The calm stop that we had yesterday afternoon in Sebrayo, will allow us today to be full of energy to visit two places with a rich heritage: Villaviciosa and the city of Gijón.
Let’s continue on the Camino del Norte!
In today’s stage, the steps of many pilgrims who shared kilometres together will be separated. They will all move forward together to Casquita, but in the small hamlet, you will find the fork that divides the Camino del Norte, which goes towards Gijón and the link to the Camino Primitivo, which then goes on to Oviedo.
Both options are interesting. In this guide we will go on our way to Gijón, but in the precautions section we provide you with information about the link to the Camino Primitivo, and would invite you to follow our guide to the Camino Primitivo, if you choose this option.
If you are thinking about walking the Camino de Santiago from Ribadesella tell us what your plans are for the Camino de Santiago and we will contact you to advise you on everything you need.
Itinerary stage Sebrayo – Gijón
Arrival in Gijón involves a route of 35.8 kilometres. It is one of the hardest stages through Asturias, since, in addition to the distance involved, it faces two considerable slopes, one of 340 metres and another of 200 in height.
Sebrayo (km. 0). Beginning of stage
Practical tips for this section: At this stage the steps of many of your colleagues will divert onto the Camino Primitivo, take advantage of these first few sections, to say goodbye to them. Buen Camino!
We leave Sebrayo on the local road, which we follow for almost a kilometre to cross the A-8 motorway through an underpass. After the crossing, we continue along a paved track, ascending, overlooking the Villaviciosa estuary.
After a little more than a kilometre, we take a dirt track that begins on the right-hand side and runs downhill. We follow it and end up advancing parallel to the motorway and crossing an access roundabout to the A-8.
After travelling 2 kilometres, we cross the highway by a bridge and then we lead onto the N-632 road, which we cross again under the A-8. We continue, on the right, through Calle Les Caleyes to the Town Hall square in Villaviciosa (km. 6).
Villaviciosa (km. 6).
Practical tips for this section: Villaviciosa is a very charming town, and, although the stage is long, it is worth stopping to visit. Buen Camino!
Next to the Church of Santa María de la Oliva we continue along Calle Cabanilles, which becomes Calle Maximino Miyar, which is a road in its own right. On the AS-255 road,we arrive at the promenade in a park beside the River Linares.
Without crossing it, we go back to the same road further along. We follow it for 300 metres and pass next to the Romanesque Church of San Juan de Amandi, located on the left, 100 metres from the pilgrim path (km. 7.9).
We continue along the same road and, at the La Regatina bar, turn right, to cross the medieval bridge over the River Linares and exit onto the AS-267 road, which leads to La Parra.
From this neighborhood, we follow the VV-10 road, which heads to Grases, and then to Casquita (km. 9.7), where we find a fork in the road, which divides the one that goes to Gijón and the one that will arrive in Oviedo.
Casquita (km. 9,7).
Practical tips for this section: An old stone marker with two scallops indicates the fork that separates the Camino del Norte and the detour towards Oviedo, which continues along the Camino Primitivo.
In this guide, we follow the path of the Camino del Norte, also known as Camino de la Costa, but in the precautions section we have provided you with information about the route to Oviedo and we invite you to follow our guide to the Camino Primitivo if you decide to continue along that route to Santiago de Compostela. Buen Camino!
At the fork, as we head to Gijón, we continue straight ahead. 400 metres later, we turn left by a dirt track that runs through the River Valdediós valley.
After three kilometres, we reach an underpass to pass beneath the A-64 motorway. After travelling more than a kilometre, we meet up again with the motorway, this time the A-8, which we cross, taking advantage of an embankment.
Shortly thereafter, we turn left on the VV-9 road, towards Peón. By this road, we reach the scattered village of Niévares (km. 15.5).
Niévares (km. 15,5).
Practical tips for this section: The climb to Alto de la Cruz must be taken calmly for two reasons. Firstly, to not force our joints. And secondly, to enjoy the beautiful views on our ascent.
Why is it that everyone is accelerating the pace on the climb? Did you notice? Look at the pilgrims ascending near you and tell us. Buen Camino!
From the town, we start the ascent to Alto de la Cruz, a stretch of more than three kilometres on a steep climb, and with more than 300 metres in elevation. The reward for our effort is found in the magnificent views of the Valdediós Valley that open before us, as well as those of the monastery of the same name.
