The Principality of Asturias (El Principado de Asturias)

The city of Oviedo is the capital and cultural hub of Asturias. It is the home of the University of Oviedo, the only higher education institution in the Principality of Asturias. Oviedo is considered by many to be more conservative and refined than its sibling city on the coast,Gijón. It is also known throughout Spain as one of the cleanest cities in the country. It is a city that is also known for its cultural institutions as it is home to many museums and theaters as well as several churches and the Cathedral of San Salvador dating from 1388.

The Cathedral San Salvador in Oviedo. Originally founded in 781 CE, construction on the current building began in 1388 and took over 200 years before reaching its present state.

Street scene in central Oviedo

Palace of the General Assembly of the Principality of Asturias in Oviedo

Calle Pelayo in the busy shopping district of central Oviedo

Street scene in central Oviedo

Teatro Campoamor (Campoamor Theatre) decorated for the holidays, Oviedo’s main theater and musical event space.

Street scene in Oviedo, Calle Uría.

Gijón is the largest city in Asturias and considered to be more liberal than conservative Oviedo. Its position on the coast means that the city is closely tied to the sea, both for work and play, and is somewhat of a surfing destination. The old town area of Cimadevilla is located on a headland that protrudes out near San Lorenzo Beach and was built on the site of a Roman settlement.

San Lorenzo Beach and its promenade is a focal point of Gijón.

Gijón’s Plaza Mayo

San Pedro Church in Gijón with Roman bath ruins adjacent

Begoña Park in central Gijón. Notice the “Xixón” sign (Asturian language name for Gijón).

A local sidreria (cider bar) in the Cimadevilla area of Gijón

The marina at Cimadevilla

Aerial view of Gijón. Notice San Lorenzo Beach (lower right) and the Cimadevilla area outcrop above the beach.

Extended aerial view of Gijón

Plaza Mayor decorated for Christmas

Corrida pedestrian shopping area of Gijón

The small street where I lived while in Cimadevilla, Gijón. The backside of the Jovellanos house is on the left.

The marina at Cimadevilla