Gijon history

The history of Gijon, one of the largest cities in Asturias, dates back to ancient times. This coastal city, stretching along the shores of the Bay of Biscay, has come a long way from prehistoric settlements to becoming a vital industrial and cultural hub of Northern Spain.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first traces of human presence in the area of modern Gijon date back to the Neolithic era. In the pre-Roman period, the Celtiberian tribe of the Astures likely lived here, as evidenced by archaeological finds. It is believed that a permanent settlement was founded by the Celts in the 5th century BC. Later, with the arrival of the Romans, the city, then known as Gigia, became an important provincial centre. The Romans established the city on a small peninsula now called Cimadevilla — this is the oldest part of Gijon. Early medieval texts also mention the city by this name.

Key Factors of Development

Gijon's development was inextricably linked to its strategic seaside location.

• Geography and Trade: Its location on the shores of the Bay of Biscay made Gijon a natural port. This feature defined its economy for centuries. The development of the port, particularly in the 16th century by the decision of the Catholic Monarchs, and its subsequent modernization transformed the city into one of the largest transport hubs in northern Spain.
• Political Role: In the early Middle Ages, from 718 to 761, Gijon served briefly as the capital of the Kingdom of Asturias under King Pelayo. In 1270, King Alfonso X granted Gijon town privileges, which facilitated an influx of new residents and further growth.
• Industry: In the 19th century, active industrial development began, associated with coal mining and the construction of railways, which definitively secured Gijon's status as a major industrial centre.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially, the city's economy was centred around fishing and maritime trade. The old fishing quarter of Cimadevilla still preserves the atmosphere of those times. Roman heritage left a noticeable mark on the culture and architecture, particularly the ruins of the Roman baths discovered in the Campo Valdés area. During the Enlightenment, the city experienced a cultural revival largely due to the activities of Gijon native, the prominent statesman and writer Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos.

Chronology of Gijon's History

The history of Gijon is a chronicle of the transformation of an ancient settlement into one of the key port and industrial centres of northern Spain. The city has lived through many eras, each leaving its mark on its appearance and culture.

• 5th century BC — Foundation of a fortified settlement (castro) on the Campa Torres hill, considered the predecessor of modern Gijon.
• 1st century AD — The Romans occupy the settlement, move it to the Cimadevilla peninsula, and name it Gigia.
• 2nd century AD — Construction of the Roman baths in the Campo Valdés area, ruins of which have survived to this day.
• 718–761 — Gijon briefly becomes the capital of the nascent Kingdom of Asturias under King Pelayo.
• 1270 — King Alfonso X grants Gijon the status of a town (puebla), promoting its growth and attracting new residents.
• 1395 — The city is almost completely destroyed by a massive fire during dynastic wars.
• 1480 — The Catholic Monarchs grant permission for the construction of a new port, marking a turning point in the city's economic development.
• 1797 — The distinguished enlightener Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos founds the Royal Institute of Navigation and Mineralogy, laying the foundations for future industrial development.
• 1884 — Opening of the railway connection linking Gijon with coal mines and the rest of Spain, accelerating industrialisation.
• 1892 — The El Musel port begins operations, eventually becoming one of the largest in the north of the country.
• 1936–1937 — During the Spanish Civil War, Gijon aligns with the Republicans and becomes the temporary capital of the Sovereign Council of Asturias and León.
• 1946–1956 — Construction of the monumental complex of the Laboral University (Universidad Laboral), the largest building in Spain.
• 1990 — The famous sculpture by Eduardo Chillida, "Eulogy to the Horizon", is installed on Santa Catalina hill, becoming a symbol of modern Gijon.

The history of Gijon, one of the largest cities in Asturias, is a journey from an ancient Roman settlement to a modern cultural and tourism centre in the north of Spain. The city has passed through several key stages that defined its current appearance and economy.

• Roman Foundation. The city, known in the Roman era as Gigia, was founded on the peninsula known today as Cimadevilla. This laid the foundation for its future as a port. Evidence of that period remains in the city to this day, such as the ruins of the Roman baths in the Campo Valdés area.
• Medieval Development. In 1270, King Alfonso X granted Gijon town privileges, which fostered its growth and attracted new inhabitants. Its strategic location on the Bay of Biscay made it an important port and fortress.
• The Age of Enlightenment. In the 18th century, the city experienced a cultural and urban revival thanks to the ideas of its famous native — the statesman Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos. He initiated projects to modernize the port and develop urban infrastructure, providing a powerful impetus for further growth.
• Industrial Revolution. The 19th century became an era of rapid industrial growth for Gijon. The development of the coal industry and metallurgy in Asturias, along with the construction of railways, turned the city into one of the leading industrial centres of northern Spain. The El Musel port became a key hub for transporting coal and other cargo.
• Post-War Recovery and Growth. The city suffered greatly during the Spanish Civil War but was rebuilt and continued to grow. The 20th century saw significant demographic growth, turning Gijon into the most populous city in Asturias.
• Modern Transformation. In recent decades, following the crisis in traditional sectors such as the steel industry, Gijon has successfully reoriented itself. Today, it is a major tourism, university, cultural, and scientific centre, known as the "Capital of the Green Coast" (Costa Verde).

