Espacio etnográfico Ciudadela de Celestino Solar

Ciudadela de Celestino Solar is a small ethnographic museum in Gijón/Xixón that recreates how industrial workers lived in Asturias between the late 19th and mid-20th centuries. It sits on Calle Capua, just a short walk from San Lorenzo beach and the landmark La Escalerona staircase.

What exactly is a "ciudadela"?

A "ciudadela" was a distinctive type of working-class housing built in Gijón during the city's rapid industrial expansion. Rather than individual buildings facing the street, developers grouped small dwellings around a shared inner courtyard, entered through a single gateway, with residents sharing toilets and washing facilities. This particular ciudadela was built in 1877 by Celestino González Solar, an "indiano" — an Asturian who had made his fortune in Cuba and, on returning home, invested in cheap rental housing for the workers pouring into Gijón to work in its factories and port. At its peak, the city held more than two hundred such complexes; the one on Calle Capua is among the few that survive in good condition and can be visited today.

What will you actually see inside?

The exhibition reconstructs daily life for working-class families from the last quarter of the 19th century through to the mid-20th century — the complex remained inhabited almost until the late 1980s. Visitors can step into a fully furnished, restored dwelling of roughly 30 square meters, showing just how cramped conditions were for often large families. The visit also includes the shared courtyard where neighborhood life once played out, plus audio recordings of former residents recalling work, neighbors, and the sanitary conditions of the time. The museum opened in 2003 and underwent a major overhaul of its displays and educational content in 2018.

How do you get there?

The museum stands at Calle Capua 15, in an area close to San Lorenzo beach — one of the most walkable spots in this part of Gijón, especially if you're already exploring the seafront promenade or the nearby Escalerona. It pairs easily with a stroll around the city center, since it's within walking distance of the main coastal attractions.

When should you visit?

Admission is free, but opening hours change by season, so it's worth checking the current schedule before you go — call +34 985 181 777 or email ciudadela@gijon.es. Given the compact size of the exhibition, a visit typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, making it a good add-on to a longer walk along the beach or through Gijón's old town.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission free? Yes, entry to the Ciudadela de Celestino Solar is free of charge.

How long does a visit take? Because the exhibition space is compact, most visits last around 30 to 45 minutes.

Is it suitable for children? Yes — the furnished house and courtyard give kids a hands-on sense of everyday life in the past, though the audio testimonies are aimed more at adult visitors.

How close is it to San Lorenzo beach? Very close — the ciudadela is just a few minutes' walk from the beach and the La Escalerona staircase, so it's easy to combine with a walk along the seafront.