From up on high, at 436 metres above sea level, we go down the VV-8 road, with little traffic, descending down the opposite side of the mountain, to the bottom of the Peón Valley.
We leave the road along a dirt path, which begins on the left and runs in a steep descent.
Along this dirt path, which is not in very good condition, we enter the scattered parish of Peón, where we find the Church of Santiago (km. 21.5).
Peón (km. 21,5).
Practical tips for this section: In this section, we face the second and final slope of today’s stage. Don’t panic, it’s less pronounced than the last one. Buen Camino!
In the town, we return to the VV-8 road, on which we continue to the left, passing next to the Casa Pepito bar and restaurant. We continue straight on to link to the AS-331 road.
After a few hundred metres, we leave the road by a paved track that starts on the right, through which we cross the small village of El Requexu.
After this, we continue along a dirt path that leads us to a paved track, on which we continue to the left. Again in ascent, we reach Collado del Infanzón, at 275 metres high.
Following the AS-331 to the right, downhill, we pass next to the bar and restaurant El Pinal. After this, we deviate along a dirt road, on our right, which immediately transforms into a local road.
We follow this road, passing the A-8 motorway, above. Afterwards, we cross the AS-331 road and continue along a dirt road, passing next to the Deva Campsite.
Deva (km. 27,8).
Practical tips for this section: In addition to the two options presented in this section to enter the old town centre of Gijón, a third option is to take the bus, thus dodging the boring stretch before entering the city. We prefer to continue on foot, but it’s your choice. Buen Camino!
Here we are presented with various options to deal with this somewhat bland stretch. One is to follow the official route, which crosses countless streets in residential neighbourhoods, such as Cabueñes, Candanal, and Somió, among others.
The other is to continue straight to the N-632 road, following the Peñafrancia path, which is more interesting than the official route and which shortens the route by one kilometre.
At the roundabout above the River Piles, the official road continues straight, going down Calle Escurdia. If you turn right, you can follow Paseo Doctor Fleming, which runs parallel to the river. At the end of this, you will reach the San Lorenzo beach promenade, which leads us to the old town centre of Gijón.
Gijón (km. 35,8). End of stage
Practical tips for this section: Gijón has an extensive network of museums and interpretation centres. If you want to visit them, we recommend that you purchase a combined ticket that includes entrance for up to 3 or 4 people. You can request information from the Tourist Office. See you tomorrow!
In Gijón, you can enjoy an entertaining afternoon, because in it, you can carry out the activity that you want. From visiting architecture to enjoying one of its many beaches or relaxing in one of its green spaces.
If after the long day you decide simply to lie in the sun, you can go to the San Lorenzo Beach, or even Westeros, Arbeyal, Mayanes or Cervigón beaches.
If what you want for this afternoon is to relax in a green space, you can go to Cerro de Santa Catalina, Jardín Botánico Atlántico or Parque de Isabel la Católica, where you can enjoy looking at various tree species and sculptural works.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to discover the city, exploring its architecture, you will find numerous buildings of interest inside it.
Examples are the churches of San Andrés de Ceares, San Juan Bautista, San Juan Evangelista, Santa María Magdalena, San José, San Lorenzo and San Pedro, as well as the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Contrueces and the Basilica del Sagrado Corazón. You will also see examples of civil architecture in the Palacio de Revillagigedo.
The city also has many museums and interpretation centres. Some of them are the Museo Casa Jovellanos, Museo del Ferrocarril, Museo de Pueblo de Asturias, Museo Evaristo Valle, Museo Internacional de la Gaita, Museo de las Termas Romanas de Campo Valdés and the Chapel of San Lorenzo, which is used as an art gallery. Also, you will find the Centro de Interpretación de la Naturaleza y el Centro de Experimentación Pesquera.
If you have any time left, you could also visit the Casino de Asturias or the Universidad Laboral.
Comments stage Sebrayo – Gijón
Here are some suggestions for today’s stage and provide you with information about the link taking you to Oviedo.
Precautions stage Sebrayo – Gijón
On today’s stage, the pilgrim will find in Casquita the fork that separates the Camino del Norte from the link to the Camino Primitivo. Both are routes of great interest.
Those who decide to follow the route along the Camino del Norte, in the direction of Gijón, must continue straight on at the fork. On the route, you will find hard slopes, typical of the early stages of the Camino del Norte.
