Gijón, Asturias – España WALKING TOUR 4K | 🍎 Olas, Sidra y Paseo por el mar Cantábrico!

Gijón, Asturias – España WALKING TOUR 4K | 🍎 Olas, Sidra y Paseo por el mar Cantábrico!

Hello everyone, dear friends! 🤗 Welcome to Gijón, a charming coastal city in the Asturias region of Spain! Today we begin our walk from Santa Catalina Park, a former military battery that is now the most peaceful corner of the city. This concrete structure in front of us is the Elogio del Horizonte (Eulogy to the Horizon). It was sculpted by Eduardo Chillida in 1990, designed to capture how the wind and the sound of the sea would interact with its structure. In fact, if you stand in the center of the sculpture, the sound of the sea is amplified in an enveloping way, as if the horizon itself were embracing you. 👂 Look at this green and this blue; this is Asturias greeting you with its most vibrant colors! 💙💚 Interestingly, not all the locals liked this sculpture, and some jokingly nicknamed it “King Kong’s toilet” because of its semicircular shape and large size. 🦍 On this hill, you can still see the remains of bunkers from the Spanish Civil War. They were built to defend the city against possible attacks from the sea, and from here you can watch over the entire bay. The bunkers were connected to alarm systems and anti-aircraft guns. Here we see the Atlantic Arc, a geographical region encompassing the coasts of Portugal, Spain, France, and the British Isles. It’s a strategic corridor connecting Europe, facilitating maritime trade between its coastal regions and fostering the competitiveness of its ports compared to other European areas. It’s amazing to think that these bunkers were installed and used in the war just 85–90 years ago! 😱 Now this place is an open-air museum… 🕊 The Spanish Civil War was a conflict that took place in Spain between 1936 and 1939, pitting two main sides against each other: On one side, the Republicans, who supported a democratically elected government and held progressive, socialist, and communist ideals. On the other side were the Nationalists, led by General Francisco Franco, who wanted an authoritarian and conservative government. The conflict began when the Nationalists rebelled against the Republican government, starting a brutal civil war that affected the entire Spanish population. There were bombings, fighting in cities and towns, and many deaths and displacements. Finally, in 1939, the Nationalists won, and Franco became dictator of Spain until his death in 1975. The war left deep political, economic, and social scars that have affected the country to this day. A current example of these historical scars is reflected in the controversy surrounding the Spanish flag. During the dictatorship of Francisco Franco (1939–1975), the Spanish flag was used as a symbol of the authoritarian regime. For this reason, in Spain the flag is sometimes perceived as a symbol of the extreme right: some use it with pride, while others, especially those on the left, avoid it and even reject it. It’s a shame that such a beautiful country with so many sporting successes can’t fully enjoy its flag without prejudice. Although there are times, like during the World Cup, when everything else is set aside and the colors of the Spanish national team become a symbol of unity and shared pride, even if only for a few days. ✨ Friends, let’s come closer to see the views from the front row! Being on the Cantabrian coast, Gijón receives winds from the ocean. 🌊 Although there can be strong gusts, most of the time they are moderate winds that cool the climate and keep it pleasant. 🌞 From here you can see how Gijón is always oriented towards the sea, its historical source of life. This is the Church of San Pedro, one of the city’s most emblematic monuments and a landmark of its maritime profile. Now we’ll go inside… Friend, give it a like 👍 and subscribe! Every day we discover something new and fun, and you won’t want to miss it. Join the adventure! 😉 The original church was built in the 15th century in the Gothic style, on the remains of earlier buildings, probably from the medieval period. During the Spanish Civil War, it was completely destroyed by fire, and almost all of its artistic heritage was lost. The current building is a reconstruction carried out between 1945 and 1955 by the architect Francisco de Zubillaga, in a Neo-Romanesque style with Neo-Gothic influences. Among the new decorations, high-quality mosaics and stained glass windows stand out, created by artists associated with religious art in post-war Spain. The church is dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus and considered the first Pope of the Catholic Church. Many sailors and merchants visited this church before setting sail, seeking divine protection on their voyages. Now let’s continue our walk, because there are some surprises you’re going to love! 