Gijon

This major seaport, the largest city in Asturias, is an industrial and commercial center exporting large quantities of coal and iron. It has steel, iron, chemical, petroleum, glass, and food and tobacco industries. Of pre-Roman origin, Gijon was one of the first places recaptured from the Moors early in the 8th cent. The city flourished under the first Asturian kings. In 1588 the defeated Spanish Armada took refuge there. Of interest are Roman baths; 14th-, 15th-, and 16th-century palaces; a 15th-century church; and several 17th-century mansions.

Attractions

A hike up the hill and through Cimadevilla leads to Cerro de Santa Catalina. It is a park on the tip of the pennisula that provides a view of the outstretched coastline forming the port. On the very edge of the penisula is a sculpture the size of a house, Eligio del Horizonte, or Praise of the Horizon. It is one of 16 large sculptures placed in public spaces throughout the city over the last decade.

Currency

The Euro (EUR), the currency of the European Union, is the official currency of Spain.

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