As the old town district of the city, Cimadevilla (Cimavilla in English) contains many of Gijón’s most fascinating and spectacular sights. It is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins and the hilltop Elogio del Horizonte sculpture that overlooks the Bay of Biscay. Stroll through this charming neighborhood on foot for a glimpse into the traditions and history of Gijón.
Delve into the Campo Valdés Roman Baths site that lies beneath its namesake plaza to find out about the Roman impact on the region. Stroll through the warm and cold areas and the changing rooms of this intriguing excavation site and read the English leaflets for context.
Admire the adjacent Church of San Pedro and visit its chapel at the back. Join the walkers and joggers along the coastal promenade and gaze out at the rocks that meet the sea. A few blocks west is the impressive Revillagigedo Palace, an iconic structure of Asturian Baroque design containing the International Art Centre.
Wander through the various cobbled plazas in the area and browse the range of stores. Enjoy a traditional Asturian meal of white bean and pork shoulder stew and sip coffee, while people-watching.
For a change of scenery, visit the serene and picturesque Cerro de Santa Catalina Park. Climb up the Santa Catalina Hill for excellent views of the sea and the surrounding old town. The highlight of the park is the Elogio del Horizonte, by sculptor Eduardo Chillida Juantegui. Stand in the center of this wonderful work of art to hear the soothing sounds of the waves below amplified. Stay for the sunset and snap photos of the darkening horizon.
The neighborhood of Cimadevilla occupies the Santa Catalina Headland that sprouts from the northern end of Gijón. Ride a bus to a stop on the promontory or walk here from the city center. Make sure to see nearby landmarks, including San Lorenzo Beach, the Jovellanos Theater and the Plaza Italia.