🌟😚 For example… Did you know that Gijón and surfing are deeply intertwined? 🏄‍♀️ The city is one of the leading surfing destinations in northern Spain. Surfing began to take hold in Gijón in the 80s, and since then it has grown into a true surfing community. Look! 👀 Today the city boasts schools, clubs, championships, and international events, as well as a vibrant local culture. The waves that these surfers enjoy today were, centuries ago, the same ones that drew the Romans to this corner of the Cantabrian Sea… Beneath the streets still lie the remains of Roman Gijón, like these thermal baths, built almost 2,000 years ago, when the city was called Gigia. The Romans needed a place to rest, socialize, and care for their bodies after work and travels… That’s why they built the Roman Baths of Campo Valdés right next to the sea and the port. These baths were public and served both for hygiene and for meetings and conversations. The mosaics and decorative altarpieces showed that, although small, Gigia had a high standard of living. The complex included cold, warm, and hot water rooms, with an advanced heating system called a hypocaust. Today we can see the original walls, water channels, and mosaic floors that have been preserved. As we can see, wood was burned beneath the building to heat the entire structure. 🔥 This isn’t a movie set; every stone of the baths connects us to the inhabitants who lived here almost two thousand years ago. Isn’t it incredible? With the crisis of the Roman Empire, the city went into decline. Gradually, the urban center shrank, and during the High Middle Ages, activity shifted inland towards Cimavilla, where the medieval town of Gijón would later emerge. Nearby stands the statue of Octavian Augustus, the first Roman emperor, who helped establish Roman power in Hispania. The statue commemorates how Rome left its mark on the city’s founding and history. Now we leave the Roman baths behind and head down to the heart of Gijón! 💖 That blue flag is the flag of the autonomous community of Asturias, the region where Gijón is located. And this is the Plaza Mayor, where the town hall is located and where popular events and fairs are held. Since the Middle Ages, it has been a place of markets, homes, and shops, becoming the heart of urban life. As you may know, in the past there were no freezers, so to prevent fish from spoiling during long journeys, it was preserved by salting. 🧂 And this was done at the Salt Factory, where fish and seafood were processed for trade. Just a few steps from the factory, we find the Pozo de la Barquera (Boatwoman’s Well): This well supplied water to ships arriving at the port and to the local residents during the Middle Ages. And this is the Fountain of Pelayo, the first king of the Kingdom of Asturias and the initiator of the Reconquista in the Iberian Peninsula. Pelayo led the Christian resistance against the Muslims after the invasion of 711, and his victory at the Battle of Covadonga is considered the beginning of the Reconquista. Pelayo became a symbol of Asturian and Spanish identity, representing resilience and survival. And just like that, we move from one Asturian symbol to another—I’m talking about cider! 🍎 Cider is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice and is a deeply rooted tradition in Asturias. The Cider Tree is a contemporary artwork consisting of a metal structure that resembles a tree, whose leaves are made of 3,200 recycled cider bottles. Cider isn’t just a drink in Asturias, it’s part of its soul and its land. 💚 We’ll be going to the beach in a little while! 😚 By the way! If you ever come to Gijón and want to try cider, don’t serve it like water! It should be poured from a height, that is, from a certain height, so that it aerates and acquires its characteristic flavor and foam! 😍 📍 Collegiate Church of San Juan Bautista. In case you ever dare to pour cider, I’m going to explain how a true Asturian does it! 😉 1- Hold the bottle with one hand and the glass with the other. 2- Hold the glass as close to the ground as possible and the bottle at shoulder height or higher. 3- Pour the cider in a thin stream, letting it fall into the glass like a fine waterfall. 