Parador de Gijón

Situated in Asturias in the North of Spain on the Cantabrian Sea, Gijon has played a large part in the region’s history. Since Roman times, Gijon’s ideal coastal position led to the majority of the city’s industry being based around its port and beaches, and to this day the city bases a large part of its industry on this.

Like many areas of Spain, Asturias was under the rule of a number of different civilizations, most notably the Romans who claimed the area from the indigenous Asturs. This Roman influence can be seen in many structures around Gijon’s old town, la Cimadevilla, where fragments of Roman structures can still be found, most notably the Campo Valdés Roman Baths. Now a museum, the baths were initially discovered in 1903, but only made open to the public in 1965, and are considered to be one of the most important Roman remains in northern Spain.

It was under the Catholic Monarch’s rule that Gijon really thrived and during this time that the city’s current port was built, around which its key industry was formed. The port and beaches allowed for easy trade across the Bay of Biscay, and along with fishing, the coastal industry became the backbone of the city, and in turn, Gijon became invaluable to the region as a means of income. This influence can still be felt today as Gijon is incredibly proud of its maritime history, and many museums and features are dedicated to this rich history.

The old mill that is now the Parador de Gijon was also very important to the city. Unlike other areas of Spain, wheat was not grown in the region, and instead the mill was used for grains such as spelt and millet, and of course corn which was traded across the ocean. The mill provided work, and the fact it has withstood wars, and real estate trades, is a true testament to its foundations.

For beach lovers, San Lorenzo beach is one of Gijon’s key attractions with incredible views over the Bay of Biscay and Gijon’s impressive coastline.  Until recently, it was the only beach within the city limits, before the beaches of Poniente and Arbeyal were constructed to meet local and visitor demands.

Although its beaches and port are a huge part of Gijon’s attraction for many visitors, it has much more to offer in terms of culture and natural beauty. Surrounded by expansive areas of native flora and fauna, it provides a beautiful setting for nature lovers. The Monte Deva Nature Reserve is a particularly beautiful spot and can be reached by hiking routes allowing trekkers to explore all the region has to offer.

The city itself offers up some beautiful architecture, including the Revillagigedo Palace, an incredible blend of Renaissance and baroque architecture. Gijon’s old part, the Cimadevilla is home to some of its most important historical sites. One of the most popular buildings is the birthplace of Jovellanos, a 15th century building functioning as a museum dedicated to this important figure in Asturian history. Known as the ‘enlightened’, Jovellanos played a large role in the Age of Enlightenment, and his dedication to improving Asturias through education and training, particularly Gijon where young workers were trained in sea trading, made him a highly-valued figure among his countrymen, who considered him a visionary, and as such continue to honour him through the many buildings around the city named after him.  The mixture of monumental history, maritime heritage, natural beauty, and modern urban planning means there truly is something for everyone to enjoy in Gijon.