Holidays in Gijon. Sights of Gijon - what to see. A complete guide to iconic places Why the town of Gijon in Spain is attractive: reviews from tourists
It is located 30 km from Alicante, best known for the production of the Spanish nougat - turron, but also charming in its authenticity - you will forget that you are a stone's throw from a popular international resort.
The information below is provided by the tourist center of Gijon (already in translation), the original style is preserved (minimal correction), photos are from visitor center Facebook pages.
Cradle of Turron
Gijon - cute, historical, bright
The history of Gijona dates back to the 13th century, to the timesthe Moorish Almohad dynasty, although within its borders there are archaeological finds from the Bronze Age. The name comes from the Latin " Saxum ", which means rock or stone. In terms of area, the city ranks 5th in the province of Alicante. About a third of the territory is covered with forest.
Star This part of the city arose at the end of the 12th century, protected by a castle and a mountain " Penya Migjorn ", also known to locals as " Forat de la Penya "("Hole in the Stone"). From its top there is a stunning view of the mountains and adjacent plains going down to Mediterranean Sea. Until the 17th century, Gijona was surrounded by a wall.
Gijona is located at an altitude of 453 meters above sea level and 25 kilometers from Alicante in the direction " L'Alacanti ", the geography here is defined by mountains, in most cases a chain of mountains " Carasqueta " - a natural connection between the cities of Alicante and Alcoy. The landscape is dominated by Spanish oak and fragrant plants, whose fragrance spreads on the terraces where almond, olive and carob trees are grown.
A delightful place for new discoveries
Architectural monuments:
Franciscan monastery
Carreró de L'Aula (School Alley)
Hermitage of Saint Seb astyana
Raval Bakery
Soapmaker's House
Torre Blai (Bly Tower)
St. Mary's Church
Archpriestly Church
City hall
Casino
Factory Primitivo Rovira
Workers' Club
Family home Monerris Planelles
Family house Rovira
Family house Aracil
Other interesting places
Cultural Center
Cinema Dalt
Christ Child's Manger
Wide horizons, natural places.
Hiking route Gijona - Vivens - Gijona - 16.5 kilometers
The route starts in the park " Barrac de la Font " and continues towards " Al écua " He rises to " Llibreria "(mining education "Library") and " El Salt del Moro "(Falls of the Moors - now dry) and from there to " Costera d' Ibi » (Ibi mountain range ) right up to the picnic and recreation area " Font de Vivens » (Source Vivens ). Then the path goes to " AltdelaMartina" (top of Martina ) and then descends along " BarrancodeCastalla" (Castalla gorge ) to the intersection with the route that takes us back to Gijona.
Hiking route Gijona - Pena Migjorn - Gijona - 15 kilometers
Starting in the park BarracdelaFont ", the path goes around the western side of the castle and rushes towards the farm Gacimal and home Pineta . Then it continues to the west, passing through the ravine " Cova dels Corrals " and returns back to the starting point through " Segona Carena."
Hiking route Gijona - Pou del Surdo - Gijona - 11 kilometers
The route starts in the same place as the previous two. It then crosses the city in the direction of the Hermitage of St. Anthony and runs along old road from Gijona to Alcoy, then along the valley " Bugaia ", rising to " Pou del Surdo and the hotel Pou de la Neu " Passing the television antenna, the road returns to its original route.
Activities on fresh air
The countryside around the city offers a huge range of outdoor activities and sporting adventures, e.g. hiking, rock climbing, cycling and so on, and is an ideal location for sporting events.
Natural spaces and parks
For those who love walking, there are three marked routes, a network of parks and beautiful natural spaces suitable for pleasant walks.
« Els Plantades " - this is urban nature reserve, crossed by mountains, with valleys of great ecological significance and natural beauty.
