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Aviles is situated on the inner strip of the coastline of Asturias, to the west of the cape of Peñas. Aviles used to be an old seafaring and farming town, and parts still remain the same. However Aviles is a product of the industrial boom and demographic growth, and is now a modern city and a major iron and steel centre.
Avilés is the third major city in the Principality of Asturias. Its historic quarter has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site, because it houses many significant gems of civil and religious architecture. Some of the main attractions are the pedestrian streets of Galiana and Rivero, Plaza de España has an amazing city hall, the old church of Sabugo is simply breathtaking and originates from the 13th century, and the modern Santo Tomás de Canterbury. In terms of civil architecture, Avilés can boast the palaces of Valdecarzana and Camposagrado and the Palacio Valdés theatre. In 1980 came the opening of the new fishing dock and fishermen's guild of Virgen de las Mareas, whose market auctions almost 70% of the fish caught in Asturias, which has placed Avilés, despite a limited fishing fleet, at the head of the ports in Asturias in this sector. The dock is a hive of activity and well worth a visit, to experience some of the local culture.
Aviles has many places to eat, whether it be an English meal, or Tapas (a selection of typical Spanish dishes served together), which is a great way to try Spanish food. As expected seafood is big around here, and the quality is superb.
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