Avilés
Categories: Municipalities in Spain | Ports and harbours of Spain
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| Image:Avilés.png | ||
| Image:Escudo aviles.png | Image:Bandera aviles.png | |
| Capital | Avilés | |
| Area - total - % of Asturias | Ranked 71st 25.34 km² 0.24% | |
| Population - total - % of Asturias - Density | Ranked 3rd 83,185 (2004) 7.8% 3.282,75 inhab/km² | |
| Denomyn - English - Asturian - Spanish |
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| Mayor | Santiago Rodríguez Vega (PSOE) | |
| Town councillors | 24 seats + the Mayor | |
| Political Parties (elections of 2003) | 10 seats PSOE: PSOE 4 seats IU: United Left 10 seats PP: Popular Party 1 seat ASIA Group | |
| Municipality of Avilés | ||
Avilés is the 3rd most important city of Asturias. Situated in the estuary of Avilés west of Peñas Cape, it has an important national seaport and important industry. It is close to popular beaches such as Salinas.
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Climate
Atlantic, warm summers with both overcast and sunny days. In winter the weather is moderate, with significant rains and wind, although sometimes the cold climate of Asturias results in snowfall at sea level.
History
There are few remnants from Prehistory (only two axes). The name is thought to come from a Roman possesor, Abilius. The first well known file is an endowment of two churches by Asturias King Alfonso III, in 905. During the Middle Ages, it was one of the most important ports of the Biscay Bay, trading mainly with French ports. In this time, it was comprised of two parts: the fishermen´s district, Sabugo, and the aristocratic centre, La Villa, divided by the estuary where Avilés lay. It is the birthplace of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, who tamed Florida in the 16th century. Part of the estuary was drained in the 19th century, and the two parts joined together. Then the city began to grow outside the medieval wall, which had been demolished. In the 20th century, there was an enormous growth in population due to the fact that heavy industries located to the town. Nowadays, the city is trying to focus on new industries and recover its antique flavour.
Architecture
There are many important monuments, like Santo Tomás de Canterbury church (from the 13th century) and San Nicolás de Bari (also from the 13th century). Their names demonstrate the influence of medieval foreign trade. There are also civil monuments, like the baroque Palacio de Camposagrado, fortified in its north façade against the English pirates.
Culture
Its most characteristic cultural event is the Interceltic Festival. That occcurs in summer, with people coming from Brittany, Ireland, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Galicia and Asturias itself.
Feast and Traditions
- Antroxu (Carnival)
- Feast of the Bollu (the bollu is a local traditional kind of cake)
- Feast of the St. Agustin
Other cities in the municipality
- La Carriona
- Llaranes
- Miranda
- San Cristóbal
- Villalegre
Links