Any moment is a good moment to enjoy the North of Spain some more, a place where the views and the many different tourist options are always great and very varied.
We are going to introduce you to a city located in the Principado de Asturias, in the region of Costa Verde more specifically, which means that no matter where you go, here you will always be able to enjoy the most spectacular views.
One of the main economic activities of Gijón has to do with Camino de Santiago, and the stage of this pilgrimage that goes along its coast, which means that you will probably come across a pilgrim or two in this area.
The history of this place is closely connected with its industrial development as a city, early from the 5th century B.C, until nowadays, when it has become the epicenter of industrial, commercial and touristic expansion in this area.
Ever since Roman times and, still nowadays, visiting every street and corner of Gijón means being able to experience a city full of spectacular views, culture, and tranquility and, where staying for a few days, is a synonym of finding some peace in this city by the Cantabrian coast.
Amongst the places that you cannot miss out, we recommend you visit one of its most relevant sights, a hill known as Cerro de Santa Catalina, where you will find one of the most popular, and postcard-picture views of Gijón, which is the Elogio del Horizonte, a sculpture by the famous Spanish Artist Eduardo Chillida, and that you will find at the highest part of the hill, where you will also be able to enjoy of some spectacular views.
Located on the lower part of this hill but also on its way, is also the church of San Pedro, one of the most representative monuments of this region. Together with this, there are many other churches like the one of San José, or San Lorenzo, as well as a sanctuary that honors the virgin of Nuestra Señora de Contrueces, the patron saint of this city for many years.
Cimadevilla is another place that we recommend visiting for its maritime essence. It is a fishing neighborhood that has been declared a Historic and Artistic heritage complex,where you will be able to visit some of the remains from the Roman period of this city, such as the city walls, and the thermal baths, dating from the 1st and 1nd century respectively, and which are nowadays open to visitors.
Without leaving its heritage just yet, another highlight of this city is is non-religious architecture, with Palacio de Revillagigedo, also declared part of Spain's most important cultural heritage leading the list of the most relevant examples of palace architecture in this region.
Add to this list the fact that, many historical and literary figures were born in Gijón, such as the writer and politician Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, which was one of the most influential and important figures of the Spanish Enlightenment, and whose life and impact in the city is manifest in many buildings that can still be visited nowadays.
One of them is the author's birthplace, as well as Teatro de Jovellanos, both of which you should include in the list of must sees in Gijón.
Other places of interest include the Jardín Botánico la Universidad Laboral, where you will be able to witness the biggest botanical garden in Spain, as well as one of the most impressive ones.
And, if you finally decide to come and visit this city, you mustn't forget either to take a picture with the iconic sculpture with Gijón's name written on it, as well as trying its delicious local gastronomy, with world-wide famous traditional dishes such as “cachopo”, “fabada asturiana”, and the local cider, as its main representatives.