Other green recreation areas in the city itself that are also worth visiting:
St. Anthony's Park
El Cuarnero Park
Barrac de la Font park
El Salt (waterfall)
Path along the river Cosc ó
Les Piletes Park
La Font der Moratell (source Moratell)
Mountains over 1000 meters high and valleys covered with Mediterranean flora
The birthplace of ice cream
It is said that in Gijon, ice cream production began to flourish as a craft in the snow. The snow was stored in special pits and in the summer, converted into ice, transported and sold. Traditionally, many families in Gijon produce ice cream, " horchatas "and cold drinks ( glanizados).
When summer comes, families move to other cities in Spain in order to produce their product in accordance with tradition, and the Xixona chain of ice cream parlors is spread throughout Spain.
"Snow Springs"
These are structures built to store snow. The best surviving example near X Ihon - « PoudelSurdo " It is located on the mountain Carrasqueta "at an altitude of 1100 meters. From this place there are a huge number of panoramic views of the area, full of natural contrasts, from the mountain tops down to the sea. Near the spring, or cave, there is a small suburban hotel - “ Pou de la Neu ", which was built on the site of the original home of the workers who monitored the snow.
Rich Cooking
Turron is a dessert of Arabic origin that is made from sugar, honey and almonds. It quickly spread and won love all over the world. Turrón is a typical treat during Christmas, but it is consumed throughout the year and in a variety of ways.
Gijona is synonymous with Turron. However, the city's gastronomy has a wide variety of other dishes that also have their roots in the area. Among these traditional recipes are “ giraboix", "llegum "and rice with rabbit.
The Gijona pastry factory is rich in succulent pieces that are produced by hand, traditionally in ovens. You can't miss " les iguales ", made from almonds, flour and cinnamon, " les doblades ", made from toasted almonds, sugar, butter and anise. You should also try " les tortades ", made from sugar, almonds and cinnamon.
Thanks to its main economic activity, Gijona has become home to the Governing Council for the protection of the trademark of the real Turrón of Gijona and Alicante ( Regulatory Council of the Protected Designation of Origin Jijona and Alicante Turr ó n ), as well as for the National Association of Traditional Ice Cream Manufacturers, as well as ice cream and horchata sellers ( National Association of Traditional Ice - Cream Makers, Ice - Cream and Horchata Sellers).
Turron trail
Throughout the year, guests can learn about variousthe processes used in the production of turron, and the characteristics of the ingredients used. They can also enjoy the opportunity to try and buy turron and other sweet treats such as marzipan, " polvorones" and so on.
Turron Museum.
The photo below shows almonds, the basis for the production of turron.
Festivals, music and fun
Festival of Moors and Christians
Gijona's main festival, the Feast of Saint Bartolomeo, with a history dating back over 200 years, is one of the oldest in the Valencian community. The festival is held at the end of August for 3 very busy days, when the whole city takes part in the celebration and fun. Historical battles between Moors and Christians are remembered and presented with music, gunpowder, eye-catching costumes and parades.
The festival begins on July 24, Signal Day ( la Senyal ), an official event in which all groups of the festival take part. Every Saturday closer to the main festival, los sopares (small suppers/communions) are celebrated with informal parades in the streets of Gijona. It features music from local bands, instruments and traditional dances.
Winter Festival
This festival is celebrated on the third Saturday of February. The festival was created so that families who spent the summer outside Gijona making and selling ice cream in other cities throughout Spain also had the opportunity to spend the holiday together. One of the outstanding and colorful features of the festival is the flower market, during which all participants of the festival dress up in typical costumes of the places where their ice cream shops are located.
Traditions steeped in history
The Christmas market revives a Gijona tradition that was forgotten more than 200 years ago. In early December, thousands of tourists come to enjoy the market under open air, where they can do their Christmas shopping and choose from an abundance of turron, marzipan, " polovorones " And long list delicacies that no table can do without on these holidays.
Another tradition that has stood the test of time iscovers both holidays at once - Christmas and New Year. These days the streets are filled with magic and light from the fire " aixames ", a type of reed torch that is hung around while children beg for their Christmas gifts.
