Gijón, Coastal city in Asturias, Spain
Gijón is a coastal city in the Province of Asturias with sandy beaches directly within the urban area and a harbor zone for industry and freight. The old quarter Cimadevilla sits on a hill above the water and modern residential districts stretch along the Bay of Biscay.
Romans founded a settlement here in the 5th century BC and in 791 the town became part of the Kingdom of Asturias. Later the place grew through coal mining and steel industry during the 19th century into an important industrial center.
The name comes from the Roman Gigia and the medieval quarter Cimadevilla shows narrow streets with taverns and fishing traditions. Visitors today see how locals gather at Plaza Mayor and the harbor still shapes daily routines.
The city is reached by several highways and a train connection from Madrid or other Asturian towns. Sandy beaches lie close to the center and most areas can be explored on foot if you plan a few hours.
A concrete sculpture by Eduardo Chillida stands on Santa Catalina hill and naturally amplifies the sound of waves through its shape. The former El Humedal train station was turned into an open green space with ponds where you can walk among the old tracks.
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