May 21 (Wednesday)

Participants will enjoy a free afternoon on Wednesday, May 21. You can consider using this time to visit the Gijón’s Aquarium and Botanic Garden. The City of Gijon has generously offered for all attendees free entrances to these atractions.

It is easy for anyone to sightsee in Gijón and/or other places by oneself, but the Local Organizing Committee has arranged two optional guided tours for the participants’ convenience:

Tour #1: Gijón is the oldest city of Asturias (founded during the Roman Empire) and it merits a guided tour. The tour starts by visiting the Universidad Laboral. This is a huge building that is known for its well balanced style. The tour continues with a look over the maritime facade that ends at the old harbour. From here you will visit the old town and the Roman baths that were built during the first century. After that you will approach the monumental sculpture “Elogio del horizonte” which is the symbol of Gijón. (Approximate cost = 20 €). Buses will pick up you at the entrance of the Congress Center.

Tour #2: Oviedo and the Astur Pre-Romanic buildings (10-11th centuries). The tour includes a visit to the church of San Miguel de Lillo and the hunting refuge (today also a church) of Santa María del Naranco. Both are considered Artistic Human Heritage (UNESCO). Then you will stop at Oviedo (28 km from Gijón), which is the administrative capital of Asturias. Here you will enjoy a walk around the old town and a visit to the cathedral. Oviedo has merit several awards for its effort to preserve historic buildings and the design of pedestrian streets and public spaces. (Approximate cost = 20 €). Buses will pick up you at the entrance of the Congress Center.

May 24 (Saturday)

For participants who are staying on through Saturday, May 24, an excursion to Covadonga and the National Park of the Picos de Europa is strongly recommended. The excursion includes a visit to Cangas de Onís (75 km from Gijón), which was the first capital of the Asturias Kingdom during the 9th century. Here you will see the Roman bridge and other ancient remains (e.g. a megalithic grave from the prehistoric period). Then you will continue to Covadonga (90 km from Gijón), the legend says that here the Astures resisted the Moorish invasion. A basilica was built here and it is the most emblematic site in Asturias, here is where the Prince of Asturias (the future King of Spain) is crowned. Afterwards you will ascend to Lagos de Covadonga, which is the window to the National Park of the Picos de Europa. This was the first Spanish National Park and offers an spectacular view of mountains and peaks as high as 2600 m. (Approximate cost = 36 €; lunch not included.)

All tours can be booked and paid for at the Symposium reception desk.