We climbed the paths laid out in the grass to reach the top of Santa Catalina Hill and admire Chillida's sculpture , Elogio del Horizonte (In Praise of the Horizon ). We approached the very center of this impressive concrete work , a place from which the sea can be heard, thanks to a seashell effect. Although the avant-garde nature of this work initially met with resistance, Chillida's sculpture has become an integral part of the city . It appears as a logo and is a must-have image on any brochure, poster, book, or sticker that refers to Gijón.
The Cimadevilla neighborhood
If we decide to take a stroll in the area, we can take the path that runs parallel to the sea and descend, passing the Astur Regatta Club , a private club that enjoys enviable views of San Lorenzo Bay. When we reach the bottom of the slope, we spot one of Gijón's most recognizable landmarks: the Church of San Pedro , of Gothic origin. It is located in the landscaped area known as Campo Valdés, where a statue in honor of Emperor Caesar Augustus stands , recalling the Roman past of the town of Gigia. Almost beneath the church are the Roman Baths , which house an interesting museum offering visitors a comprehensive view of Gijón's Roman past—a past that is still being explored through ongoing excavations and archaeological projects.
Gijón Roman Baths
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Several nearby buildings catch our eye: the main façade of the Old Fish Market of Gijón (now housing municipal offices), the Jove-Hevia Tower , and the Chapel of San Lorenzo de Tierra , both from the 17th century. The most striking feature of the latter is the uninterrupted effects of marine erosion on its stone façade, century after century.
If you want to discover all the secrets of this neighborhood, the very essence and birthplace of the city, we recommend you don't miss our feature . We'll give you all the clues to explore this neighborhood that boasts a rich maritime tradition—preserving the aesthetic of a 19th-century fishing village—and has also been a breeding ground for cultural movements. Despite its age and small size, Cimadevilla has some noteworthy facilities : sports venues like the aforementioned Royal Yacht Club and the Marina ; cultural and museum sites such as the Revillagigedo Palace , the birthplace of the illustrious Jovellanos , and the Old Tobacco Factory , which will soon be transformed into a top-tier facility; and administrative buildings including the City Hall and the Old Fish Market Administrative Building.
We recommend a leisurely stroll around the area, it is a “small big city” within the city of Gijón.
Cimadevilla, the neighborhood of the essences
Gijón's vibrant civic spirit is doubly felt in one of its most authentic neighborhoods. Cimadevilla always… Read more
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