Tourists who want to explore the “cradle of Turron” better cannot miss the spectacular procession of the “Kings of the East” (Three Wise Men) or the “ Porrates » ( traditional holiday) Saint Sebastian, nor " Candelaria "(Celebration of the purification of the Virgin Mary). The first holiday is celebrated in the second half of January, while " Candelaria "takes place on the first weekend of February.
*** This story is a fragment of a larger story about a trip to northern Spain: " Spanish north - from Bilbao to Gijon: unusual Spain ". It is clear that a passage removed from the general context, by definition, loses a lot, so it is best to read the entire story - it is very easy to find it if you want!
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I arrived in Gijon in the evening, when the setting sun gilded the buildings of the old city, built of yellow stone:
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The main symbol of Gijon is the famous Pelayo, the image of which can even be found on garbage containers:
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Pelayo - Visigothic king, first ruler Kingdoms of Asturias, and therefore, if we simplify the situation and do not get into the jungle (in this story I don’t want to do this) of all the centuries-old historical intricacies - the first king of Spain, since Asturias, having existed under this name for about two centuries, began to be called the Kingdom of Leon, which later became into Castile, well, namely Castile, no matter what the Aragonese say, was the core of the formation of modern Spain.
It is believed that it was from Pelayo that the Spanish reconquista, which lasted almost 8 centuries, “started”. It was under his command in 718 (according to some sources - in 722) that the first victory was won over the Muslims who had captured the Pyrenees several years ago, which went down in history as Battle of Covadonga. From a military point of view, it did not solve anything, because it did not in any way affect the alignment of the opposing forces at that moment, but its psychological significance was difficult to overestimate: according to G. Morton "The victory marked the beginning of the Reconquista and led to the birth of the first of the Christian kingdoms - the Kingdom of Asturias"Like most of its kind, this event was instantly overgrown with symbols and legends. Over time, Covadonga became a place of worship and pilgrimage. In the cave where Pelayo is believed to have taken refuge during the battle, there is now a small chapel with the image of Our Lady of Covadonga, declared the patroness of Asturias And the cross that Pelayo allegedly saw before the battle, called Victory Cross(Cruz de la Victoria), still adorns the coat of arms and flag of the modern Principality of Asturias:
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Many loud words have been written regarding this victory, but when speaking about it, I would like to refrain from excessive pathos. In the end, we must not forget that those who conquered the Pyrenees lands themselves came here as invaders just 200 years ago...
However, no matter how great and revered here (let me remind you that Gijon is the largest city in Asturias by population, although its capital is Oviedo) Señor Pelayo, I am not sure that he holds the unconditional 1st place among local symbols. Because in Gijon he has another very strong competitor, or rather a competitor, since in Spain this word is feminine: this La sidra, or, to put it more simply, just cider.
Cider - a low-alcohol (from 3 to 8 degrees) apple drink - has long been produced and drunk in many countries: France, England, Belgium, Ireland, Germany. I don’t know how it is there, but in Asturias, and specifically in Gijon (of the cities that I visited), cider is a cult drink. To be honest, I thought that despite all its historicity and symbolism, the attitude local residents towards cider is relatively calm: well, yes, it exists, but there are no problems with it, yes, it can be found in every bar, yes, they still drink it. And perhaps (as I thought) cider had already become more of a tourist attraction than part of the local lifestyle.
But no, no and no again! I couldn’t even imagine the scale of local cider drinking! In the evening, there were a huge crowd of people on the tables at every cafe and bar and EVERYONE was drinking cider! :) Of course, if you wanted, you could probably find a couple of renegades and opportunists, bashfully, huddled in a corner, sipping beer or wine, but in any case, they were completely lost among the masses drinking the yellow drink from green bottles. Evening Gijon lived on cider and only cider - and no Pelayo could compete with his popularity. It looked something like this:
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And this is far from the most crowded cideria, as, as you might guess, the establishments specializing in cider are called here. Now I regret that I didn’t take more photos like this in different places– it could have been a wonderful and visual photo shoot “cider in Gijon”... For some reason I paid much more attention to the signs:
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The last photo is not indicative of the “crowding” - this is a slightly different part of the city, where people come not so much to drink and have fun, but to socialize quietly.