Gijon's architectural landscape is a fascinating journey through the centuries, reflecting its transformation from a Roman settlement into a major industrial and subsequently cultural centre. The city harmoniously blends historical buildings with modern developments, creating a unique urban environment. Today's Gijon presents a mix of modernity and significant historical influence.

Roman Heritage and the Middle Ages

The foundations of urban planning were laid by the Romans, who established the settlement of Gigia on a strategically advantageous peninsula known today as Cimadevilla. This district remains the historic heart of the city. Traces of the Roman era can be found here, particularly the ruins of the Campo Valdés Roman Baths. Medieval architecture has survived only in fragments, largely due to the devastating fire of 1395 and subsequent reconstructions.

Baroque and the Age of Enlightenment

In the 17th and 18th centuries, especially during the Enlightenment, the city experienced a cultural revival. A vivid example of architecture from this period is the Revillagigedo Palace (Palacio de Revillagigedo), located on the Plaza del Marqués. This monumental Baroque building, constructed in the 18th century, incorporates an earlier 15th-century tower and today functions as a contemporary art centre. Also dating from this era is the museum-home of the prominent enlightener Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, a native of Gijon.

Industrialization: Eclecticism and Modernism

The 19th and early 20th centuries were a period of rapid growth associated with industrialization. The city expanded beyond the old quarter of Cimadevilla, and new wide streets, such as Calle Corrida, and squares appeared. The architecture of this time was dominated by Eclecticism, Historicism, and especially Modernism (Art Nouveau). Gijon's Modernism is distinguished by elegance and an abundance of decorative elements on the facades of buildings constructed for the wealthy bourgeoisie. Iconic Neo-Gothic churches were also erected during this time, such as the Church of San Lorenzo (1896-1901) and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1918-1922).

20th Century: Monumentalism and Modernity

The mid-20th century left Gijon with one of the grandest architectural monuments in all of Spain — the Laboral University (Universidad Laboral). Built between 1946 and 1956, this complex is the largest building in the country by area (270,000 m²). Its architecture represents monumental Neoclassicism with elements of the Neo-Herrerian style, inspired by classical examples like El Escorial. Since the late 20th century, Gijon has been actively transforming, turning former industrial zones into public spaces. A symbol of this renewal is Eduardo Chillida's sculpture "Eulogy to the Horizon" (1990), installed on Santa Catalina hill.

Notable Figures Associated with Gijon

Gijon, a major cultural and historical centre of Asturias, has given Spain and the world many talented and influential people. Their activities span politics, art, sports, and science, leaving a notable mark on the history of the city and the country.

• Pelayo (c. 685–737) — King, founder of the Kingdom of Asturias. Although not born in the city, it was Pelayo who made Gijon his residence and the first capital of the new Christian kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula, initiating the Reconquista. His figure is key to the city's early history.
• Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos (1744–1811) — Statesman, writer, and enlightener. One of the most brilliant minds of the Enlightenment in Spain, Jovellanos was born in Gijon and made an immense contribution to its development. He founded the Royal Asturian Institute of Navigation and Mineralogy, laying the groundwork for the region's industrial and educational rise.
• Evaristo Valle (1873–1951) — Post-Impressionist painter. One of the most significant Asturian painters, whose works often depicted local life, carnivals, and landscapes. Gijon hosts a museum dedicated to his work, housing a large collection of his paintings, personal items, and documents.
• Torcuato Fernández-Miranda (1915–1980) — Politician and jurist. A native of Gijon, he played a decisive role in Spain's transition to democracy after the fall of the Franco regime. As a mentor to King Juan Carlos I and President of the Cortes, he is considered one of the main architects of democratic reform.
• Arturo Fernández Rodríguez (1929–2019) — Theatre and film actor. Born in Gijon, Arturo Fernández became one of Spain's most popular and beloved actors. His career spanned over six decades, during which he played many iconic roles on stage and screen.
• Paco Ignacio Taibo I (1924–2008) — Writer, journalist, and gastronome. Although he spent most of his life in Mexico, Taibo was born in Gijon and always maintained a connection with his hometown. He founded the popular "Semana Negra" (Black Week) literary festival in Gijon, which attracts thousands of visitors annually.
• Luis Enrique Martínez García (born 1970) — Footballer and coach. A world-renowned athlete born and raised in Gijon, where he began his career. He played for great clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona, and also coached the Spanish national team. Luis Enrique has repeatedly emphasized his attachment to his hometown.