avilEs

View of Aviles

Aviles is a town (Aviles is historically a village, "La Villa de Aviles") It Situated on the central strip of the coastline of Asturias, to the west of the cape of Penas its location is a favourable position to reach the natural and cultural wealth that Asturias offers

It is the third major city in the Principality of Asturias. It is a picturesque and old-fashioned town, containing several ancient palaces and gothic churches. Its Historic quarter has been declared a Historic Artistic site with splendid examples of civil and religious architecture. Avilès main attractions are the pedestrian streets of Galiana and Rivier, as well as the plaza de Espana with its City Hall, the Old church of Sabugo and the Modern Santo Tòmas de Canterbury. Avilès boasts three palaces Valdecarzana, Camposagrado and the Palico Valdès theatre.

Modern life and industrial boom means that Avilès is now a modern city and major industrial centre. The bay, which is crossed by a fine bridge, is the headquarters of fishing Eleet, and a port of call for many coasting vessels. Coal from the mines is exported coastwise, and in 1904 the shipments from Avilès for the first time exceeded those from Gijòn, its neighbour. Glass and coarse linen and woollen stuffs are also manufactured; and there are valuable stone quarries in the neighbourhood too.

Aviles is now a mixture of modern times with evident historical influences, it is well known for its exhibitions and concerts. The 'Fiesta del Bollu is celebrated at Easter'; a Carnival parade cruises along Galiana Street with bright floats and street bands. Most of the streets are cobblestone and barely two cars wide. Many of the buildings have been renovated to display the colourful life of the village. Those that have not are evidence of centuries of construction designed to withstand the powerful forces of the Atlantic.

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The following links will take you to the different cities in Asturias:

avilEs | gijOn | oviedo