Gijón (
AsturianAsturian is a Romance language of the West Iberian group, Astur-Leonese Subgroup, spoken in the Spanish province of Asturias by the Asturian people. In Asturias, even though it is not an official language, it is protected under the Autonomous Statute legislation and is an optional language at...
:
Xixón), is a coastal industrial city and a
municipalityA municipality is an administrative entity composed of a clearly defined territory and its population and commonly denotes a city, town, or village, or a small grouping of them. A municipality is typically governed by a mayor and a city council or municipal council.The notion of municipality...
in the
autonomous communityThe Autonomous Community is the first-level political division of the Kingdom of Spain, established in accordance with the Spanish Constitution...
of
AsturiasThe Principality of Asturias is an autonomous community within the kingdom of Spain, former Kingdom of Asturias in the Middle Ages...
in
SpainSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain , is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula.
[The Spanish constitution does not establish any official denomination of the country, even though España , Estado español and Nación española are used interchangeably...]
. Early mediaeval texts mention it as "Gigia". It was an important regional
RomanThe Roman Empire was the post-Republican phase of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean. The term is used to describe the Roman state during and after the time of the first emperor,...
city, although the area has been settled since earliest history. The name was originally applied to a small peninsula presently referred to as Cimadevilla, literally "top of village," between two beaches, one of which has a recreational port today.
Gijón (
AsturianAsturian is a Romance language of the West Iberian group, Astur-Leonese Subgroup, spoken in the Spanish province of Asturias by the Asturian people. In Asturias, even though it is not an official language, it is protected under the Autonomous Statute legislation and is an optional language at...
:
Xixón), is a coastal industrial city and a
municipalityA municipality is an administrative entity composed of a clearly defined territory and its population and commonly denotes a city, town, or village, or a small grouping of them. A municipality is typically governed by a mayor and a city council or municipal council.The notion of municipality...
in the
autonomous communityThe Autonomous Community is the first-level political division of the Kingdom of Spain, established in accordance with the Spanish Constitution...
of
AsturiasThe Principality of Asturias is an autonomous community within the kingdom of Spain, former Kingdom of Asturias in the Middle Ages...
in
SpainSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain , is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula.
[The Spanish constitution does not establish any official denomination of the country, even though España , Estado español and Nación española are used interchangeably...]
. Early mediaeval texts mention it as "Gigia". It was an important regional
RomanThe Roman Empire was the post-Republican phase of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean. The term is used to describe the Roman state during and after the time of the first emperor,...
city, although the area has been settled since earliest history. The name was originally applied to a small peninsula presently referred to as Cimadevilla, literally "top of village," between two beaches, one of which has a recreational port today. The main port, one of the largest in the north of Spain, is called "
El MuselLocated in Asturias, in the north of Spain, and in the middle point of the Cantabrian Sea coast, the Port of Gijón is often seen as an ideal gateway to Europe, allowing direct access to the western and centre of the Iberian Peninsula....
". Gijón has a barely growing population of approximately 277,000 (2006).
Geography
The city is situated on the coast of central Asturias, from sea level to an altitude of 513 metres at
Picu Samartín and 672 metres at Peña de los Cuatro Jueces, bordered on the West by
CarreñoCarreño is a municipality in the Autonomous Community of the Principality of Asturias, Spain. It is bordered by Corvera de Asturias on the west, Gozón on the north, the Cantabrian Sea on the north and east, and Gijón on the east and south. Its capital is Candás.- History :Almost everywhere in...
, the East by
VillaviciosaVillaviciosa is a town and in the autonomous community of Asturias, Spain. It is situated on the central eastern coastline, and borders the Asturian municipalities of Gijón and Siero to the west, Sariego, Nava, Cabranes and Piloña to the south and to Colunga to the east. The total area is 271 km²...
, and to the South by
SieroSiero is a municipality of the province and autonomous community of Asturias, in northern Spain. Its capital is Pola de Siero.-Parishes:-External links:*...
and
LlaneraLlanera is a municipality in the Autonomous Community of the Principality of Asturias, Spain. It is bordered on the north by Gijón and Corvera de Asturias, on the south by Oviedo, on the east by Gijón and Siero, and on the west by Illas and Las Regueras...