The climb to Alto de la Cruz can be hard, especially for those who have not crossed the Basque Country, since on the route through Cantabria and Asturias the pilgrim path had not faced similar slopes.
Moreover, the route to Gijón has no added difficulties for cyclists or people with reduced mobility.
Those who decide to deviate by the link linking the Camino del Norte with the Camino Primitivo must deviate to the left at the Casquita fork.
The route continues through the towns of Casquita, Camoca de Abajo, Camoca and San Pedro de Ambás. In this last village, you can choose between following the official route or deviating towards the Monastery of Valdediós, a recommended visit.
Both paths converge at Alto de la Campa and then descend to Vega de Sariego. From Sebrayo to this town there is a distance of 24 kilometres and from Vega de Sariego to Oviedo there are still another 27 kilometres to go, so it is advisable to stay overnight in an intermediate location.
On the second day of the route that links the Camino del Norte with the Camino Primitivo, the path goes towards Pola de Siero, by an alternative route that avoids the asphalt on the road. On the route you cross El Castro, Aveno, Ermita de la Virgen de Bienvenida, Puente de Recuna and finally, Pola de Siero.
After Pola de Siero, the path heads to El Berrón, Fonciello, Palacio de Meres, San Pedro de Granda, Colloto, the neighbourhood of Sardinia and finally enters Oviedo. From the city we recommend that you follow our guide to the Camino Primitivo.
Food stage Sebrayo – Gijón
On today’s stage, we recommend you try the following typical regional dishes.
- Stuffed squid
- Shellfish Stew
- Beans
- Free-rang Chicken
- Anglerfish
- White Tuna Breast
- Scorpion Fish Cake
- Casadielles (Fried sweet pastries)
- Carbayones (Almond pastries)
- Cider
Services stage Sebrayo – Gijón
Meet the main health care services, cafes, ATMs, restaurants and are in this stage of the Camino del Norte.
Map stage Sebrayo – Gijón
Consult the map with the route, points and towns along the stage.
Profile stage Sebrayo – Gijón
Consult the profile of the stage: altitude and degree of difficulty of each section.
What to do stage Sebrayo – Gijón
Here’s some information on points of interest that you can visit throughout today’s stage and on arrival in the city of Gijón.
Villaviciosa
Villaviciosa is a municipality with just under 14,500 inhabitants. The name of the municipality is linked to the concept of fertility since its lands are bathed by the largest estuary in Asturias.
The capital of the municipality has a pleasant historic centre and one of the Holy Week Festivals with the greatest tradition throughout Asturias.
On its streets, you can visit palaces and century-old houses, as well as temples, such as the Church of Santa Maria de la Oliva and the Church of San Francisco.
Already outside the town, but still within the municipality, Villaviciosa has an interesting historical heritage such as the Monastery of San Salvador de Valdediós or the Church of San Juan de Amandi.
Iglesia de la Anunciación o Santa María de La Oliva
The church of Santa María de La Oliva, or the Annunciation, is located in the urban centre of Villaviciosa, is one of the later temples in the town, since its construction was carried out at the end of the 13th century, to the beginning of the 14th. Given its date of construction, it is considered as a church in transition, in which elements of the Romanesque and Gothic are joined.
Its structure consists of a single nave and has a rectangular floor and chancel. The temple is also composed of a sacristy and a portico annexed to the south wall.
Its exterior decoration is very abundant, especially on the west and south doors. In the southern part there is a smooth double arch, resting on two columns, in which capitals are raised with anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures.
On the west cover there are four pointed archivolts, in a zig-zag, resting on four ornate columns with shafts and figurative capitals.
Inside, the nave is covered with wood, while the two chancel sections are protected under a pointed barrel vault, in the first section, and by a cross, in the second. The nave and the chancel are divided by a triumphal arch with two smooth archivolts.
Practical information:
Mass Hours: Holidays at 10:00.
Town wall remnants in Villaviciosa
The remains of the medieval wall of Villaviciosa can be seen in the two busiest streets of the town: Calle del Sol and Calle del Agua. These are mainly characterized by their protruding eaves and wooden balconies.
Iglesia de San Francisco
The Church of San Francisco de Villaviciosa originally formed part of the Franciscan convent in the town. However, the monastic installations were subsequently used for other functions, such as the town hall headquarters, school, theatre, and college, among others. Finally, in 1838, the church was constituted as the parish temple.
