In Avilés, medieval city history, theatrical architecture and a diverse cultural program come together. The Ría also helps you find your way around: a designated route runs through the historic center to the waterfront promenade and across a pedestrian bridge toward Centro Niemeyer. This lets you explore the city according to different interests, with historic sites, culture and green spaces as distinct focal points.
Old town, charter and theater history
The Spanish state has designated the streets and buildings of Avilés’ old town as a Historic-Artistic Ensemble. In the 11th century, King Alfonso VI granted the city a charter. Another important stage in the city’s development can be seen at today’s Plaza de España: it was created when Avilés expanded beyond its medieval citadel in the 17th century.
If you would like to learn about the city’s history on a themed tour, the Museo de la Historia Urbana de Avilés (MHUA) is a good place to start. The museum is in the historic center on Calle de La Ferrería and offers a historical tour that summarizes the history of Avilés. Its chapters are called “medieval town,” “modern town,” “bourgeois city” and “industrial city”—a structure that distinguishes different phases of urban life.
Teatro Palacio Valdés adds theater history and architecture to this perspective. It opened in 1920 and reopened in 1992 after a complete restoration. Its design includes a Neo-Baroque façade and an auditorium in the Italian theater style: the floor plan is horseshoe-shaped, with boxes and galleries. Historically, both touring companies and local amateur groups performed here; this statement refers to past performances.
Also on Calle de La Ferrería, in the historic center, is Palacio de Valdecarzana. It is considered the oldest civil building in Asturias. Barrio de Sabugo preserves another facet of the city’s history, with the traditional atmosphere of Avilés’ former fishing districts. Iglesia de los Padres Franciscanos retains medieval traces, including a Romanesque façade. Plaza de los Hermanos Orbón, also known as Plaza del Mercado, was created in the second half of the 19th century. Galleries with iron and wooden balconies surround Plaza de los Hermanos Orbón.
Culture between the Ría and the historic center
Centro Niemeyer lies between the Ría de Avilés and the historic center. It is the only work in Spain by a famous Brazilian architect. Its multidisciplinary cultural program includes music, film, theater, dance, exhibitions and spoken word. Alongside the historic sites, it offers a cultural center covering a range of disciplines. When planning your visit, you can decide whether you are especially interested in the old town’s history and architecture or in a program that encompasses several art forms.
The Ruta por la Ría de Avilés y su casco histórico offers a specific walking option. It descends into the historic center and reaches the waterfront promenade on the Ría. One section follows the river upstream for approximately two kilometers; elsewhere, the route crosses the Ría over a pedestrian bridge toward Centro Niemeyer. The approximate distance refers to the upstream section. This makes it possible to choose a walk that deliberately connects the Ría with the historic center, without treating the route description as a walking-time estimate.
Green spaces and regional produce
Parque Ferrera is divided into an English-style park and a French garden. In the English-style area, you will find lawns, a pond, wooded areas and centuries-old trees. The park also has a children’s playground, designated areas for exercise, an environmental education room and public restrooms. As municipal visitor facilities may change, check before your visit whether the facility you need is available.
Parque del Muelle offers a different story of urban open space: it was created in the 19th century on former marshland. Its features include twelve sculptures, many of which depict themes from Greek mythology. In contrast, Parque Ferrera combines different garden areas with named landscape features. Each park therefore offers its own focus for a visit that includes green spaces alongside city history.
For a taste of the region, Avilés market is also worth a visit. It offers fresh produce from the comarca and the region, including vegetables, fruit, cheese, meat and fish. The selection may vary by season and vendor. The market complements visits to architecture, museums and cultural programs with a glimpse of regional produce, without requiring you to focus on just one subject.
Discover more destinations: Riofabar, Carraluz, Candamo, Jarrio, Sinariega, Carbes, Villademoros, Muñón Cimero.
For the regional travel overview: Asturias.