The city is situated along the Asturian coast and is distinguished by the peninsula of Cimadevilla (the original settlement) which separates the beach of San Lorenzo and adjacent neighborhoods to the east from the beaches of Poniente and Arbeyal, the shipyards, and the recreational port and the Port of
El MuselLocated in Asturias, in the north of Spain, and in the middle point of the Cantabrian Sea coast, the Port of Gijón is often seen as an ideal gateway to Europe, allowing direct access to the western and centre of the Iberian Peninsula....
to the west. It is close to the other main Asturian cities,
OviedoOviedo is the capital city of the Principality of Asturias in northern Spain. It is also the name of the municipality that contains the city....
and
AvilésAvilés is the name of the third most important city of Asturias, Spain. It is also the name of the municipality which includes the city, which is one of the smallest in the Principality of Asturias. Its length from north to south is 7.5 km, and from east to west it is 6.25 km, giving a...
.
Districts
As a
municipalityA municipality is an administrative entity composed of a clearly defined territory and its population and commonly denotes a city, town, or village, or a small grouping of them. A municipality is typically governed by a mayor and a city council or municipal council.The notion of municipality...
, Gijón / Xixón is divided in 26 districts or parishes:
1.
SerínSerín is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.The population of Serín was 309 in 2004Serín is located on the western area of Gijón / Xixón, and borders the Asturian municipalities of Llanera, Corvera and Carreño.Barrios & Places:-External links:* - Gijón / Xixón...
2.
San Andrés de los TaconesSan Andrés de los Tacones is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.The population of Serín was 191 in 2003...
3.
FresnoFresno is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.The population of Fresno was 712 in 2003Fresno is a heavily industrialized area of Gijón / Xixón.Barrios & Places:*Montiana*Fresno*Somonte*Villar...
4.
PuaoPuao is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.The population of Fresno was 243 in 2003Fresno is one of the smallest districts of Gijón / Xixón...
5.
VeriñaVeriña is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.The population of Veriña was 194 in 2005Veriña is located in the west of Gijón / Xixón, being an important industrial and railway axis.Barrios & Places:...
6. Jove / Xove 7.
Gijón / Xixón city 8.
SomióSomió is a civil parish of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain. Civil parishes are the legal subdivisions of the municipalities under the current statute of autonomy of Asturias ....
9.
CabueñesCabueñes is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.Its population was 1.053 in 2003.Cabueñes is a residential area and a public services district which borders the municipality of Villaviciosa in the east.Barrios...
10.
DevaDeva is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain. The toponym itself comes from an ancient pre-roman/astur deity.Its population was 597 in 2003....
11.
CaldonesCaldones is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.Its population was 403 in 2003.Located in the east of the municipality, Caldones is a rural area which borders the municipality of Villaviciosa in the east, vith the districts of Vega and Llavandera in the west, and...
12.
Baldornón / ValdornónValdornón is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.Its population was 193 in 2006.Valdornón is located on the southeastern area of Gijón / Xixón...
13.
FanoFano is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.Its population was 217 in 2003.Located in the south-east of the municipality, Fano is a rural area which borders the municipality of Siero in the south, and with the district of Valdornón in the east.Toponym comes from...
14.
Lavandera / LlavanderaLlavandera is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.The population of Llavandera was 333 in 2003...
15.
Huerces / Samartín de GüercesSamartín de Güerces is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.Its population was 293 in 2003....
16.
Leorio / LlorioLeorio / Llorio is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.Its population was 349 in 2003....
17.
La PedreraLa Pedrera is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.Its population was 660 in 2003.La pedrera borders the district of Ruedes in the south, Leorio / Llorio in the east and L'Abadía Cenero in the west....
18.
RuedesRuedes is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.Its population was 111 in 2003.Located in the south area of the municipality, Ruedes borders the districts of La Pedrera and L'Abadía Cenero in the north, and with the municipality of Siero in the south.There was a...
19.
Cenero / L'Abadía CeneroL'Abadía Cenero is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.Its population was 1,388 in 2003.L'Abadía Cenero is the biggest district of Gijón / Xixón...
20.
PorceyoPorceyo is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.Its population was 624 in 2003.Porceyo borders the districts of Tremañes and Roces in the north, and combines rural, industrial and roadway system areas....
21.
TremañesTremañes is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.Its population was 3.411 in 1994.An important industrial axis, the district included the Natahoyo area until 20th century,...
22.
RocesRoces is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.Its population was 2.858 in 1994.A traditionally rural area, the district included the El Coto, L'Arena and Contrueces barrios until 20th century.Barrios & Places:*El Barrio la Iglesia*La Braña*Los Caleros*La Fana*La...
