Traditionally an industrial port city producing steel and iron, Gijón has polished up its historic center, opened a handful of interesting museums and stepped into its new role as a popular seaside destination with back-to-back cultural happenings.
Gijón has been an important port since Roman times, though it was settled much earlier by Celtic tribes. While Gijón has grown over time, there are still traces of its most ancient routes. Located just six kilometers outside of the center is Campa Torres, a Roman and pre-Roman site where you can see remains of cisterns and dwellings. Within Gijón, you can check out the Roman baths located right in the heart of the city.
The oldest and most picturesque part of town is the Cimadevilla neighborhood. Traditionally a district of fisherman, Cimadevilla - a maze of winding streets and leaning buildings - picturesquely juts out into the ocean on a piece of land it shares with a beautiful park. Head up to the park for awesome views of the coast as well as a look at the Elogio del Horizonte, a monumental sculpture crafted by Basque artist Eduardo Chillida that has become a symbol of the city.
Other attractions include the lovely Plaza Mayor with its porticoes and 19th century town hall; the magnificent Atlantic Botanical Garden; the house museum of 18th century Enlightenment politician Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos; the San Lorenzao and Poniente beaches; a scattering of age-old churches and convents; the atmospheric bars and restaurants of Cimadevilla; and museums and cultural centers dedicated to anything from city history to modern art, trains and the world of bagpipes. There's truly something for everyone!
Want more information about Gijón? Have a look at our Gijón Guide
Learn Spanish in Gijón
While we don't offer programs to learn Spanish in Gijón, we do have schools in wonderful cities throughout Spain and Latin America. Check out our list of current destinations on the following page: