AVILÉS
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Avilés is the third-largest city in Asturias, and is located at the end of an inlet from the Cantabrian Sea.
Avilés is the closest of the three Asturian cities to the airport, and has regular bus and rail service to Gijón and Oviedo. 
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history
The archaeological record shows that Avilés has been settled by humans from the upper Paleolithic period from 50,000 to 10,000 years ago. During the late-Roman and Middle Ages, Avilés was an important port on the Bay of Biscay, mainly trading salt to other ports on the French coast. Avilés, even from this time, had settlements on both sides of the inlet that is seen today. A castle overlooking the inlet has been dated back to the 7th century, and in 1085, King Alfonso VI established a fuero for the city. During this time, Avilés had a monopoly on salt, which underlined its strategic importance to royal powers. In the 15th to 18th centuries, Avilés was weakened and its importance diminished as a result of raids by the French and English. These factors, along with a mercantile crisis, weakened the economic importance of the port, but the arrival of corn from the Americas developed an agricultural sector. In the mid-20th century, Avilés developed as a steel manufacturing and port town with the construction of steel plants along the banks of the channel. While this provided economic development, it also led Avilés to have some pollution issues, which they have been working to correct over the past few decades.
things to do
There are a number of attractions in Avilés that showcase the local cultural heritage. Among these is the Museo de la Historia Urbana de Avilés, which features local history going back to the Paleolithic Era.
For an interesting review of many architectural styles, visit the Cementerio de La Carriona, which features a variety of marble and stone mausoleums. Another interesting feature that dates back to the 17th century, is the Fuente de los Caños de San Francisco, which was built as a water fountain to stem the spread of waterborne illnesses.
For an interesting historical church, visit the Iglesia de Santo Tomas de Canterbury. It is dedicated to the English Thomas Beckett, an Archbishop of Canterbury.
A notable plaza is the Plaza de España El Parche, which features the Ayuntamiento (city hall) of Avilés. For a relaxing stroll, walk through the Parque de Ferrera. For some live entertainment, look at the programs of either the Teatro Armando Palacio Valdes or the Centro Niemeyer. The former is the standard town theater, but the latter is worth a visit all on its own. It features modern architecture, as well as a variety of cultural exhibits.
The ocean coast, which lies a few miles north of Avilés, features a historic lighthouse, as well as large beaches.
For an interesting review of many architectural styles, visit the Cementerio de La Carriona, which features a variety of marble and stone mausoleums. Another interesting feature that dates back to the 17th century, is the Fuente de los Caños de San Francisco, which was built as a water fountain to stem the spread of waterborne illnesses.
For an interesting historical church, visit the Iglesia de Santo Tomas de Canterbury. It is dedicated to the English Thomas Beckett, an Archbishop of Canterbury.
A notable plaza is the Plaza de España El Parche, which features the Ayuntamiento (city hall) of Avilés. For a relaxing stroll, walk through the Parque de Ferrera. For some live entertainment, look at the programs of either the Teatro Armando Palacio Valdes or the Centro Niemeyer. The former is the standard town theater, but the latter is worth a visit all on its own. It features modern architecture, as well as a variety of cultural exhibits.
The ocean coast, which lies a few miles north of Avilés, features a historic lighthouse, as well as large beaches.
Iglesia de Santo Tomas de Canterbury
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Centro Niemeyer
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Fuente de los Caños de San Francisco
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