Ciudadela de Celestino Solar
Step back in time at this free open-air museum showcasing 19th-century Asturian worker housing in Gijón.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Ciudadela de Celestino Solar
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at this free open-air museum showcasing 19th-century Asturian worker housing in Gijón.
"One of the most interesting but unknown places in Gijón, offering a glimpse into working-class life."
Free Admission! 🎟️
Enjoy a fascinating historical experience without any cost. It's a great value for learning about Gijón's past.
Short & Sweet Visit ⏱️
Most visitors find 20-40 minutes is enough to explore the restored homes and exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Restored Worker Homes
Within the Citadel
Step back in time by exploring meticulously restored 19th-century worker dwellings, complete with period furnishings.
Open-Air Historical Museum
The entire site
Experience history firsthand in this unique open-air museum that preserves a significant part of Gijón's working-class heritage.
Model of Asturian Housing
Exhibition areas
See a prime example of Asturian worker housing, offering insight into the living conditions of the era.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Past, Today
Free Entry, Rich History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! 🎟️
Enjoy a fascinating historical experience without any cost. It's a great value for learning about Gijón's past.
Short & Sweet Visit ⏱️
Most visitors find 20-40 minutes is enough to explore the restored homes and exhibits.
Learn About Working Life 👷
Understand the living conditions of Gijón's working class in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Check for Events 🎉
The space sometimes hosts cultural events like fashion shows or music performances. 
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! 🎟️
Enjoy a fascinating historical experience without any cost. It's a great value for learning about Gijón's past.
Short & Sweet Visit ⏱️
Most visitors find 20-40 minutes is enough to explore the restored homes and exhibits.
Learn About Working Life 👷
Understand the living conditions of Gijón's working class in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Check for Events 🎉
The space sometimes hosts cultural events like fashion shows or music performances.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Ciudadela de Celestino Solar to be an interesting and informative, albeit small, historical museum. It's praised for its free entry and its credible presentation of Gijón's working-class past, offering a valuable glimpse into historical living conditions. Some wonder about the builders' role in worker exploitation.
"The museum is small, good and very sanitized - of poverty, model home was impecable. Gijón/Spain is definitely willing to accept and confront the past - bad one, that's credible. Also wondering if Celestino Solar (and others) played any part in exploiting the situation of the poor workers and how his(their) ancestors have benefited. Worth a visit."
Tushar Dighe
"It's one of the most interesting but unknowns places in Gijón. By visiting this set of traditional housing you will be able to understand not only the recent history of Gijón but also Spain."
Oscar Mangas
"A history museum located in Gijon consisting of what were the typical Asturian citadels inhabited by the Gijón working class at the end of the 19th century and for much of the 20th century. The Celestino Solar Citadel in particular takes its name from its builder, Celestino Solar, who built it between 1880 and 1890."
akinbo dorcas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ciudadela de Celestino Solar is located in Gijón, Asturias. It's accessible by public transport within the city. Many visitors find it convenient to walk from the city center or use local buses. Check local transport apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
Parking in the city center can be challenging. It's advisable to use public transportation or look for paid parking garages in the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Ciudadela de Celestino Solar is a free museum. This makes it an excellent and accessible option for exploring Gijón's history.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check the official Gijón tourism website or local listings for the most current information. As it's an open-air museum, some areas might be accessible even outside official hours.
Since admission is free, advance booking is generally not required. However, for special events, it's wise to check if reservations are needed.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend between 20 to 40 minutes exploring the site. It's a compact museum, perfect for a brief but insightful visit.
You can see restored 19th-century worker homes, learn about the living conditions of the working class in Gijón, and explore the historical context of these 'ciudadelas'.
Yes, it can be educational for children to see historical housing and learn about past living conditions. It offers a tangible connection to history.
As an open-air historical site with restored dwellings, accessibility might be limited in certain areas. It's recommended to inquire directly about specific accessibility features.
Information on guided tours is not widely advertised, but the site itself is designed for self-exploration. The free entry allows for a personal discovery of the history.
📸 📸 Photography
The restored homes with their unique architecture and the narrow streets offer charming photo opportunities. Capturing the contrast between the historical setting and the modern city around it can be striking.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be respectful of the exhibits and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
As a free, open-air museum, it's an accessible and engaging outing. The relatively short visit time (20-40 minutes) is ideal for keeping younger attention spans focused. Encourage kids to imagine what life was like for the families who lived there, making it a memorable experience.
📚 History Enthusiasts
+1This site is particularly valuable for understanding the architectural and social fabric of Gijón during a pivotal era. The preservation of these 'ciudadelas' allows for a deep dive into the realities of industrial labor and its impact on community life.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk through Gijón's historic center to maximize your exploration of the city's heritage on a shoestring budget. It's a perfect example of how to experience local history affordably.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of 'Ciudadelas' in Gijón
+2Celestino Solar, a builder, constructed this particular 'ciudadela' between 1880 and 1890. The museum showcases one of the most representative models of this type of worker housing that existed in Asturias. Visiting the site offers a tangible connection to the lives of the laborers who powered the region's industrial growth, providing a stark contrast to the bourgeois living conditions of the time.
+1Today, the museum serves as an ethnographic space dedicated to preserving the memory of this vital part of Gijón's social history. It's a place where visitors can reflect on the evolution of urban living and social structures, understanding how these humble dwellings shaped the city's identity.
+1Experiencing the Museum
Some of the homes have been furnished to reflect the period, offering a glimpse into the daily routines and living standards of the working-class families who resided there. One restored home even features furniture from the 1950s, showing a later stage of occupation.
Beyond its primary function as a historical exhibit, the Ciudadela also serves as a unique venue for cultural events, including fashion shows and musical performances, demonstrating its continued relevance and adaptability within the community.
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