Free tour of the baroque expansion of Avilés

In the 17th century, a profound urban transformation took place in the medieval walled town of Avilés. A new town hall was built outside the walls, in what was called the Plaza de Fuera de la Villa (Town Square). This, coupled with a population boom, led to a shift in the center of power, and the nobility and wealthy residents ventured to build their homes outside the walled area as well. New streets, lined with stately buildings, were created, forming what became known as the Baroque expansion of Avilés.

The arcaded Galiana street will reveal some secrets to us, starting with the origin of its name. We will cross Ferrera Park, the former private gardens of the Marquises of Ferrera, and continue along Rivero, the longest and busiest pedestrian street in the town.

We will delve into one of the town's most splendid moments, when the nobility displayed its greatest power, and connect with the more recent past, in which the burgeoning bourgeoisie and the "Indianos" (Spaniards who had made their fortunes in the Americas) began to occupy an increasingly important place in Avilés.