The monastic complex of Valdediós
The monastic complex in Valdediós, also known as El Conventín among the residents of the area, was founded in 893 and consecrated to the Saviour.
The construction, typically of pre-Romanesque Asturian style, is in very good condition and was part of a palatine complex whose original location is unknown. The architectural complex was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Its construction was carried out in masonry, with patches of ashlars both on the buttresses and on the corners. The building combines elements of Asturian and Islamic tradition with others from the late 6th or early 7th centuries.
The temple sits on a basilica plant formed by three naves, of which the central one is slightly higher. The naves, protected under continuous barrel vaults, are separated from each other by a series of half-point arches that rest on square pillars, made with simple mouldings as capitals.
The chancel is composed of three chapels on a straight wall, in honour of Juan Bautista, Santiago de Zebedeo and San Salvador, on which stands several blind chambers.
The western portico consists of a lobby and two small rooms, which are accessed through low arches. The monastic site is completed with a portico and the Chapel los Obispos.
The windows, with horseshoe arches and surrounded by alfiz, bring great luminosity to the temple. From its interior, the pictorial decoration that extends throughout the temple stands out, in which, red and ochre colours predominate.
Geometric ornamentation elements (circles, squares and ovals), plant motifs, human figures and religious elements, such as crosses, are also abundant, although many of them have been lost. In 2011, the Conventín was completely restored.
The Church of Santa Maria, adjoining the Convent, was founded in 1218 and is Romanesque. The temple is composed of three naves with semi-circular apses.
Chalet de Les Baraganes
Chalet de Les Baraganes is a palace located in the parish of Amandi, Villaviciosa, built by Antonio Suardíaz between 1894 and 1902. The building has a rectangular floor plan and consists of two floors.
The central body, on the main façade, is surrounded by a tower and another body in advance. The spans are abundantly decorated and the porch is adorned with a half-point double arch.
The estate is protected by an iron gate, placed on a stone plinth with modernist-inspired floral ornamentation.
Iglesia de San Juan de Amandi
The Church of San Juan is located in the parish of Amandi, on the landing of Cuesta de Algar, two kilometres from the town of Villaviciosa. The temple, of late Romanesque style, is considered one of the most important architectural manifestations of the Romanesque Asturian period, going back in its original construction as far as the first third of the 13th century.
The temple sits on a rectangular floor plan and is composed of a single nave and semi-circular apse. The sacristy borders the southern side and is located around a large portico, dating back to the 17th century.
The interior of the church is covered in wooden armour. The triumphal arch is adorned with three moulded arches resting on three capitals.
Gijón
The city of Gijón has almost 275,000 inhabitants. The story of this city has historically been marked by its proximity to the roughness of the Cantabrian Sea and its long Roman past.
Evidence of the above are the Parque Arqueológico de la Campa de Torres, one of the main fortified settlements in northern Spain, or the Complejo Termal de Campo Valdés, which dates back to the 1st century A.D.
Among its religious architecture, it preserves various Romanesque examples such as the Church of San Andrés de Ceares, Church of San Juan Bautista, Church of San Juan Evangelista or the Church of Santa María Magdalena.
Between the 17th and 18th centuries, a profound transformation of the city took place, which considerably changed the appearance of its urban area. The process of industrialization that the city experienced contributed strongly to this.
These transformations left the city dotted with architecture in various styles: modernist, rationalist, and art deco, amongst others.
The Churches of San José, San Lorenzo and San Pedro, as well as the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Contrueces and the Basílica del Sagrado Corazón all belong to these times. Examples of civil architecture can be found in the Palacio de Revillagigedo.
In addition to the previous points of interest, the city has a wide network of museums, such as Museo Casa Jovellanos, Museo del Ferrocarril, Museo de Pueblo de Asturias, Museo Evaristo Valle, Museo Internacional de la Gaita, Museo de las Termas Romanas de Campo Valdés y la Chael of San Lorenzo, now functioning as an art gallery.
The city also has the Centro de Interpretación de la Naturaleza and the Centro de Experimentación Pesquera. If you intend to visit this wide network of museum spaces, it is worth acquiring a combined ticket for 3 or 4 museums.
To the above we must add the presence of various green spaces in the city such as Cerro de Santa Catalina, the Jardín Botánico Atlántico and the Parque de Isabel la Católica, where the visitor can enjoy the flora and sculptural works.
