This historic port town in northern Spain has medieval arcaded streets, a well-preserved old quarter, and the modern Niemeyer Cultural Center with its striking white architecture.
Avilés, the third-largest city in Asturias, combines medieval architecture with modern cultural spaces. You can walk through the 13th-century Church of St. Thomas of Canterbury, explore the decorated façade of Palacio de Camposagrado, or attend a performance at the white-curved Oscar Niemeyer Cultural Centre. The streets of Galiana and Rivero form the city's social center, where locals gather at cafes under sandstone arcades, and festivals bring Celtic music and science fiction writers throughout the year.
Walking Through Medieval Avilés
Plaza de España forms the center of old Avilés, with the city hall's red and white façade surrounded by buildings with ground-floor arcades. The pedestrian streets of Galiana and Rivero cut through medieval Avilés, where sandstone buildings painted in pink, yellow, and green create a colorful backdrop. Stop at one of the square's many cafes to try fabada asturiana or sample local cider poured in the traditional way.
Religious Architecture
The Church of St. Thomas of Canterbury's 13th-century stone walls and Gothic arches dominate its square. Inside, you'll find carved wooden altarpieces and medieval tombs. The Church of Saint Nicholas of Bari contains Romanesque arched windows and detailed stone carvings depicting biblical scenes from the 12th and 13th centuries. The Old Church of Sabugo, dating to the 13th century, maintains its original stone walls and hosts regular services.
Palaces of Avilés
The north façade of Palacio de Camposagrado includes thick walls and small windows, built to defend against pirates in the 18th century. The medieval Palacio de Valdecarzana preserves its original stone archways and courtyard from the 14th century. The early 20th-century Palacio de Balsera displays curved iron balconies and ceramic tiles typical of Modernist architecture.
Cultural Centers and Museums
The Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Centre opened in 2011 along the waterfront. Its white concrete buildings include an 800-seat auditorium, a domed exhibition space, and a tower with views across the estuary. The Museum of Avilés Urban History displays artifacts from Roman settlements through industrial-era tools. At the Black Pottery Museum, you can watch demonstrations of traditional ceramic-making techniques and see collections of regional black clay pottery.
Festivals Throughout the Year
The Antroxu (Carnival) fills Galiana Street with costumed parades and music in February. In July, the Interceltic Festival brings musicians from Celtic regions to perform in squares and theaters across Avilés. The Celsius 232 festival in late July attracts science fiction authors for readings and workshops. During Easter week, the Feast of the Bollo features food markets selling traditional sweet bread and Asturian dishes.
Getting Around
You can walk between most attractions in the central area within 15 minutes. Asturias Airport is 13 kilometers away, with hourly flights to Madrid. Regular buses and trains connect to Oviedo (29 km) and Gijón (25 km), running every 30 minutes during daytime hours.