Gijon, by the way, turned out to be the only city(again, one of the places I've been) where you could try the cider just by asking for a glass (other places only sold it by the bottle). That's what I did, paying 1 euro and eating free pintxos with chorizo from a tray displayed on the bar counter. My opinion about the cider turned out to be quite even: on the one hand, I can’t say that I didn’t like it - and later I ordered it for lunch several more times. On the other hand, I’m unlikely to dream about it, and if I never visit the cider regions again, I won’t be particularly upset about it. By the way, approximately the same attitude towards it, apparently, exists in Cantabria: when in Castro Urdiales I asked the bartender why they don’t offer cider there, he shrugged indifferently and said: “no, it’s just that everyone already knows that It’s everywhere, and if anyone wants to drink something cheaper, they order cider.”
The process of pouring cider from a bottle into a glass deserves special mention (they are also special: large, wide, slightly cone-shaped. In Spain they are called culín - I don’t know how common it is, though). The waiter or bartender raises one hand with the bottle high, lowers the glass in the other hand as low as possible and begins the mystical process of “pouring”, which in Spanish corresponds to the verb escanciar, which simply means “to pour out wine”. It looks something like this:
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Sometimes the word “echar” or “tirar” is used for this situation, which translates more interestingly: to throw, throw, drop. Traditionally, it is believed that cider should be drunk while the foam that forms during the pouring-“throwing” is still in the glass, and what remains after it disappears should simply be poured out. In ancient times, this was done directly on the floor, later in some establishments they began to install special gutters into which numerous leftover cider was poured. I read that with this foaming, the cider is enriched with carbon dioxide from the air, which somehow has a special effect on its taste. I can’t say anything about this: I drank both foamed and foamed cider, and when the foam had already disappeared, I honestly didn’t notice any difference in taste.
With such popular popularity, it is not at all surprising that the “cider monument” appeared on the Gijon embankment. What is more surprising is that, judging by the images from Google cameras, it appeared only recently:
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Gijon in its historical part (let’s face it, it’s still difficult to call it an old town) is a very colorful and vibrant city - in the literal sense of these words, and a walk through it brought a lot of positive emotions.
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Traditional for any Spanish city Main square Plaza Mayor in a traditional arcade style and on it, of course, the same ayuntamiento:
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The most recognizable building of Gijon, we can safely say - its symbol, is Revillagigedo Palace(Palacio de Revillagigedo), built at the very beginning of the 18th century.
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It is not surprising that the palace resembles a fortress: a medieval fortress tower from the 15th century was used in its construction (it is on the right when looking at the facade of the building). But the left one was already built in its image and likeness for the overall symmetry of the building. It is curious that the large coat of arms at the top of the facade appeared on the palace quite recently - in 2004, after a careful study of historical documents and photographs from the 19th century.
The Revillagigedo Palace turned out to be one of the most beautiful and authentic buildings I have seen in northern Spain!
15 years after the construction of the palace, a church was added to the left of it, consecrated in honor of John the Baptist (San Juan Bautista), small, but given the status of a collegiate. Its square tower can be seen in previous photographs.
Another “brand” of Gijon, of course, significantly inferior in popularity to Pelayo and cider (or cider and Pelayo) is personality Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos- Spanish writer and social and political figure of the artist’s time Goya and Prime Minister Manuel Godoy, known as the “Prince of Peace.” Those who read the book L. Feuchtwanger“Goya, or the Hard Path of Knowledge” will probably remember the vicissitudes of the relationship between these characters. A street, a theater, and a faculty of the local university are named in his honor in Gijon; here is the Jovellanos Institute and, of course, the house-museum where he was born.
Next to the preserved (relatively, of course) Roman baths there is a monument to the emperor Octavian Augustus, during whose reign, after the conquest of Cantabria and Asturias (which went down in history under the name Cantabrian Wars) the entire Iberian Peninsula finally came under the rule of the Roman Empire. And after the administrative reform of Augustus, the “north” became part of the province of Tarraconian Spain.
