Torre del Reloj

Torre del Reloj (the Clock Tower) stands in the historic centre of Gijón, in Asturias. It was raised in the 16th century on the remains of the city's Roman walls. The building you see today is a late 20th-century reconstruction, but the site has a long record of civic use.

What is this building and where does it come from?

The tower was built over the remains of Gijón's Roman fortifications. It dates from the second half of the 16th century. Over the years it served first as the seat of the town authorities and later as a prison. That sequence shows how closely the tower was tied to the running of the city.

Why is it not the original structure?

The tower was rebuilt on the same spot in 1989. Work continued until 1995 under the architect Francisco Pol. The contemporary look of the building sparked debate in the city, since it differed from what many residents pictured as the old tower. For visitors, it is an interesting meeting of a historic site and a modern architectural design.

What is inside?

After the reconstruction, the tower housed a museum on the archaeological history of Gijón. It ran until 2009 and closed because the building did not meet basic accessibility requirements. Today the building holds the Archivo Municipal, the city archive. The interior therefore serves the administration rather than tourists, and the tower is best enjoyed from the outside.

How do I plan a visit?

The tower sits in the old part of Gijón, so it is easy to combine with a walk through the historic streets and along the waterfront. A few minutes is enough to take in the structure, photograph it and read about the Roman wall below it. If you want to go inside, check the current rules with the town hall or the city tourist office first, as the building's use has changed over time. The tower makes a good starting point for exploring the oldest quarter, where traces of the Roman presence stand beside buildings from later centuries.

When should I come?

The exterior is open to view all year round, and the tower looks good by day and after dark. Asturias is known for a damp, changeable climate, so pack a rain jacket. Dry days are the most comfortable for a stroll through the old town.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Torre del Reloj in Gijón a Roman monument?

No. The tower dates from the 16th century, but it stands on the remains of Roman city walls. The present building is a reconstruction from 1989 to 1995.

Who designed the rebuilding of the tower?

The work was led by the architect Francisco Pol. His design caused controversy among locals.

Is there a museum in the tower?

The former archaeological museum closed in 2009 because of a lack of accessibility. The municipal archive is based there now.

How long does a visit take?

A quarter of an hour is enough to see the building from outside, or about an hour combined with a walk around the old town.