Those who prefer sun and beach as a city-based escape can go to the beaches of San Lorenzo, Poniente, Arbeyal, Mayanes or Cervigón. Also of interest would be a visit to the Casino de Asturias and the Universidad Laboral.
Iglesia de la Magdalena
The Church of the Magdalene is located on top of a hill in Gijón. The date of its construction is not exactly known, but various sources find that the place already existed in the year 1331. According to the available documentation, the temple was probably part of a leprosarium, although the construction of this must be earlier.
Currently its Romanesque origin is somewhat disfigured, since it only preserves the layout of its plant, with a single nave and square chancel, devoid of decorative elements. Your visit is worth it for the magnificent views from the church over the Gijón countryside.
Capilla de San Lorenzo
The Chapel of San Lorenzo is located in the centre of Gijón. This temple stands out for being the headquarters of a large exhibition hall in which all the artists who wish, can exhibit their works.
Of its structure, it is worth noting that it is built in sandstone ashlar and that it has a half-pointed arch cover. It tops off on a curved pediment and at the top you can see a swordsman decorated with pinnacles and balls.
Practical information:
Mass times: Working, Saturday and Eve (11:00 and 19:30) and Sundays (9:30, 11:30, 12:30 and 19:30).
Casino de Asturias y Centro de Interpretación del Cine
The Asturias Casino is located in the centre of Gijón. It is a monumental building, whose interior is decorated with pieces of art of great value, such as the works of Dalí and Miró, among others.
The casino offers visitors a wide range of recreational and cultural activities, such as games of chance, a world-class recreational space, a party room, exhibition halls and, on the fourth floor, a meeting room for the seventh art, in which we can encounter the Film Interpretation Centre.
The Film Interpretation Centre in Asturias offers a tour of the history of Asturias cinema, showing off its most representative works.
To publicize the local cinema, cinema cycles, conferences by professionals from the audio-visual world, presentation of books and music recitals are organized.
Practical information:
Film Interpretation Centre Schedule: Closes in August. For the rest of the year, open from Monday to Sunday (from 18:00 to 21:30).
Centro de Interpretación de la Naturaleza
The Nature Interpretation Centre is located on Mount Deva. It is a museum space, inaugurated in 2002, which has its headquarters in a restored house.
The objective of the centre is to offer activities related to the environment. Inside it has several units dedicated to this purpose, such as a library, an exhibition hall, a multipurpose room and a function room.
Practical information:
Hours: July 1st to August 31st, daily (10:00-19:00). From 1 March to 30 November, Monday to Friday (10:00 to 14:00), Saturdays and Sundays (10:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 20:00).
From 1 December to 28 February, Monday to Friday (10:00 to 14:00), Saturdays and Sundays (10:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 18:00).
Centro de Experimentación Pesquera
The Centre for Fisheries Experimentation is a museum space, inaugurated in 1985, which aims to publicize material related to fishing and the marine world.
In its collection, it also has brought together vertebrate and invertebrate animals, areas specialized in crustaceans, cephalopods, fish and malacology. It is also possible to visit a room dedicated only to history and fishing boats.
Cerro de Santa Catalina
Cerro de Santa Catalina is a park in Gijón that stands out for the presence of two emblematic sculptures. “Elogio del Horizonte”, a work by Chillida, located at the summit, and “Nordeste”, by Joaquín Vaquero Turcios and located at one of the park entrances.
Iglesia de San José
The Church of San José is located in the city of Gijón. The temple, which can be seen today, is the result of renovation carried out, by the architect Nicolás García Rivero, on an ancient temple, from the late 19th century.
The church consists of three naves, the central one being the most elongated, and is also composed of a presbytery, cruise and portico. The cross is covered by a huge circular dome.
The main façade consists of a central section, of three floors, topped in a pediment surrounded by two towers, which end in a dome.
Practical information:
Mass times: Monday to Saturday and eves (11:00 and 19:30), Sundays and public holidays (9:30, 11:00, 12:00, and 13:00).
Iglesia de San Lorenzo
The Church of San Lorenzo is located in the city of Gijón and was built between 1896 and 1901, by Luis Bellido y González. The temple has Gothic features early medieval and abundant stained glass, pinnacles and pointed shapes.
Its structure rises on a Latin cross plant and topped off by a flat chancel. The façade stands out for its scarcity of holes, typical of the Gothic style, and has a traditional gabled door and a central rose window.
