History of Gijón: A Journey Through the City Through the Centuries

Gijón, located on the northern coast of Spain in the Asturias region, is a city with a rich and fascinating history dating back thousands of years. From its origins as a small pre-Roman settlement to becoming one of the most important cities in northern Spain, Gijón has witnessed numerous historical events that have shaped its character and landscape. On this tour of Gijón’s history, you’ll discover how the city has evolved over time, offering visitors a unique blend of culture, tradition, and modernity.

The First Settlers. Pre-Roman Origins

The history of Gijón dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlements in the region dating back to the Upper Paleolithic. However, it was during the Bronze Age that the first settlements were established in the area. The Astures , a Celtic tribe that inhabited the north of the Iberian Peninsula, were the first to settle in what we know today as Gijón.

Gijón’s first urban center was located on Santa Catalina Hill , in the Cimavilla area, the oldest neighborhood in the city. This strategic hill afforded excellent natural defenses and privileged views of the Cantabrian Sea, which facilitated the development of the community in this area. Archaeological remains, such as the Castro de la Campa Torres, attest to the presence of the Asturians and offer a fascinating window into the region’s Celtic past.

Roman Era. Gigia, the birth of a city

With the arrival of the Romans in the 1st century BC, Gijón, then known as Gigia , began to gain importance as a port and strategic point in the region. The Romans established a solid infrastructure, including the construction of roads, aqueducts, and thermal baths, which helped consolidate Gigia as a significant city in the Roman province of Asturia et Gallaecia .

The Roman Baths of Campo Valdés , discovered in 1903, are one of the most impressive vestiges from this period. Located in the heart of the city, near San Lorenzo Beach , these underground baths offer a fascinating glimpse into daily life in Roman Gijón. In addition to being a place of relaxation and socializing, the baths played a fundamental role in public hygiene and health.

Another testament to the Roman presence is the Veranes Mosaic , found in a Roman villa on the outskirts of the city. This villa, known as the Roman Villa of Veranes, is an impressive example of the luxury and sophistication achieved by some Roman families in Gijón.

The Middle Ages. Reconstruction and development

With the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, Gijón, like many other cities on the Iberian Peninsula, suffered a period of decline. During the Early Middle Ages, the city was invaded and occupied by various peoples, including the Suevi and Visigoths. However, it was during Muslim rule, between the 8th and 9th centuries, that Gijón faced one of its greatest challenges: the almost total destruction of the city during the wars between Muslims and Christians.

Despite these challenges, Gijón managed to recover and began rebuilding during the reign of Alfonso I of Asturias. It was during this time that the Church of San Pedro was erected, a pre-Romanesque temple that became the city’s main religious center. Although the original church was destroyed and rebuilt several times, its presence marks a pivotal point in Gijón’s history.

Over the following centuries, Gijón continued to grow as a small but important fishing and commercial port on the Cantabrian coast. The medieval city developed mainly around the Cimavilla neighborhood, which today remains the historic heart of Gijón, with its narrow cobbled streets and stone buildings.

The Renaissance and the Modern Age: Expansion and Prosperity

The Renaissance marked a period of expansion for Gijón. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the city experienced significant economic and demographic growth. Fishing, agriculture, and maritime trade became the city’s main economic activities. Gijón benefited from its strategic location on the Cantabrian coast, which made it a key port for trade with other regions of Spain and Europe.

One of the symbols of Renaissance Gijón is the Church of San Pedro , rebuilt in the 15th century after being destroyed several times. This Gothic church, located at the eastern end of San Lorenzo beach, is one of the city’s most emblematic buildings.

In the modern age, Gijón continued to prosper, and the construction of important infrastructure, such as the Port of Musel in the 19th century, consolidated the city’s position as a key industrial and commercial center in northern Spain. The port facilitated the expansion of maritime activities and trade, particularly in the export of coal and other natural resources.

19th Century. Industrial Revolution and Urban Transformation

The 19th century was a period of great change for Gijón. The Industrial Revolution transformed the city from a fishing and commercial port to a major industrial center. The steel and metallurgical industries, as well as mining, became the driving forces of the local economy, attracting workers from all over Asturias and other regions of Spain.

Industrial growth also fueled rapid urban expansion. Neighborhoods like La Calzada and El Natahoyo emerged to house the growing working population, and Gijón began to acquire its modern, cosmopolitan character. The Promotion of Industry and Commerce , one of the city’s first industrial institutions, played a crucial role in Gijón’s modernization.

One of the most important events of this period was the Peninsular War (1808-1814), during which Gijón was occupied by French troops. Local resistance was fierce, and the city suffered severe damage, but it quickly recovered once the French were expelled.

20th Century. War, reconstruction and modernization

The 20th century was a time of ups and downs for Gijón. The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) had a devastating impact on the city, which was the scene of intense fighting and suffered extensive destruction. During the postwar period, Gijón, like the rest of Spain, experienced a period of reconstruction and economic hardship.

However, the second half of the 20th century saw a new era of modernization and growth. Industry continued to be a fundamental pillar of the local economy, and Gijón became a leading industrial center in northern Spain. The construction of new infrastructure, such as the Luis Adaro Trade Fair Center and the Gijón Science and Technology Park , helped diversify the economy and attract new investment.

Tourism also began to play an increasingly important role in the city’s economy. The opening of new beaches , parks, and cultural centers attracted visitors from all over Spain and abroad, consolidating Gijón’s status as a key tourist destination on the Cantabrian coast.

Gijón today. A dynamic and cultural city

Today, Gijón is a vibrant city that combines its rich history with dynamic modernity. Tourism is one of the pillars of the local economy, and the city has successfully reinvented itself as a top-tier cultural, culinary , and leisure destination.

The Atlantic Botanical Garden , the Laboral University , and the Asturias Railway Museum are just a few of the many attractions Gijón offers its visitors. The city is also famous for its festivals, such as Semana Negra and the Gijón International Film Festival , which attract thousands of tourists each year.

Gijón has managed to preserve its historical heritage while adapting to modern times. Neighborhoods like Cimavilla remain the heart of the city, where visitors can stroll through streets steeped in history, while the marina and beaches offer an ideal place to enjoy the sea and sun.

The history of Gijón is a fascinating journey through the centuries, from its humble origins as a Celtic settlement to a modern and dynamic coastal city. Every corner of Gijón tells a story, and its streets, monuments, and landscapes invite visitors to discover it. If you’re planning a visit to Gijón, take the time to explore its rich historical and cultural heritage, and let the city tell you its story.