Avilés, a historic Spanish city, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore its rich cultural heritage with a guided tour of the La Carriona Cemetery. This 1.5-hour experience, priced at just $10.82 per person, promises to unveil the cemetery’s significant architectural styles, notable figures, and its profound connection to the Spanish Civil War. Led by a knowledgeable Spanish-speaking guide, the tour provides a profound insight into the region’s history, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the cemetery’s enduring significance.
Key Points
- The guided tour of La Carriona Cemetery in Avilés is priced at $10.82 per person and lasts 1.5 hours, led by a live Spanish-speaking guide.
- La Carriona Cemetery is the only cemetery in Asturias that is part of the European Cemeteries Route and showcases various architectural styles, including eclecticism and modernism.
- The cemetery serves as the final resting place for notable figures, such as writer Armando Palacio Valdés, poets, musicians, and athletes, reflecting the region’s cultural heritage.
- The cemetery has historical significance as it was a site of executions and burials during the Spanish Civil War, representing the nation’s past struggles and the resilience of the Avilés community.
- The cemetery is wheelchair-accessible, and a free cancellation policy is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing accessibility and flexibility for visitors.
Tour Overview and Pricing
Though the guided tour of La Carriona Cemetery in Avilés is reasonably priced at $10.82 per person, it offers an extensive 1.5-hour experience led by a live Spanish-speaking guide.
Visitors can explore the cemetery’s rich history and architecture at their own pace. The tour is wheelchair-accessible, and travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Plus, a "reserve now & pay later" option is available, making it convenient for those planning their trip. The tour provides an immersive look into the cultural heritage of Avilés.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Aviles.
Historical Significance of La Carriona Cemetery
La Carriona Cemetery is the only cemetery in Asturias that’s part of the European Cemeteries Route, reflecting its significant historical and cultural importance.
Built in the late 19th century by architect Ricardo Marcos Bausá, the cemetery represents the prosperity of the bourgeois and Indian communities in the region.
It showcases various architectural styles, including eclecticism, historicism, rationalism, and modernism, and features monumental pantheons and marble sculptures.
Notable figures interred here include writer Armando Palacio Valdés, poets Marcos del Torniello and Ana de Valle, musician Julián Orbón, and athletes Yago Lamela and soccer players Jesús and Enrique Quini Castro.
Architectural Styles and Highlights
The cemetery showcases a diverse array of architectural styles, from eclecticism and historicism to rationalism and modernism.
Notable features include the monumental pantheons and marble sculptures, making it the largest open-air museum in Avilés.
Visitors can admire the work of renowned artists like Manuel del Busto, Tomás Acha Zulaica, and Armando Fernández Cueto.
The cemetery is a true representation of the region’s artistic and cultural heritage, reflecting the prosperity of the bourgeois and Indians who are interred within its walls.
Notable Figures Interred
Interred within the historic walls of La Carriona Cemetery lie the remains of several notable figures who’ve left an indelible mark on Avilés’ artistic and cultural landscape.
The cemetery is the final resting place of renowned writer Armando Palacio Valdés, acclaimed poets Marcos del Torniello and Ana de Valle, as well as celebrated musician Julián Orbón.
Plus, it houses the graves of renowned athletes Yago Lamela and soccer players Jesús and Enrique Quini Castro, honoring their contributions to the city’s sporting legacy.
These luminaries continue to inspire and captivate visitors to this open-air museum.
More Great Tours NearbyWalking Through the Cemetery
Visitors embark on a captivating journey as they stroll through the main and secondary streets of La Carriona Cemetery. The tour guide leads the way, sharing insights and anecdotes about the artistic and cultural significance of the monumental pantheons and marble sculptures that dot the landscape. A tableau of architectural styles unfolds, from eclecticism to modernism, showcasing the work of renowned local artists. As the tour progresses, the group pauses to admire the grandeur of the Marquises of San Juan de Nieva pantheon and discuss the cemetery’s poignant connection to the Spanish Civil War.
| Feature | Description |
| — | — |
| Main Streets | Showcase the cemetery’s diverse architectural heritage |
| Secondary Streets | Provide a more intimate exploration of the grounds |
| Pantheons | Impressive monuments to the region’s notable families |
| Marble Sculptures | Evocative works of art that capture the cemetery’s beauty |
| Architectural Styles | Reflect the evolution of Avilés’ built environment |
Importance in Relation to the Civil War
Although the cemetery is renowned for its artistic and architectural significance, it also holds profound historical relevance, particularly in relation to the Spanish Civil War.
During the conflict, the cemetery served as a site of executions and burials. Many victims of the war were interred here, including those on both sides of the ideological divide.
The cemetery served as a site of executions and burials during the Spanish Civil War, interring victims from both sides of the conflict.
The cemetery’s connection to this tumultuous period in Spain’s history underscores its importance as a symbol of the nation’s past struggles and the resilience of the Avilés community.
Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the cemetery’s role during this pivotal moment.
Meeting Point and Accessibility
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.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all visitors. Pets aren’t allowed, but assistance dogs are permitted.
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours and is led by a live guide who speaks Spanish.
Visitors can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if their plans change.
Tour Experience and Inclusions
On the guided tour, visitors walk through the main and secondary streets of La Carriona Cemetery, discussing the art, history, and memory of the city.
They’ll visit the impressive pantheon of the Marquises of San Juan de Nieva, learning about the cemetery’s significance during the Civil War.
The tour provides insight into this open-air museum, showcasing the eclectic architectural styles and notable figures interred here, including writers, poets, musicians, and athletes.
The experience lasts 1.5 hours and is led by a live Spanish-speaking guide.
Pets aren’t allowed, but assistance dogs are permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, visitors can take photos during the tour. The cemetery is an open-air museum, and photography is generally allowed unless otherwise specified by the tour guide. Just be respectful of the site and other visitors.
Is There a Gift Shop On-Site?
There’s no gift shop on-site. The tour focuses on exploring the cemetery’s historical and architectural highlights. Visitors can take photos during the tour to capture the cemetery’s monuments and scenic views.
Are Guided Tours Available in Other Languages?
The guided tours are available in Spanish, but there’s no mention of them being offered in other languages. Visitors who don’t speak Spanish may need to inquire about translation services or consider a self-guided tour option.
Is Food and Drink Allowed in the Cemetery?
Food and drink are not allowed within the cemetery. The tour is focused on the cemetery’s architecture, history, and notable figures interred there. Visitors are asked to refrain from consuming any food or beverages during the guided experience.
Are There Benches or Seating Areas Within the Cemetery?
There are benches and seating areas throughout the cemetery, allowing visitors to rest and take in the architectural and historical highlights during the tour. Accessibility is a key feature of the cemetery experience.
The Wrap Up
The guided tour of La Carriona Cemetery in Avilés offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. Priced at just $10.82 per person, this 1.5-hour tour provides a profound insight into the cemetery’s diverse architectural styles, notable figures, and its crucial connections to the Spanish Civil War. The tour is fully wheelchair-accessible, making it accessible to all visitors.
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