23.
GrandaGranda is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.Its population was 622 in 2003.Granda is a residential and rural area, bordering with the city district in the north and with Vega in the south....
24.
Bernueces / Castiello BernuecesCastiello Bernueces is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.Its population was 740 in 2003....
25.
VegaVega is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.Its population was 3.213 in 2003.Vega is a residential and rural area, bordering with the districts of Granda, Castiello Bernueces, Santurio, Caldones, Llavandera y Samartín de Güerces.The famous La Camocha coal mine was...
26.
SanturioSanturio is a district of the municipality of Gijón / Xixón, in Asturias, Spain.Its population was 199 in 2003.Santurio is a residential and rural area, bordering with the districts of Deva in the east and Castiello Bernueces in the west.Barrios & Places:*L'Aldea*Carceo*La Cuesta*Bermuria*Les...
Gijón / Xixón city (numbered 7) is divided in four big areas (
Centre,
East,
West and
South) with several
neighbourhoodA neighbourhood or neighborhood is a geographically localised community within a larger city, town or suburb. Neighbourhoods are often social communities with considerable face-to-face interaction among members....
s within each one (
Cimadevilla / Cimavilla,
La Calzada,
El Natahoyo,
Pumarín,
Viesques,
El Llano, etc.)
Access
The A-66 motorway (Ruta de La Plata), A-8 (Autopista del Cantábrico) and the AS-1 (Autovía Minera) are the main highway accesses. By train, Gijón has daily service to
MadridMadrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. It is the third-most populous municipality in the European Union after Greater London and Berlin, and its metropolitan area is the third-most populous city by urban area in the European Union after Paris and London.The city is located on the river...
,
AlicanteAlicante or Alacant is a city in Spain, the capital of the province of Alicante and of the comarca of the Alacantí, in the southern part of the Valencian Community. It is also a historic Mediterranean port. The population of the city of Alicante proper was 331,750, estimated , ranking as the...
,
ZaragozaZaragoza, also called Saragossa in English, is the capital city of the Zaragoza province and of the autonomous community and former Kingdom of Aragon, Spain...
, and
BarcelonaBarcelona is the capital, most populous city of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain, with a population of 1,615,908 in 2008. It is the 11th-most populous municipality in the European Union and sixth-most populous urban area in the European Union after Paris,...
. Cruise ships call at El Musel, and the Airport of Asturias is located in the not far away municipality of
CastrillónCastrillón is a concejo in Asturias, located on the central coast. It has an area of 56.70 km² and a population of 22,361 inhabitants . The most important population centres are the capital Piedras Blancas, Salinas, and Raíces....
with daily flights to major Spanish and European cities.
A subway system, called
Metrotren, is currently under construction to improve the public transport in Gijón.
There are 22 regular lines of bus and 4 "night lines" of bus called "Buho" and special lines in special events like the
Feria Internacional de Muestras de Gijon (Gijon International Exposition Fair) or the
Semana Negra (literally
Black Week)
http://www.semananegra.org/, the city's famous one-week Festival based on
HardboiledHardboiled detective fiction is a literary style which portrays crime and violence in an unsentimental way.Pioneered by Carroll John Daly in the mid-1920s, popularized by Dashiell Hammett over the course of the decade, and refined by Raymond Chandler beginning in the late 1930s, hardboiled fiction...
literature.
Climate
Gijón has an Atlantic humid maritime climate, with mild temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The summers are warm, with both overcast and sunny days and winters are cold with significant rains. Gijón has a medium of 10 days of snow per year.
Culture
- During the early years of the 19th century the, then very small, town of Gijón was best known for its college or high-school known as the "Real Instituto Asturiano" founded by Jovellanos
Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos , was a Spanish neoclassical statesman, author, philosopher and main figure of the Age of Enlightenment in Spain.-Life:Jovellanos was born at Gijón in Asturias, Spain...
.
- Gijón has a wide range of museum options. The Museo Internacional de la Gaita (International Bagpipe Museum
The International Bagpipe Museum is located in Gijon, Asturia, Spain. The museum was founded in 1965, and moved to its current location in 1975....
