Palacio de Revillagigedo

Imagine a monumental building where the austerity of medieval towers meets the elegance of Baroque lines. The Revillagigedo Palace is one of the architectural gems that Gijón is most proud of. Built in the 18th century, this palace is a striking example of civil architecture, reflecting the grandeur of the Asturian nobility.

Revillagigedo Palace. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

A special charm is given to the building by the contrast of eras: its facade is adorned with two powerful towers with crenelated battlements, one of which dates back to the 15th century. Today, the palace has ceased to be just a historical monument and has transformed into a living cultural space. Spain is famous for its ability to give new life to ancient walls, and this place is a prime example: it now houses an international art center.

Located on the picturesque Plaza del Marqués, the palace adjoins the Collegiate Church of San Juan Bautista, forming a harmonious ensemble that invariably attracts the eyes of tourists. Whether you are a history buff or a contemporary art enthusiast, everyone will find something inspiring here, as dynamic world-class exhibitions and cultural events are hidden behind the austere facade.

To clarify the latest information about events and potential changes in the schedule, we recommend visiting official resources or contacting the palace directly at its location.

Within the walls of the Revillagigedo Palace, guests can discover contemporary art. The building houses a cultural center that regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, creative installations, and educational events. This is a wonderful opportunity to see how avant-garde artistic ideas look when framed by Baroque interiors.

Exploring the building's exterior is a particular pleasure. Be sure to note the contrast between the rugged 15th-century tower and the formal 18th-century facade—it’s an ideal backdrop for architectural photography. A stroll through the adjacent Plaza del Marqués will allow you to feel the city's rhythm and observe the details of the neighboring Church of San Juan Bautista.

A visit to the palace can be easily combined with a walk through the historic Cimadevilla district. The Jovellanos Birthplace Museum is very close by, and if you walk a bit further to Santa Catalina Hill, you can see the famous sculpture "Praise of the Horizon" (Elogio del Horizonte). In the evening, the palace often serves as a venue for local festivals, allowing tourists to dive deeper into the cultural life of modern Asturias.

The Revillagigedo Palace is located in the heart of the historic center at Plaza del Marqués, 2. If you are already exploring the old Cimadevilla quarter or relaxing on San Lorenzo Beach, you can reach it on foot in about 10–15 minutes. A stroll through the city's cobblestone streets allows you to gradually immerse yourself in the atmosphere of old Spain.

For those who prefer public transport, the EMTUSA city bus network is ideal. Lines 1, 4, and 10 stop in the immediate vicinity of Plaza del Marqués. If you are arriving from other cities in the region, such as Oviedo, it is most convenient to take the RENFE train (the journey takes about 30 minutes) to the Gijón-Sanz Crespo station, then transfer to a bus or walk for about 15 minutes.

Tourists traveling by car can use underground parking lots in the Plaza Mayor area or other municipal garages in the center. Gijón has a well-developed road network, but keep in mind that traffic may be restricted in the historic center itself, so it is best to look for parking in advance.

The history of this majestic building began in the 18th century, when construction of the Baroque palace began by decree of the Marquis of San Esteban del Mar del Natahoyo. However, the structure hides even older secrets: one of its towers with characteristic crenellations was built as far back as the 15th century and was skillfully integrated into the later architectural ensemble.

The Revillagigedo Palace received its current name from its last owner, the Count of Revillagigedo. The building is a living testament to the evolution that Spain and the Asturias region have undergone. The city of Gijón itself grew from a small Celtic settlement and Roman fishing village into a major port, and the palace became an important element of its architectural landscape during the Enlightenment.

In the 20th century, the palace's destiny changed—it ceased to be a private residence and was transformed into a cultural center under the auspices of the Fundación Cajastur-Liberbank. Its close proximity to the Collegiate Church of San Juan Bautista creates a unified historical complex that remains a center of social and cultural life in the city to this day, preserving the spirit of past centuries.

To leisurely explore the Revillagigedo Palace, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This provides enough time to study the architectural details of the facade, visit the current contemporary art exhibition, and take atmospheric photos against the backdrop of the ancient towers.

If you also plan to visit the adjacent Church of San Juan Bautista or stroll along the waterfront, it's worth dedicating about half a day to this area. The interior tour and exhibitions themselves take about 45 minutes, while the rest of the time is usually spent admiring Plaza del Marqués and relaxing in one of the nearby cafes.

The working hours of the Revillagigedo Palace often depend on current exhibitions and cultural programs. Generally, the center is open to visitors on weekdays from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00; however, visiting hours may be reduced on weekends and public holidays.

To ensure your visit goes smoothly, we strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the foundation's official website or inquiring upon arrival in the city, as access to some halls may be restricted during exhibition changeover periods.

Exploring the area around the palace will allow you to feel the true flavor of Asturias. Just a few steps away are the cozy streets of the old town, where the modern rhythms of life blend harmoniously with centuries-old traditions.

A walk through the nearby squares and waterfronts will reveal many interesting locations—from monumental sculptures to modern aquariums.