Gijon

Gijon, Asturias & Cantabria - Overview:

Gijon is a vibrant city and seaport in north-western Spain, in Asturias Province, on the Bay of Biscay, near the city of Oviedo. Gijon is one of the most important cities in Asturias. It was once a Roman settlement and this is evident from many buildings throughout the town, especially the mansions and houses between the marina and San Lorenzo, with almost 2000 years of history. Originally Gijon was formed between the hill of Santa Catalina and the fishing neighbourhood of Cimadevilla.

Gijon, Asturias & Cantabria - Economy:

Coal, copper, iron, zinc, and other minerals, as well as fish and agricultural products, are exported from Gijon. Industries in the city include foundries, textile and paper mills, oil and sugar refineries, tobacco, chemical, glass, and porcelain factories.

Gijon, Asturias & Cantabria - Geography:

Gijon has some very unusual characteristics. It is an active industrial centre, a highly traditional port, a monumental centre and a summer holiday resort. El Musel harbour, located in Cimadevilla, is one of the busiest in Spain today.

Cerro de Santa Catalina is a park on the tip of the peninsula that affords a view of the outstretched coastline forming the port. On the very edge of the peninsula is a sculpture the size of a house, Eligio del Horizonte, or Praise of the Horizon.

Gijon, Asturias & Cantabria - History:

Gijon is thought to be the ancient Roman town of Gigia. It was captured by the Moors in the early 8th century; later in the same century, however, it was one of the first cities to be re-conquered by Christian forces.

In 1395 it was destroyed by fire. During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), the capture of the city by the Nationalists in October 1937 completed the fighting in north-western Spain. Gijon has the most important road network on the northern Spanish coast, between the ports of Santander in the east and El Ferrol in the west. The construction of the port began in 1480. It was fortified in the latter half of the 16th century, and in 1788 it was equipped to handle West Indian trade.

Gijon, Asturias & Cantabria - Beaches:

The beaches near Gijon are beautiful, with golden sands and promenades.

Gijon, Asturias & Cantabria - Sightseeing:

Gijon is now a mixture of modern times with evident historical influences, it is well known for its exhibitions and concerts. The 'Fiesta del Bollu is celebrated at Easter', when a carnival parade cruises along Galiana Street with bright floats and street bands. Most of the streets are cobblestone and barely two cars wide. Many of the buildings have been renovated and reflect the colourful life of the village. Those that have not been renovated are testament to centuries of construction designed to withstand the powerful forces of the Atlantic Ocean.

Some of Gijon's best attractions are historical, the Roman baths being one of the most popular. Medeival palaces within Gijon are also very popular. The Baroque Revillagigedo Palace dates back to the 18th century, and it is now used to show works of modern art, with successful exhibitions every year.

Gijon - Our holiday accommodation and service:

Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy privileged, sophisticated holiday destinations in Asturias & Cantabria including Gijon. Privately owned houses, cottages, villas, apartments, villas with pools and hotels, in beautiful coastal and rural locations, hand-picked for an authentic taste of unspoiled secret Northern Green Spain.

So, if you're looking for an activity holiday walking, cycling and trekking or climbing in Northern Green Spain's mountains and countryside; exploring Asturias & Cantabria's fascinating villages, rural towns and historic cities; enjoy bird watching nature, fancy a spot of surfing, swimming, sunbathing or relaxing on great beaches; or you just want to simply escape the tourist masses with a privately owned apartment, cottage or villa with a pool, call our holiday team today. We can also assist you with flights to Spain, ferry travel and holiday car hire.