4- Serve only a single-shot amount, known as a “culín,” which is drunk in one gulp to fully enjoy it. And now you’re ready to come and pour your cider at a cider house like this one! 🍎😚 Friends, the Asturian anthem is about to ring out from the bells! 🔔 I don’t know if the seagulls or the bells sing louder! 🤣 👂 🔔👏👏👏 Almost without realizing it, we’ve entered the Chapel of Our Lady of Remedies. Our Lady of Remedies is the patron saint of sailors and protector against the dangers of the sea. As we head towards the seafront, there’s something I want to tell you… I recently told you that Pelayo led the resistance against the Muslims, and that his victory at the Battle of Covadonga marked the beginning of the Reconquista, establishing the first Christian kingdom in northern Spain. Well, the importance of Pelayo and Asturias was so widely recognized that, over the centuries, Spanish monarchs decided to grant the heir to the Crown the title of Prince of Asturias. 👑 Even today, Asturias is officially known as the Principality of Asturias! The current title of Prince of Asturias is held by Leonor de Borbón y Ortiz, the eldest daughter of King Felipe VI of Spain. Leonor is the heir to the Spanish throne, and that’s why she is officially called: Princess of Asturias. 📍 Church of San Lorenzo . You already know this church; it’s the Church of San Pedro! 😉 If it weren’t for this wall… 🌊 Now we’re on the seafront promenade that connects the main coastal neighborhoods of Gijón, from Cimavilla to San Lorenzo Beach. Originally, this area served as a thoroughfare and access to the port, with maritime and commercial activities. It was modernized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with gardens, benches, and leisure spaces, reflecting Gijón’s transformation into a tourist city. In the next post, we’ll go to the beach so our dogs can enjoy it! 🥰 King Kong, your bath is at the top of Santa Catalina Hill! 🤣 At night, this promenade is illuminated and becomes a very pleasant place to stroll and see the reflection of the lights on the sea. 💡 I’d love to hear your opinion of Gijón; we always read all the comments! 💌 If we go down here, we’ll all get wet! ❌ If you ever come here, you can’t miss a dish that’s famous throughout Spain: Fabada Asturiana. It’s a traditional stew made with fabes (large, buttery white beans) accompanied by Asturian chorizo, Asturian black pudding, and cured bacon. It originated as a humble country dish, made with local ingredients that were easy to preserve. It was prepared in winter, when it was cold and energy was needed for work. Over time, it became a symbol of hospitality: in Asturias, offering fabada is like offering the best of the house. It’s a dish that’s cooked slowly, for hours, until the broth becomes thick and flavorful. 🤤 Authentic Asturian fabes have Protected Designation of Origin (PDO Faba Asturiana). Fabada is now one of the most recognized and beloved dishes in all of Spanish cuisine. ✨ Alright friends, it’s time to head down to the beach! 🤗 It’s fantastic when dogs are allowed to enjoy the beach and run free alongside other dogs! 💖 By the way, we’re at San Lorenzo beach, which stretches for over 1.5 km in the perfect shell shape. Its shell shape and northerly orientation mean it gets good waves almost all year round, and surfers don’t hesitate to take advantage of them. Friends, even Snoopy knows the walk is coming to an end, but we’re happy to be here all together! 🤗 Thanks for joining us; we all make this channel happen! 🤝✨💖 If you want to keep exploring, you’ll find beautiful destinations full of interesting things. Check out our channel! 😉 We’re saying goodbye from Gijón, but we’ll be waiting for you at the next destination! 🤗 See you soon! Take care! 💖🍎🏄‍♂️🧂🦍🔔👑📍🌊🥰💌🤝✨💖

🌊¡Bienvenidos a Gijón!✨ Únete a este Walking Tour 4K de la mano de @walking_eye por la ciudad asturiana donde el mar, la historia y la sidra se encuentran en cada esquina.

Hoy veremos: 🏘️ Cimavilla, el casco antiguo marinero, ⛪ la Iglesia de San Pedro frente al Cantábrico, ⚓ el Puerto y la Playa de San Lorenzo donde hoy se surfea 🏄‍♂️, la Plaza Mayor, centro histórico y social, 🗿 la Estatua de Octavio Augusto, legado romano, 🌳 el Árbol de la Sidra y cómo se sirve con el escarciado 🍏, el Cerro de Santa Catalina y el Elogio del Horizonte de Chillida, 🏰 calles, palacios y rincones con historia y tradición, y 🔍 curiosidades, historias de personajes ilustres y secretos locales.

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