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By the way, it was in these places that the Romans “borrowed” many symbols associated with the Moon and the Sun, in particular - a standard with the so-called Cantabrian cross(Lábaro cántabro), which was then used for about 300 years.
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Which church fence can be decorated with keys? Of course, the main "paradise" administrator - Apostle Peter !
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And the church itself - here it is, it can be seen more than once in previous photos:
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Another small medieval ensemble from the 17th century: Chapel of St. Lawrence And Hove Evja Tower(Jove-Hevia). Both buildings were part of the family home of the family with the above-mentioned double surname:
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In general, the historical part of Gijon is very small, but somehow... very charming, or something - I didn’t regret coming here at all.
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Modern Gijon- This is mainly a city of the 19th and 20th centuries, in places reminiscent of Bilbao. And, in my opinion, there is much less interesting here.
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St. Joseph's Church(San Jose):
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Neo-Gothic (early 20th century) Church of St. Lawrence:
Gijón (Spanish: Gijón, Asturleon: Xixón [ʃiˈʃon]) is a coastal industrial city and municipality in Asturias, Spain. The port is one of the largest in northern Spain. The population of Gijon is approximately 280,000 inhabitants.
Story
People have settled in the Gijon area since ancient times. Early medieval texts mention a city called "Gigia". It was an important provincial Roman city. The name was originally applied to a small peninsula, now (Cimadevilla), literally "upper village", between two beaches, one of which today has a recreational port. The main port, one of the largest in northern Spain, is called (El Musel).
Geography
The city is located in the center of the Asturian coast, from sea level to an altitude of 513 m (Picu San Martin) and 672 m (Peña de los Cuatro Jueces), bordered to the west by Carreño, to the east by Villaviciosa, and to the south by Ciero and Llanera.
Part of Gijon lies on the Cimadevilla peninsula, which separates San Lorenzo beach and surrounding areas to the east from Poniente and Arbeyal beaches, docks and the port to the west. Nearby are other large Asturian cities - Oviedo and Aviles.
Attractions
- Bagpipe Museum (The Museo de la Gaita)
- Shopping pedestrian street Corrida
- Revillagigedo Palace - Center for International Art.
- Museum of Jovellanos (de Jovellanos) - Asturian humanist and politician
- Museum contemporary art Barjola
They speak only in superior tones. It is the largest, oldest and greenest municipality in the Principality.
Gijon is located on the coast of the Bay of Biscay over an area of almost 200 square kilometers, 600 meters above sea level, on the site of a former fishing village founded by the Celts in the 5th century BC.
Today it is a modern port city with a population approaching 300 thousand people. One of the most successful metropolises in Northern Spain with good developed infrastructure, it is famous for its bright nightlife and crazy fiestas on weekends.
Weather in Gijon
The mild Atlantic climate favors such activity. It never gets as hot as the rest of the Iberian Peninsula. The air temperature in summer rarely rises above 28 degrees, and in winter it does not drop below plus 5. However, the weather in Gijon is often rainy. The swimming season lasts from June to August.
In other months the ocean is cool. The water temperature in Gijon ranges from 12 to 15 degrees, but this does not stop surfers from practicing.
Beaches of Gijon
Although Gijon is not the most popular beach resort, it is a great opportunity to spend time on the coast. The best beaches Gijona is considered Arbeyal, Poniente and, of course, San Lorenzo. Stretching for almost 3.5 kilometers along the sea, San Lorenzo is more suitable for extreme sports.
The beach water area is characterized by strong currents and sudden changes in depth. Poniente Beach, with its sand brought from the Sahara itself, is the place to go for those who love noisy entertainment. The Feast of San Juan is traditionally celebrated here, bonfires are lit all night, thousands of vacationers walk, and a cider festival takes place. For have a relaxing holiday you can't find anything better than Arbeyal. By the way, all the beaches of Gijon have been awarded the highest distinction – Blue flag.
