Torre del Reloj Cimavilla - a tall brick clock tower with a clock on each of it's sides
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Torre del Reloj Cimavilla

4
·126 reviews·Gijón, Spain

Historic Clock Tower in Gijón's old town, built on Roman walls, now housing the municipal archive.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Torre del Reloj Cimavilla - a tall brick clock tower with a clock on each of it's sides

Torre del Reloj Cimavilla

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic Clock Tower in Gijón's old town, built on Roman walls, now housing the municipal archive.

4
(126 reviews)

"A historic landmark in Gijón's charming Cimavilla, though its interior is closed to the public."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Wander Cimavilla's Streets

Explore the historic Cimavilla district, where the tower is located, for a true feel of old Gijón.

🏛️ Admire the Architecture

Appreciate the Torre del Reloj's reconstruction, built upon ancient Roman foundations.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower)

Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower)

Cimavilla Historic Center

A historic tower rebuilt on Roman walls, once town hall and prison, now housing the municipal archive.

Cimavilla's Roman Walls

Cimavilla's Roman Walls

Recoletas Street

Discover remnants of the ancient Roman wall, integrated into the tower's foundation, whispering tales of centuries past.

Plaza del Marqués

Plaza del Marqués

Adjacent to the Clock Tower

The main square of Gijón, a lively hub perfect for soaking in the city's atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Historic Heart of Gijón

Explore Cimavilla, Gijón's historic center, where the Torre del Reloj stands. This area offers a glimpse into the city's Roman and medieval past, with charming streets and remnants of ancient walls.

Tower's Past and Present

Originally built in 1572 on Roman foundations, the Torre del Reloj has served as town hall and prison. While renovated in 1989, its current function as the municipal archive means it's not a museum or viewpoint as once intended.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light on historic streets
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wander Cimavilla's Streets

Explore the historic Cimavilla district, where the tower is located, for a true feel of old Gijón. Reddit

🏛️ Admire the Architecture

Appreciate the Torre del Reloj's reconstruction, built upon ancient Roman foundations. Reddit

📸 Capture the History

The tower and surrounding Roman wall remnants offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

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Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Wander Cimavilla's Streets

Explore the historic Cimavilla district, where the tower is located, for a true feel of old Gijón. Reddit

🏛️ Admire the Architecture

Appreciate the Torre del Reloj's reconstruction, built upon ancient Roman foundations. Reddit

📸 Capture the History

The tower and surrounding Roman wall remnants offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(126 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the historic charm of Cimavilla and the Torre del Reloj's integration with Roman walls. However, many express disappointment that the tower, after its 1989 renovation, is not accessible as a museum or viewpoint, serving only as the municipal archive.

"Without a doubt, one of the places to visit in Gijón is the Cimadevilla area, the historic center of the city. Walking through its streets we reach this place where the Clock Tower is located, built on the Roman wall, a building dating back to 1572, being rebuilt in 1989, with the original idea of ​​​​serving it as a museum and viewpoint, which it currently does not offer."

Lluis Higini Melero Peris

"Gijón Clock Tower...it is right next to the Plaza del Marqués or main square of Gijón"

OneMinute

"It is a recreation of the old clock tower from 1572, which was built on the Roman wall. It was used as a town hall and a prison, and currently houses Gijón's municipal archive. It is located on Recoletas Street, opposite the remains of the wall."

Doncelador

What People Like

Historic Cimavilla district
Roman wall remnants
Atmospheric streets

What People Dislike

Tower not open to public
Renovation aesthetics

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Torre del Reloj Cimavilla is located in the heart of the Cimavilla historic district in Gijón. You can easily reach it by walking from the city center. If arriving by public transport, buses stop frequently near the Plaza del Marqués, which is adjacent to the tower. Reddit

Parking in the historic Cimavilla area can be challenging due to narrow streets. It's recommended to use public parking garages located a short walk away from the tower. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Torre del Reloj itself houses the municipal archive and is not open to the public as a museum or viewpoint. You can admire its exterior and the surrounding historic area without a ticket. Reddit

As the Torre del Reloj is not a public attraction, it doesn't have traditional opening hours. The surrounding Cimavilla district is always accessible. Reddit

Unfortunately, you cannot go inside the Torre del Reloj as it currently serves as Gijón's municipal archive. Visitors cannot access the interior. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Explore the historic Cimavilla neighborhood, walk along the Roman wall remnants, and enjoy the atmosphere of Plaza del Marqués. The area is rich in history and offers scenic views. Reddit

While the exterior of the tower and the surrounding streets are generally accessible, some older parts of Cimavilla may have uneven surfaces. It's advisable to check specific accessibility for the immediate area. Reddit

Built in 1572 on Roman foundations, it served as the town hall and prison. It's a key landmark in Gijón's historic center, representing centuries of the city's development. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The tower itself, especially with the Roman wall remnants, offers great shots. The adjacent Plaza del Marqués provides a broader view of the historic surroundings. Reddit

Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light that enhances the historic architecture. Weekday mornings can offer fewer people for unobstructed shots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Torre del Reloj itself isn't an interactive attraction for children, the surrounding Cimavilla district offers a great opportunity for family exploration. The historic streets are fun to wander, and the visible Roman wall remnants can spark imagination about ancient times. The nearby Plaza del Marqués provides open space for kids to move around. Pack comfortable shoes for exploring the cobblestone streets. Reddit

Consider making it a part of a larger Gijón outing. You can combine a visit to Cimavilla with a trip to the nearby beaches or the Aquarium. The key is to frame the historical aspects as a story of old Gijón to keep younger minds engaged. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Visiting the exterior of Torre del Reloj and exploring the Cimavilla district is a free activity. You can spend hours wandering the historic streets, admiring the architecture, and discovering the Roman wall remnants without spending a euro. Reddit

To keep costs down, focus on enjoying the atmosphere and the sights. Pack your own snacks and water, and take advantage of the many public benches to rest and people-watch. For dining, look for local 'menu del día' (menu of the day) options in less touristy parts of Cimavilla or nearby areas for affordable and authentic Asturian meals. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Torre del Reloj

The Torre del Reloj, or Clock Tower, in Gijón's Cimavilla district, boasts a rich history dating back to 1572. It was originally constructed on the foundations of the ancient Roman wall, incorporating a medieval tower of Roman origin. For centuries, this imposing structure served dual purposes: it was the town hall of Gijón and also functioned as a prison until 1909. Its strategic location in the historic heart of the city made it a central point for civic life and governance. Reddit

In 1989, the tower underwent a significant renovation. However, this reconstruction has been a point of contention among locals and historians. Some feel the renovation, with its perceived disproportionate height and specific materials, altered the tower's original character. Despite these critiques, the tower remains a prominent landmark. Today, it primarily houses the Gijón Municipal Archive, a repository of the city's historical documents, rather than serving as a museum or viewpoint as was once envisioned. Reddit

Visitors can still appreciate the tower's exterior and its integration with the Roman wall remnants. The surrounding Cimavilla area itself is a treasure trove of history, offering a tangible connection to Gijón's past. While the tower's interior is inaccessible, its presence is a constant reminder of the city's enduring heritage. Reddit

Exploring Cimavilla: Gijón's Historic Quarter

Cimavilla is the historic center of Gijón, a charming district that transports visitors back in time. Its narrow, winding streets are a delight to explore, revealing centuries of architectural evolution. As you wander, you'll encounter remnants of the Roman wall, a testament to the city's ancient origins, often integrated into newer structures like the Torre del Reloj. This area was once the heart of Gijón's maritime and civic life. Reddit

The district is characterized by its traditional Asturian architecture, with stone buildings and picturesque squares. The Plaza del Marqués, located right next to the Torre del Reloj, is a central gathering point and offers a vibrant atmosphere. Cimavilla is also known for its excellent seafood restaurants and traditional cider houses (sidrerías), providing a perfect opportunity to savor local Asturian cuisine. Reddit

Walking through Cimavilla is an immersive experience. It’s a place where history is palpable, from the ancient Roman foundations to the more recent reconstructions. It’s highly recommended to simply get lost in its alleys and discover hidden corners, enjoying the unique blend of history, culture, and gastronomy that defines this special part of Gijón. Reddit

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