You won’t want to miss the chance to visit Gijón’s monuments and museums, which bring history to life. Among its many places of cultural interest, Gijón offers:
- Laboral, City of Culture (Laboral-Ciudad de la Cultura): This one-of-a-kind building acts as a stage for art, education and culture, a must-see monument with a fascinating mix of artistic and architectural styles. La Laboral is just the place for cultural activities, art, theatre and temporary exhibits, as well as guided visits which explore the intricacies of this majestic building. For more information: www.laboralciudaddelacultura.com.
- Laboral, Centre for Art and Creative Industry (Laboral-Centro de Arte y Creación Industrial): This centre is a space in which to enjoy art, science, technology and creative industries, open to creative learning for and the artistic expression of all types of visitors. For more information: www.laboralcentrodearte.org.
- Roman Baths at Campo Valdés (Termas Romanas de Campo Valdés): A visit to this site provides an in-depth experience in the varieties, functions and activity of public baths in Roman times. A walk around the ruins will show you how the city of Gijón, its walls and public baths developed in Roman times. For more information: www.museos.gijon.es/campo-valdes.
- Natural Archaeological Park at Campa Torres (Parque Arqueológico-Natural de la Campa Torres): A park which bears witness to both cultural and leisure activities. Archaeology is of central importance at this historic site, which unveils the Asturias of prehistoric times and progress from the pre-Roman to Roman eras. For more information: www.museos.gijon.es/campa-torres.
- Roman Villa at Veranes (Villa Romana de Veranes): A visit to this archaeological site is a voyage through history, set in the ruins of a historic manor house. For more information: www.museos.gijon.es/veranes.
- Museum of the People of Asturias (Museo del Pueblo de Asturias): While in Gijón, why not delve into the culture of the Asturian people? This traditional place is open to evoking the region’s cultural ethnography through photography, documents, instruments and oral tradition. An interesting way to learn about the culture and traditions of the past. For more information: www.museos.gijon.es/pueblo-asturias.
- Bagpipe Museum (Museo de la Gaita): Treat your ears to the precise and delicate notes of the Asturian bagpipes, an instrument of utmost importance in the region’s musical heritage. You will no doubt enjoy the museum’s permanent collection, part of the Museo del Pueblo de Asturias, where you can discover the traditional legacy created by this melodic instrument. For more information: www.museos.gijon.es/museo-gaita.
- Railway Museum of Asturias (Museo del Ferrocarril de Asturias): On this journey you will get a glimpse of the history of rail travel in Asturias. A visit to this museum reveals the local, regional, mechanical, economic and social development brought to Asturias, and Gijón, by the railroad. For more information: www.museos.gijon.es/museo-ferrocarril.
Art Museums:
- Museum of Jovellanos’ Birthplace (Museo Casa Natal de Jovellanos): Situated in Cimadevilla, this is one of the oldest buildings in the city, recalling the Gijón of medieval times. It is well worth your time to visit the birthplace of Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, a renowned writer, jurist and illustrator, and examine his life through the objects on display. Likewise, this is a way to become familiar with 19th and 20th century art in Asturias. For more information: www.museos.gijon.es/jovellanos.
- Museum of Nicanor Piñole (Museo Nicanor Piñole): This single-themed museum shows the life of Nicanor Piñole, a painter born in Gijón. A study of the artist’s social, historic and cultural surroundings through sculptures, catalogues of exhibits, artistic materials and more than four thousand works by the artist. For more information: www.museos.gijon.es/nicanor-piñole.
- Museum of the Evaristo Valle Foundation (Fundación Museo Evaristo Valle): Another opportunity to delve into the artistic heritage of Gijón. This collection centres on the work of Evaristo Valle and offers a selection of the artist’s drawings, portraits and literary works. For more information: www.evaristovalle.com.
- The Barjola Foundation (Fundación Barjola): An artistic stage showcasing the Baroque art of Gijón and the cultural importance of art in this city. The museum, housed in the palace and chapel of Jove-Huergo, displays the work of the painter Juan Borja, as well as permanent and temporary exhibits. For more information: www.museobarjola.es.