) contains bagpipes from around the world, focusing on the AsturianAsturian may refer to:* Asturian language* Asturian people...
musical heritage and bagpipes. There are also several other museums:
- Revillagigedo Palace and Museum (At Marqués square, near the City Hall)
- Nicanor Piñole Museum (An art museum)
- Evaristo Valle Museum (Local painter museum placed in a mansion at the outskirts)
- Museo del Ferrocarril (Railroad Museum, near Poniente Beach)
- Juan Barjola Museum (A museum about a local painter, also interested in avant-garde
Avant-garde means "advance guard" or "vanguard". The adjective form is used in English, to refer to people or works that are experimental or innovative, particularly with respect to art, culture, and politics....
art)
- LABoralCentro de Arte y Creación Industrial (An exhibition centre for contemporary art, science, technology and advanced visual industries)
- The City Hall's sports and culture programs for citizens is wide, including the innovative Abierto Hasta el Amanecer (literally Open Till Dawn) nocturnal program, which tries to involve teens in cultural and sportive activities as an alternative to weekend nightlife.
- Gijon has 13 libraries in its Cultural City Centers, which feature a wide network of swimming pools and gyms.
Sports
Gijón's professional
soccerAssociation football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players using a spherical ball...
team,
Sporting de GijónReal Sporting de Gijón, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club from Gijón, Asturias. Founded in 1 June 1905, it currently plays in Spanish first division....
, plays in the
Spanish National LeagueThe Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, in terms of sponsorship, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional football league in Spain...
and is presently in the first division. Men's basketball team,
Gijón BaloncestoGijón Baloncesto S.A.D. is a basketball team based in Gijón, Asturias . The team does not play any league at the moment.-History:Gijón Baloncesto was established in 1982, after taking over the franchise of another local team , Real Grupo de Cultura Covadonga, who was undergoing financial difficulties...
, competes in the Spanish third professional basketball league (
LEB PlataLiga Española de Baloncesto is a Spanish basketball championship that is the next level of the ACB. Is administered by the FEB. The Liga Española de Baloncesto is constituted by two leagues: Adecco LEB Oro and Adecco LEB Plata....
).
American footballAmerican football, known in the United States and Canada simply as football, and often as Gridiron or Tackle football outside North America, is a competitive team sport known for combining strategy with physical play. The objective of the game is to score points by advancing the ball into the...
and
baseballBaseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The goal is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot square, or diamond...
are played in Gijón at top levels, with the
Gijón MarinersGijón Mariners is an american football team based in Gijón, Asturias .-History:The team was established in 2001 by a group of players of flag football at the beach. They joined the Spanish league for the 2006 season, and got included on the Western Conference of the LNFA 2...
and
El Llano BCEl Llano Béisbol Club is a baseball team in the Spanish baseball league. Founded in 1986, the club is based in Gijón, Asturias...
competing in the most important Spanish leagues of those sports.
Not far from Gijón, there are several ski resorts in
AsturiasThe Principality of Asturias is an autonomous community within the kingdom of Spain, former Kingdom of Asturias in the Middle Ages...
, the main being Valgrande-Pajares.
Gijón has 13 public sport centers (in Spanish:
Centros Municipales Integrados) with swimming pools, gyms and saunas. Swimming pools are free for children up to age 14.
The city's
marinaA marina is a sheltered harbor where boats and yachts are kept in the water and where services geared to the needs of recreational boating are found....
houses an important fleet of yachts and is the base for many water sports, being
Royal Astur Yacht ClubThe Royal Astur Yacht Club is located in Gijón, Asturias . It is the oldest and most important yacht club in Asturias....
the most important
yacht clubA yacht club is a sports club specifically related to sailing and yachting. Yacht Clubs are mostly located by the sea, although there are some prestigious ones that have been established at a lake or riverside location, like the Württembergischer Yacht Club in Friedrichshafen, Germany...
in town.
Economy
For much of the twentieth century the town was heavily dependent on mature heavy industries, but at the end of the
FrancoFrancisco Franco Bahamonde, commonly known as Francisco Franco , or simply Franco, was a military general and dictator of Spain from October 1936, and de facto regent of the nominally restored Kingdom of Spain from 1947 until his death in 1975...
era, tertiary sector employment began to expand rapidly along with the city's population which by 2007 stood officially at 277,897 for Gijón proper, and approximately 380,000 for the total Gijón agglomeration.
The port is at the centre of many of the local businesses. Apart from directly port related activities, the economy is based on tourism, steel (
ArcelorArcelor S.A. was the world's largest steel producer in terms of turnover and the second largest in terms of steel output, with a turnover of €30.2 billion and shipments of 45 million metric tons of steel in 2004...
), other metallurgy, livestock rearing and fisheries.
External links