Teatro Jovellanos

Teatro Jovellanos is a historic theatre in the centre of Gijón, in the Spanish region of Asturias, and one of the most important cultural venues on Spain's northern coast. The building stands on the elegant Paseo de Begoña and has served as the city's main stage for more than a century.

Where is the theatre located?

Teatro Jovellanos sits right in the heart of Gijón, on Paseo de Begoña — one of the city's most attractive promenades, lined with greenery and buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The coordinates are 43.5391, -5.66127, making it easy to plan a route on foot from the city centre or from San Lorenzo beach, only a short walk away. Its central position means a visit here pairs naturally with exploring Gijón's old town and other landmarks nearby.

What is the story behind the building?

The current building opened in July 1899 under the name Teatro Dindurra, built at the initiative of a growing city that wanted a stage worthy of its ambitions. The project was designed by the noted architect Mariano Marín. The theatre lived through a turbulent 20th century: during the Spanish Civil War it was taken over by the Republic's public entertainment authorities and used for political rallies and plays supporting the republican cause, before being left in ruins by a bombing in 1937. It was rebuilt in 1942, and it was then that it received its current name, honouring Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos — a writer, jurist and statesman of the Enlightenment born in Gijón, and one of the most significant figures in Asturian history.

What will you find inside?

The interior has been thoroughly modernised over the decades: a rehabilitation took place in 1995, followed by a further restoration in 2010 that reworked the seating area and the stage housing. The main hall now seats 1,123 people, making it one of the larger theatre venues in the region. The result blends the building's classic 19th-century form with up-to-date technical equipment, allowing it to host everything from intimate performances to large-scale public events.

What events take place here?

Teatro Jovellanos is far more than a performance venue on paper — it is one of the settings associated with the Princess of Asturias Awards, among the most prestigious prizes given out in Spain, and it also serves as a regular venue of the Gijón International Film Festival, a major event on the Spanish cultural calendar. Throughout the year the theatre stages a steady programme of plays, concerts and other live shows, functioning as a genuinely active cultural hub rather than simply a landmark to admire from outside.

When is the best time to visit?

The ideal time to visit is while the theatre's artistic season is running or when a major event is taking place, such as the Gijón Film Festival, usually held in the autumn. It is worth checking the current programme ahead of time, since tickets for some performances sell out in advance. The building itself and its surroundings on Paseo de Begoña can be enjoyed year-round, simply by strolling through central Gijón, whether or not a specific show is on the agenda.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the theatre's name come from? The theatre is named after Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, a writer and statesman of the Enlightenment born in Gijón. It received this name when the building was rebuilt in 1942.

Is this the same building that opened in 1899? The 1899 building, originally known as Teatro Dindurra, was destroyed by a bombing in 1937. The current structure is the 1942 reconstruction, later renovated twice, in 1995 and 2010.

How many people can the main hall seat? The main auditorium of Teatro Jovellanos has a capacity of 1,123 seats.

What major events are held at the theatre? The venue hosts events tied to the Princess of Asturias Awards and the Gijón Film Festival, alongside its regular programme of theatre and concerts.