Distance to go : 352 kms
Our original plan for the day was to catch a local bus to Paoga ( 6 kms ), walk about 12 kms and then catch another bus into central Aviles so that we would avoid walking through smoky industrial areas in the heat. But, as luck would have it, we walked past the intercity bus station and made a split second decision to catch the bus the entire way to avoid issues with local bus timetables. (Wifi on the bus!)
Waiting for the bus I ordered a cortado, usually just a mini coffee, but for 1.30 euros I was served a mini coffee, mini fresh orange juice and mini croissant. So cute.
Driving out of Gijon and into Aviles it was obvious that the coal and steel industry has a big impact. Great for employment but not so aesthetically.
We arrived around 10, so a bit early for the Albergue, which is reportedly very good and central, so we found a rather dated and questionable decor, pension , El Parque, for 44 euros with ensuite. It is on the edge of the old town.
We wandered through the markets, which were unremarkable. Much of the activity was frenzied women trying on cheap clothes and shoes.
Through the markets we saw the Santo Tomas de Cantorbery Church. Finished in 1903, paid for by wealthy residents, who had made their fortunes in the tobacco trade in Cuba.
Very unusual that the church was dedicated to Thomas A'Beckett, we thought. There are murals around the altar describing his martyrdom in Canterbury Cathedral, instigated by Henry VIII because A'Beckett refused to annul his marriage to Catherine of Arragon.
This is the Los Canos de San Francisco fountain. This was constructed in the 16th century to channel clean water to the town.
The colonnades were built in the 17th century to provide artisans protection from the weather but to take advantage of natural daylight for their work.
There are several large parks, respite from the hot weather. This beautifully planned garden was originally part of the Ferrera Palace but now has been incorporated into the municipal gardens.
Twin buskers catching the attention of passers-by.
Lunch in Carbayedo Square. This is about 5 minutes walk from the main plaza but a world away historically. The old town was formally enclosed with a city wall and the citizens of Carbayedo, mainly fishermen and woodsmen, lived very different lives from their more urban neighbours. There are good examples of oak buildings and horreos.
Several tributes to people of note. This woman was known as 'Monstrua', obviously enjoyed the fruits of the area.
In contrast to the medieval heart, nearby across the river is a cultural precinct, Centro Niemeyer.
We went to a photographic exhibition in the large yellow building. The photographer had a fascination with nudity and fish.
In the white dome there was an exhibition of the history of the port of Avila, which was beautifully presented. This is the port in the 1600s.
In the 11th century King Alfonso V1 gave the town a municipal charter which gave the town privileges and thus Aviles became a successful port and commercial centre.
It was 33o this morning but now at 8 pm it is cool as we sit in the square enjoying the evening activity.
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