Avilés, a historic city in Asturias, boasts the La Carriona Cemetery – the only cemetery in the region included in the European Cemeteries Route. For just $10.88 per person, visitors can enjoy a 1.5-hour guided tour of this architectural gem, led by a Spanish-speaking guide. Beyond the cemetery’s beauty, it holds significant cultural and historical importance, offering insights into Avilés’ past. Exploring the final resting places of notable figures and learning about the site’s poignant role during the Spanish Civil War promise to captivate any history enthusiast.
Key Points
- Guided tour of the La Carriona cemetery in Avilés, a 1.5-hour experience priced at $10.88 per person, led by a live Spanish-speaking guide.
- La Carriona cemetery is the only cemetery in Asturias on the European Cemeteries Route, recognized as the largest open-air museum in Avilés.
- The cemetery showcases various architectural styles, including eclecticism, historicism, rationalism, and modernism, with contributions from renowned artists.
- The cemetery served as a refuge and resting ground during the Spanish Civil War, reflecting the conflict’s brutality and the fragility of life.
- The guided tour explores the art, history, and cultural heritage of the cemetery, focusing on its significant figures, including writers, poets, athletes, and musicians.
Tour Overview and Details
The guided tour of La Carriona cemetery in Avilés provides visitors with an in-depth exploration of this historical site.
Priced from $10.88 per person, the 1.5-hour tour is led by a live Spanish-speaking guide.
Wheelchair accessible, the cemetery tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can opt for the reserve now, pay later option.
Designated as the only cemetery in Asturias on the European Cemeteries Route, La Carriona is a must-see attraction that showcases the region’s artistic and cultural heritage.
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Historical Significance
La Carriona is the only cemetery in Asturias on the European Cemeteries Route, reflecting the prosperity of the bourgeois and Indians in the region during the late 19th century when it was built by architect Ricardo Marcos Bausá.
It’s recognized as the largest open-air museum in Avilés, integral to the town’s artistic and cultural heritage.
The cemetery contains notable historical figures, including writer Armando Palacio Valdés, poets Marcos del Torniello and Ana de Valle, musician Julián Orbón, and athletes Yago Lamela, Jesús, and Enrique Quini Castro.
Architectural Features
Cemetery showcases various architectural styles, including eclecticism, historicism, rationalism, and modernism. Renowned artists such as Manuel del Busto, Tomás Acha Zulaica, Armando Fernández Cueto, Ángel Arias Falcón, and Cipriano Folgueras Doiztúa contributed to its architectural features. The pantheon of the Marquises of San Juan de Nieva features a sculpture awarded the best funerary sculpture prize by Adiós Cultural magazine in 2015.
| Artist | Style |
| — | — |
| Manuel del Busto | Eclecticism |
| Tomás Acha Zulaica | Historicism |
| Armando Fernández Cueto | Rationalism |
| Ángel Arias Falcón | Modernism |
The Pantheon of the Marquises of San Juan De Nieva
Though distinguished by its architectural elegance, the pantheon of the Marquises of San Juan de Nieva stands out within La Carriona Cemetery.
Designed by renowned artist Manuel del Busto, the imposing structure features a striking sculpture that won the best funerary sculpture prize from Adiós Cultural magazine in 2015.
The pantheon’s neoclassical design and ornate details reflect the wealth and status of the Marquises, prominent figures in Asturian society during the late 19th century.
The pantheon’s neoclassical design and ornate details reflect the wealth and status of the Marquises, prominent figures in Asturian society during the late 19th century.
Visitors can admire this impressive monument and learn about the influential family interred within its walls.
More Great Tours NearbyHistorical Memory and the Civil War
During the Spanish Civil War, La Carriona Cemetery played a significant role in the town’s history. It served as a place of refuge, a final resting ground, and a symbol of the conflict’s brutality. The cemetery bore witness to the human toll, with many victims interred within its walls. Today, the cemetery stands as a poignant reminder of the past, a place where the ghosts of history echo, and where visitors can reflect on the fragility of life and the enduring power of memory.
| Pantheon | Significance |
| — | — |
| Marquises of San Juan de Nieva | Showcases the wealth and status of the region’s elite |
| Writers & Poets | Preserves the literary legacy of Avilés |
| Athletes | Honors the town’s sporting heritage |
| Musicians | Celebrates the artistic contribution of its residents |
Exploring Art, History, and Memory
As visitors wander through the captivating pathways of La Carriona Cemetery, they’re immersed in a tapestry of art, history, and memory.
The cemetery showcases diverse architectural styles, from eclecticism to modernism, with notable artists like Manuel del Busto and Ángel Arias Falcón leaving their mark.
La Carriona Cemetery boasts a diverse array of architectural styles, from eclecticism to modernism, featuring the works of renowned artists Manuel del Busto and Ángel Arias Falcón.
Visitors can explore the pantheons of historical figures, including writers, poets, musicians, and athletes, uncovering the stories woven into the cemetery’s landscape.
Through this exploration, the cemetery emerges as an open-air museum, preserving the artistic and cultural heritage that defined the town of Avilés during its prosperous past.
Meeting Point and Restrictions
The meeting point for the guided tour of La Carriona Cemetery is the main gate of the cemetery, located outside in front of the recognition plaques.
Pets aren’t allowed on the tour, except for assistance dogs.
Participants should check the availability of the tour and select their preferred starting time before booking.
The guided tour provides an opportunity to explore the cemetery’s art, history, and the figures interred within its pantheons, offering insights into the town’s cultural heritage and the role of the cemetery during the civil war.
Exploring the Cemetery’s Pantheons and Interred Figures
Beyond the main gate, the guided tour explores the cemetery’s pantheons and the notable historical figures interred within.
Visitors marvel at the pantheon of the Marquises of San Juan de Nieva, featuring a sculpture awarded the best funerary prize.
A magnificent pantheon housing a sculpture awarded the finest funerary prize, captivating visitors to the cemetery.
The tour also delves into the lives of influential Avilesinos, including writer Armando Palacio Valdés, poets Marcos del Torniello and Ana de Valle, musician Julián Orbón, and athletes Yago Lamela, Jesús, and Enrique Quini Castro.
Through these stories, the tour illuminates the cemetery’s role as an open-air museum preserving Avilés’ artistic and cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour does not have a specific dress code. Visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. No formal attire is required for the guided tour of the La Carriona cemetery.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is allowed during the tour. Visitors can take photos throughout the cemetery to capture the architectural features and historical elements, though they should be respectful and not disrupt the tour experience.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Visitors can’t bring their own food and drinks during the tour. The cemetery doesn’t allow outside food or beverages, but there may be options nearby for refreshments before or after the visit.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour has no age restrictions – it’s open to all ages. Children are welcome to join, though the content may be more interesting for older participants given the focus on historical figures and architectural details.
How Accessible Is the Cemetery for Visitors With Disabilities?
The cemetery is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors with disabilities to fully experience the tour. The guided experience provides access to the historic site and its architectural features.
The Sum Up
The guided tour of the La Carriona Cemetery in Avilés offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and architectural beauty of this notable Asturian landmark. Attendees can learn about the site’s cultural significance, including its poignant role during the Spanish Civil War, and discover the final resting places of prominent figures. With a wheelchair-accessible experience and knowledgeable Spanish-speaking guides, this tour provides an engaging and informative glimpse into Avilés’ past.
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