Plaza Mayor of Gijón
Asturias, Principado de
The Plaza Mayor of Gijón is the main square located in the heart of Gijón, Asturias, Spain. Situated between the San Lorenzo beach and the Plazuela del Marqués in the historic Cimadevilla neighborhood, it serves as the seat of the City Council. The plaza's design dates back to 1858, inspired by traditional Castilian plazas found throughout Spain and Latin America. It was intended to be a fully porticoed square on all four sides, but due to budget constraints, only two sides were porticoed, with the third side closed off by the City Hall building, which faces away from the sea. The square is paved and pedestrianized, featuring iron ornamental street lamps in its center. Architecturally, it blends classicism with decorative elements added in later modifications. The plaza is surrounded by two-story buildings with semicircular arches under the porticos, and on the unporticoed side, a mix of well-preserved traditional and modern buildings, including the historically notable Hotel Asturias, featured in the Oscar-winning film "Volver a Empezar." Despite its modest size, Plaza Mayor is a lively hub hosting numerous cultural celebrations such as concerts, religious events, artisan and gastronomy markets, and the opening ceremony of the "Semana Grande" festival. Its strategic location connects visitors to the marina, the Corrida street, Cimadevilla district, downtown, and San Lorenzo beach, making it a popular gathering place with various hospitality venues. The plaza also serves as a venue for municipal events like vehicle fleet presentations by the local police and public transport company.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Plaza Mayor is during local festivals such as the "Semana Grande" in August, when the square hosts vibrant events and concerts. Since the plaza is pedestrianized and centrally located, it is easily accessible year-round. Visitors may enjoy artisan markets and gastronomy fairs held periodically. While entry is free, attending events may require checking schedules in advance. The plaza's proximity to the beach and historic Cimadevilla neighborhood makes it ideal for combined sightseeing and leisure.
Faits intéressants
- •The Plaza Mayor was designed to be a fully porticoed square, but only two sides were completed with porticos due to budget constraints.
- •The Hotel Asturias, located on the unporticoed side, appears in the Oscar-winning film "Volver a Empezar."
- •The plaza hosts the traditional opening ceremony of Gijón's "Semana Grande" festival, a major local celebration.
- •It serves as a common venue for municipal events, including the presentation of new local police and public transport vehicles.
Histoire
The Plaza Mayor project began in 1858, aiming to create a dignified central square for Gijón following the model of Castilian plazas.
The City Hall building was completed in 1865, replacing earlier municipal locations such as the Torre del Reloj and Plaza de la Soledad.
Originally, the site was an irregular square called Plaza Principal with a small town hall building.
The plaza's design was modified by architects Luis Céspedes and Lucas María Palacios after the initial project by Andrés Coello.
Construction was never fully completed, leaving the north side without porticos.
In 1928, the municipal fish market was incorporated into the porticoed building.
The plaza has evolved as a cultural and social center in Gijón, maintaining a blend of historic and modern architecture due to budget limitations and preservation efforts in the 1980s.
Guide du lieu
City Hall (Casa Consistorial)1865
The prominent building on the plaza, serving as the main seat of Gijón's municipal government. Completed in 1865, it forms the closed side of the plaza facing away from the sea, anchoring the square's layout.
Porticoed BuildingsMid to late 19th century
Two sides of the plaza are lined with two-story buildings featuring semicircular arches forming porticos. These structures provide sheltered walkways and house various hospitality venues.
Hotel Asturias
A historic hotel located on the unporticoed side of the plaza, notable for its traditional architectural style and cultural significance due to its appearance in the film "Volver a Empezar."
Iron Ornamental Street Lamp
An ornamental iron lamp located at the center of the plaza, enhancing its aesthetic and historic ambiance.