The construction is surrounded by two towers with trifold arches and topped with pinnacles. The image of the Virgin with the Risen Christ stands out in its interior, a piece made by Joaquín Rubio Camín.
Practical information:
Mass times: Working, Saturday and Eves (11:00 and 19:30), Sundays and Public Holidays (9:30, 11:30, 12:30 and 19:30).
Iglesia de San Pedro
The Church of San Pedro in Gijón, was erected in the 1950s, by Francisco and Federico Somolinos, on the remnants of an ancient temple from the 15th century.
The original construction is indicated, in Asturian pre-Romanesque style, by the perpendicularly superimposed vaults, the raised cross and ornamental elements, such as the wreathed columns, the trifora windows and the latticework.
Practical information:
Mass times: Weekdays, Saturdays and Eves (10:00, 11:00 and 19:00), Sundays and Holidays (10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 and 19:00).
Jardín Botánico Atlántico
The Atlantic Botanical Garden is located about three kilometres from the centre of Gijón, in the vicinity of the Universidad Laboral. The space has an area of approximately 25 hectares and, inside, it houses about 30,000 plants.
The plants, of 2,000 different species, are classified according to the environment to which they belong. Thus, the garden is divided into four environments, the Atlantic, the Historical Garden of the Island, the plant factory and the Cantabrian.
Practical information:
Hours: From 1 June to 30 September (10:00 to 21:00), Tuesday to Sunday, except in July and August when it is also open on Mondays. From October 1st to May 31st, Tuesday to Sunday (from 10:00 to 18:00).
Admission: General (2,90€), group of more than 10 people (2.20€), over 65 years and young people between 12 and 26 years old (1.80€), under 12 years (free).
Museo Casa de Jovellanos
Casa de Jovellanos Museum is located in the city of Gijón and opened in 1971. The space has an artistic collection that had previously been exhibited on the ground floor of the Jovellanos Institute.
The two rooms dedicated to the dissemination of the life and work of Jovellanos are complemented by an exhibition of Asturian art from the 19th and 20th centuries and with a representation of the most outstanding European schools of the 17th and 18th centuries, among which stands the Flemish and the Dutch.
Practical information:
Hours: Closes on Mondays. From July to August, From Tuesday to Saturday (11 to 13:30 and from 17:00 to 21:00), Sundays and holidays (11:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00). The rest of the year, from Tuesday to Saturday (from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00), Sundays and public holidays (from 11:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 19:00).
Admission: Free.
Entrada: Gratuita.
Museo del Ferrocarril
The Asturias Railway Museum is located in Gijón. The space began with the aim of disseminating railway material through different exhibitions of a permanent nature.
These exhibitions show the past, present and future of railway-related processes, emphasizing development as a means of transport, customs and social behaviour, technology and cost.
Practical information:
Hours: Closes on Mondays. From April to September, Tuesday to Friday (from 10:00 to 19:00), Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (from 10:30 to 19:00). From October to September,Tuesdays to Fridays (from 9.30 to 18.30), Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (10.00-18.30).
Admission: General (2,50€) and reduced (1.40€).
Museo del Pueblo de Asturias
The People’s Museum of Asturias, located in Gijón, was inaugurated in 1968. The space aims to preserve and disseminate the memories of the population of Asturias. In its collection, it houses large collections of photographs, ethnology, legends, tales, musical instruments and Asturian songs.
Different conferences, seminars, exhibitions, concerts and didactic workshops are held in the museum. The museum space is within the Network of Archives and Researchers of Popular Writing, an agency dedicated to the study and preservation of the written memory of everyone.
Practical information:
Hours: Closes on Mondays. From April to September, Tuesday to Friday (from 10.00 to 19.00), Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (from 10.30 to 19.00). From October to March, from Tuesday to Friday (from 9.30 to 18.30), Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (from 10.00 to 18.30).
Admission: General (6€), reduced (1.40€).
Museo Evaristo Valle
The Evaristo Valle Museum, located in the city of Gijón, was founded, in 1981, by María Rodríguez del Valle, niece of Evaristo Valle. After the death of the painter, in 1951, Maria kept her personal objects and his works, forming the museum’s collection.
This museum space has a permanent exhibition of more than one hundred works of the artist ordered by themes, techniques or chronology. The museum also collected together a set of shells that Evaristo Valle inherited from his father.