Port of Gijon El Musel – one of the largest in Spain. Its first dock was built at the end of the 15th century. After another two centuries, Gijon received the right to trade with the Spanish colonies in America. And at the end of the 19th century, coal was unloaded in the port of Gijon for the first time in Spain. Today, about 3 thousand ships call at the port of Gijon annually. And its cargo turnover exceeds 17 million tons. El Musel is also visited by cruise ships of any displacement.
Sights of Gijon
He is considered the most large building in Spain. The campus area is 11 hectares. And the height of the central tower is 130 meters. This is a quarter higher than London's famous Big Ben. The university was opened in 1946 to provide higher education children of workers who died in coal mines. Today it houses the Center for Arts and Industrial Creativity, one of the faculties of the University of Oviedo, graduate School performing arts and conservatory.
And the university bell tower is equipped Observation deck, which offers a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings. This is where the most spectacular photos of Gijon come from.
One of the most picturesque places is Parque Isabel in Gijon, named after Queen Isabella I of Castile, or Isabella the Catholic. It was laid out in 1941 in a swampy area by landscape architect Ramon Ortiz.
Today, 15 hectares of the park are occupied by attractions, flower beds, sculptures and a large pond in which swans, geese and ducks nest, and peacocks strut along its banks.
For thrills, it is better to go to the Plaza de toros de El Bibio in Gijon. This is a valid bullring . It was built in 1888 and seats almost 10 thousand spectators!The main events take place here in August, when the city celebrates the feast of its patroness, Madonna of Begogna. In 1992, El Bibio Arena was declared a historical and architectural monument.
Lately, the city of Gijon has attracted everyone more tourists not only the attractions of Gijon, but also favorable offers for rental housing.
Gijon is a working-class city on the Atlantic coast in the Spanish region of Asturias. Attractions in Gijon will tell tourists about the industrial era in Northern Spain and the city's close relationship with the ocean. However, in recent years the city has transformed and is ready to surprise every visitor with well-groomed parks and squares, pedestrian streets and interesting cultural attractions.
Sights of Gijon
What to do in Gijon?
- Relax on one of the city beaches. Poniente Beach has a large sandbar, while San Lorenzo Beach is suitable for those who like to swim.
- Go to football. The local team, Sporting Gijon, does not claim the title of champion, but plays in the first league, which means that the giants of Spanish football often come here. The stadium seats 30,000 people and is always full.
- Start your day by watching the sunrise on the beach.
- Try thalassotherapy treatments in the eastern part of Poniente beach.
- Fill up on sweets at the Punto Caramelo store, which offers a large assortment of cakes, pastries, cookies and other confectionery delights.
- Try your hand at surfing - on the beach of San Lorenzo you can get lessons and show off your surfing skills.
- Paraglide over the cliffs of Gijon.
- Try local delicacies - at La Gijonesa you can taste different types of wines and cheeses.
- Enjoy the rain in the heated outdoor pool at the BNFit Thalasso Spa.
- Try Asturian cider, which is considered the most significant local drink.
RestaurantsGijona: where to eat and drink
Near the Cantabrian Sea, the climate is cooler than anywhere else on the Spanish mainland, so the local population prefers a high-protein diet. White bean stew, bacon, chorizo, pork shoulder and seafood are popular here. Cider is an ideal accompaniment to lunch - in Gijon it is tart and not very carbonated, and is present on the menu of any restaurant. Cider is also used in some recipes, such as a sauce for baked hake.
- Casa Zabala. The best place with seafood and fish dishes. Average check: 50 euros.
- Casa Gerardo. Restaurant with traditional Asturian cuisine, owned by the Moran family. Several generations have passed on their recipes to prepare and perfect the best local dishes. The restaurant has a Michelin star, so it is always crowded. Average check: 55 euros.
- Mercante. Opens beautiful view to the port and offers a menu of plenty of fish, seafood and salads. Average check: 30 euros.
(Photo© pxhere.com / CC0 Public Domain License)
