Parque de la Fábrica de Gas

Parque de la Fábrica de Gas is a small urban park in Gijón's La Arena neighborhood, laid out on the former grounds of the city's gasworks. It's a green pocket that serves everyday local life while carrying, in its name alone, a quiet reminder of the industrial site it replaced.

What was here before the park?

The story behind the name goes back to 1870, when the Fábrica del Gas de Gijón was built here, in the block bounded by today's Ezcurdia, Emilio Tuya, Menéndez Pelayo and Canga Argüelles streets, under the direction of Francisco Saumier. The plant manufactured coal gas that lit the city's streets and supplied the first gas installations in local homes. In 1889 it was expanded: a new furnace room was added, condensation and purification equipment was upgraded, and a large gasometer covering 2,000 square meters was built in a Gijón workshop specifically for the site. The works operated for over a century before newer energy sources made them obsolete. The factory buildings were demolished in January 1988, and the city turned the reclaimed plot into a public park, keeping the old name as the only visible trace of what once stood there.

What will you find on site?

The park is compact but well suited to daily neighborhood use. Paved walking paths run through green areas, benches sit in shaded corners, and a children's playground draws families from the surrounding blocks. The ground is flat and easy to reach on foot, with entrances opening directly onto the neighboring streets. Don't expect an industrial-heritage exhibit or interpretive signage about the old gasworks — this is a modest, everyday green space woven into Gijón's dense urban fabric, where locals walk, sit, or bring children to play, and the name is the main link to its industrial past.

How do you get there?

The park sits in central Gijón, in the La Arena district, a short distance from the city's main streets and its seafront. Given its urban setting, walking or local public transport is the easiest way to reach it. Shops, cafés and outdoor terraces are nearby, making it easy to combine a visit with a coffee stop before or after a walk. There's no entrance fee and no booking required — you can drop in at any time during the day.

When is the best time to visit?

Since it's an open, unshaded park with no covered attractions, it's most pleasant during the warmer months, when the trees are in full leaf and the benches and playground invite a longer stay. Weekday mornings and early afternoons suit a quiet walk, while weekends bring more families making use of the playground. It works well as a short stop while exploring Gijón — a nice complement to a walk through La Arena and the city's better-known nearby sights.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any remains of the old gas factory in the park? No. The factory buildings, including the large gasometer, were demolished in January 1988. The site is now fully landscaped, and the park's name is the only reminder of its industrial past.

Is the park suitable for children? Yes, there's a children's playground on site, which makes it a popular spot for families with young kids from the surrounding neighborhood.

How long does a visit take? It's a small, intimate green space — walking the whole park usually takes no more than 15–20 minutes, though many visitors linger longer on a bench or at the playground.

Is entry to the park free? Yes, it's a public city park, open free of charge throughout the day, with no booking needed.