Practical information:
Hours: Closes on Mondays. From 1 June to 30 September,
Tuesday to Saturday (from 17.00 to 20.00), Sundays and public holidays (from 12.00 to 14.00). From 1 April to 31 May, Tuesday to Friday (from 10.00 to 13.00), Saturdays (from 17.00 to 20.00), Sundays and public holidays (from 12.00 to 14.00).
From 1 October to 31 March, Tuesday to Friday (from 10.00 to 13.00), Saturdays (from 16.00 to 18.00), Sundays and public holidays (from 12.00 to 14.00).
Admission: General (4€), reduced for students, retirees, over 65s and groups (2€), under 12 years (free), every Tuesday (free).
Museo Internacional de la Gaita
The International Museum of the Gaita, located in Gijón, was inaugurated in 1966 with the aim of publicizing the variety of bagpipes used in the world, their melodies, dances and traditions. Currently, the Bagpipe Museum is part of the Muséu del Pueblu d’Asturies.
Its collection is divided into five rooms. In the first two, you can see the oldest bagpipes in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. In the third room the description and uses of the Asturian bagpipes are presented.
The fourth room shows other instruments used in the Asturian community, such as organs, accordions, castanets, tambourines, among others.
Finally, the fifth room is occupied by the music library, in which the history of traditional Asturian music is disseminated, from the time it was recorded with phonograph cylinders to recordings made, today, with digital support.
Practical information:
Hours: Closes on Mondays. Tuesday to Sunday (from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00).
Museo Torre del Reloj
The Clock Tower Museum, in Gijón, was built in 1572, on the remnants of an ancient Roman wall. Originally the tower was the headquarters of the City of Gijón, then it became a prison, until 1909. In 1911, because of its abandonment, it was demolished and, in 1989, it was rebuilt.
Today the building houses the Gijón Municipal Archive and has a permanent exhibition that takes a tour of the history of the city, from the pre-Roman era to the present day.
Practical information:
Hours: Closes on Mondays. From July to August, from Tuesday to Saturday (from 11:00 to 13:30 and from 17:00 to 21:00), Sundays and public holidays (from 11:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00).
From September to June, from Tuesday to Saturday (from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00), Sundays and public holidays (from 11:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 19:00).
Palacio de Revillagigedo
The Revillagigedo Palace is located in the Cimadevilla district, on the south side of Cerro de Santa Catalina. The construction was carried out, by order of Carlos Miguel Ramírez de Jove, First Marquis of San Esteban del Mar, in 1704. The building is Baroque in style and perfectly represents the palatial architecture of the 18th century.
The palace has fortified towers that stand out for their medieval austerity, in contrast to the Baroque-style ornamentation of the three floors in the building.
On the first floor of the building stands a porticoed gallery, on the second, the Ionian columns stand out, and on the third, the Tuscan columns.
Practical information:
Hours: Closes on Mondays. In summer, from Tuesday to Saturday (from 11:00 to 13:30 and from 16:00 to 21:00), Sundays and public holidays (from 12:00 to 14:30). The rest of the year, From Tuesday to Saturday (from 11:30 to 13:30 and from 17:00 to 20:00), Sundays and public holidays (from 12:00 to 14:00).
Entrance: Free.
Parque Arqueológico de La Campa de Torres
The Archaeological Park of La Campa is located on a site located west of Cabo Torres, approximately seven kilometres from the centre of Gijón. This place provides information on what was the pre-history of the Asturian community and the origins of Gijón.
The park aims to protect, conserve and value the remains that were found on the site, as well as to raise awareness of the importance of protecting its historical heritage.
The park’s facilities are made up of the reception, the museum and the lighthouse. In addition, the park has an archaeological route, a bird observatory and a viewpoint from which you can enjoy magnificent views over Gijón and El Musel.
Practical information:
Museum Hours: Closes on Mondays. From April to September, from Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays (from 10:30 to 19:00). From October to March, from Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays (from 10:00 to 17:00).
Lighthouse Hours: Closes on Mondays. From April to September, from Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays (10:30 to 14:00), except from 15 June to 31 August, when the hours are extended until 19:00. From October to March, from Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays (from 10:00 to 14:00).
Admission: General (2,50€), reduced (1.40€).
Parque de Isabel La Católica
The Parque de Isabel la Católica was created in 1941 and has since been the largest green area in Gijón. The space has an area of approximately 151,857 m2.
In its environment grow different plant species and different types of fauna inhabit it, such as peacocks, geese and swans.
