|
The major port of Asturias and its
largest city is a summer resort and an industrial center rolled into
one. As a port, Gijón (pronounced "hee-hohn") is said to predate the
Romans. The Visigoths came through here, and in the 8th century the
Moors wandered through the area, but none of those would-be
conquerors made much of an impression.
The best part of the city to explore is the barrio of Cimadevilla,
with its maze of alleys and leaning houses. This section, jutting
into the ocean to the north of the new town, spills over an elevated
piece of land known as Santa Catalina. Santa Catalina forms a
headland at the west end of the Playa San Lorenzo, stretching for
about 2.5 Kms. (1 1/2 miles); this sandy beach has good facilities.
After time at the beach, you can stroll through the Isabel la
Católica Park at its eastern end. |
