Gijon

Gijon is the capital of the Asturias region. It has a population of around 270,000 citizens and a million dogs. Seriously most people live in flats in apartment blocks with no gardens yet they all have dogs. Not just little dogs either. Luckily the city has  lovely parks, plazas and of course the beaches and marine coastal parks.  Just watch where you walk, there are doggie landmines everywhere.

It's interesting to see the apartment dwellers all walking down to the beach on Saturday morning with beach chairs and rugs and picnics...and their dogs of course 😊. Every doorway, lamppost, marble block in a dog leg-cocking height is stained by 20 years of dog pee, it stinks and is so ugly.  Ok moan over. 

There is a lovely family feel, everyone having fun, no aggro and the people are so friendly and welcoming. The little  beach tents  for changing in are pretty cute and it is great to see everyone out walking the bays and on the coastal cycle track. It's a beautiful coastal area. 

The church of San Pedro is an iconic building at one end of San Lorenzo playa (beach).

 

Gijon has been occupied since 5th century BC. It's had Visigoths, Romans, French, Moor's and Portuguese as occupiers and Franco's army set up here. The old town is an interesting historic mix of architectural design. Check out the Octavio Augustus sculpture below, it's fantastic.

It's pleasant to wander the old town and admire the various building styles. Even those  that are looking shabby and derelict still have a charm.  

We found the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, known to locals as La Iglesiona.

This is one incredible Basilica, all stone outside and pretty plain but step inside and you are wowed. The artwork was completed by two brothers and it is referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Asturias. The paintings, sculpture, icons and artwork are incredible. Hard to believe during the civil war it was used as a prison by the Republicans. 

 The coastal track is a pleasant easy walk and it's dotted with sculptures along the way.

My favorite was the Mother of Emigrants, mourning sons and daughters that had set out to new lands for better lives.

The stainless steel knot demonstrates unity and connection.

 You can follow the path as far as the eye can see. There are lovely picnic spots to rest and you can take a swim along the way.