Not far from downtown Gijón is an area offering places of natural beauty and a range of cultural attractions, including a “City of Culture” contained in one monumental building.
Museums, parks and cultural landmarks can all be found in the Distrito Rural Este (Rural Eastern District) of Gijón. Wander at ease through the forests and fields of the Jardin Botánico Atlántico. Visit the Museum of the Asturian People and the Evaristo Valle Museum, and head to the unique Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura to explore a unique cultural institution housed in a grand, historical building.
Take your time to explore the 15 hectares (37 acres) of greenery in the Jardín Botánico Atlántico. This expansive botanic garden presents its 15,000 trees and plants in four different areas, each of which is dedicated to a theme. Start in the local Cantabrian section before exploring the cultivated plants and the landscaped water garden, finishing your tour with a walking trail through the six varied ecosystems of the Atlantic.
Nature lovers will also enjoy a trip to the Parque de Isabel La Católica, a large urban park with numerous flowerbeds and ponds. Stroll slowly down the central rose garden, designed in the French style, and look for the resident peacocks.
For a taste of history, head to the Museum of the Asturian People, which was founded in 1968 with a view to conserving the cultures and traditions of the proud Asturias region. Explore a whole exhibit devoted to the bagpipes of the world, with an emphasis on the local variety, and wander around the open-air space of traditional dwellings, grain stores and agricultural tools.
Delve into the past at the Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura, a unique cultural institution that hosts a wide range of exhibits and shows within a converted labour university built in the middle of last century. Appreciate the impressive geometric designs of the centre, which incorporates a grand oval-shaped church, a tall, stone watchtower and a contemporary art space.
Afterwards, pay a visit to the Evaristo Valle Museum. This landmark, dedicated to the Gijón artist Evaristo Valle, contains a museum of his paintings and artwork surrounded by splendid historical gardens.
Distrito Rural Este is just a couple of miles (3 kilometres) east of downtown Gijón. It is accessible via a short bus ride from the Gijón train station.
