Paseo del Muro Promenade – a seaside walkway lined with cafes and shops.
  8. Gijón Aquarium – an aquarium showcasing marine life from the Bay of Biscay.
  9. Los Pericones Park- A park located near the center of Gijón that is great for picnics or relaxing on its green areas
  10. Museo Evaristo Valle- An art museum that showcases contemporary art pieces by Spanish artists

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