Inland, the park has several lakes, a children’s play area or a meadow, which is very close to the Avenida de Castilla.
In this space, you can also admire various sculptures with mythological representations, historical landmarks or illustrious personalities of Gijón. Throughout the park, there are stone and iron benches, which are more than 20 years old.
Playa de San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo Beach is the largest sandy beach in the city of Gijón and also is the busiest. The shell-shaped beach is bordered by a popular promenade of almost three kilometres in length.
The space is easily accessible, due to its proximity to the city centre, and has various services and facilities.
Playa de Poniente
Poniente Beach is located next to the Gijón Marina and was recovered during the 90s. It is considered an urban sandy area, is very sheltered and has a promenade, 500 metres long and with all kinds of services and equipment.
Playa del Arbeyal
Arbeyal Beach is located on the west coast of Gijón and is 500 metres long. The beach is located in an area surrounded by green spaces and has all kinds of services.
Playa de los Mayanes
Mayanes Beach is located below that of San Lorenzo and has an extension of approximately 300 metres. Rocks abound in this area of the coast.
Playa del Cervigón
Cervigón Beach is located after Mayanes Beach and is also known as Playa del Rinconín. It has an area of 300 metres and is composed mainly of gravel and rocks.
It is a very accessible beach, which has various services, such as showers, parking and a lifeguard service.
Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Contrueces
The Shrine of Our Lady of Contrueces, in Gijón, was built on an ancient temple from the 10th century, which had been destroyed in the 16th century. It was at this time that the reconstruction work began that transformed the remains of the ancient temple into the shrine that can be observed today.
Firstly, the reconstruction was the work of the architect Gonzalo de Guemes Bracamonte, and then it was completed by Fernando de la Huerta, in 1660. This shrine, along with that of the Sacred Heart, was one of the few respected during the destruction that was caused by the Spanish Civil War.
Practical information:
Mass times: Sundays and Public Holidays (11:00).
Universidad Laboral
The Labour University building is located about three kilometres from Gijón. The building was the work of the architect Luis Moya and originally had the purpose of hosting the Mining Orphanage.
The main façade of the building has an asymmetrical shape, showing the influences of the Chicago School. The door is located under a tower, following the model of Rome and the Europe of the Middle Ages.
Behind the atrium is the central square, which has an area of 8,300 square metres. The university also has a theatre, with 1,654 seats, and a paleo-Christian chapel, capable of accommodating all the residents of the University.
Teatro Municipal de Jovellanos
The Jovellanos Municipal Theatre is located in the centre of Gijón, on Paseo de Begoña, and was inaugurated in 1889. The theatre has a stage eleven metres wide and about nine metres long, being able to host a symphony orchestra.
Throughout the year, this cultural space offers a wide variety of activities, such as theatrical performances, opera, concerts, monologues, dance exhibitions and cabaret.
Practical information:
Box office hours: Monday to Sunday (from 12:00 to 14:00 and from 17:30 to 20:30). Between 20:00 and 20:30 only tickets are sold for today’s show.
Museo de las Termas Romanas de Campo Valdés
The Roman Baths of Campo Valdés Museum is located very close to the coast, in the old part of the city. The space was opened in 1995, with the aim of protecting, conserving and disseminating the archaeological remains that were discovered.
The museum space has two areas. A first part that collects models, information panels and projections about the history and operation of the thermal baths in Roman times and a second area, in which you can visit the archaeological remains, along a walkway.
Practical information:
Hours: Closes on Mondays. Tuesday to Friday (9:30 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 19:30),
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (10:00-14:00 and 17:00-19:30).
Admission: Free, with the Gijón Card tourist card.
Basílica del Sagrado Corazón
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is located in the city of Gijón. The temple was erected, between 1918 and 1922, by Rubio Bellver. It was formerly known as La Iglesiona, until 2002, when it acquired the status of basilica.
Originally, the temple was built to shelter the Jesuit Fathers. The basilica has elements similar to Gaudi’s works, which can be seen in the polylobate arches of the presbytery and in the parabolic sections of the vault.
The temple also highlights some elements of the main façade, such as the gable, the central rose window and the side towers, which provide a magnificent contrast of light and shadow, in an expressionist style.
Practical information:
Mass times: Working days (08:15, 12:00, 13:15 and 19:30), Eves (18:00 and 19:30) and public holidays (10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:15 and 19:30).
