Avilés, a captivating coastal city in northern Spain, offers a unique opportunity to explore the architectural marvels of La Carriona Cemetery. This guided tour promises to transport visitors through the cemetery’s rich history, showcasing a diverse range of styles from eclecticism to modernism. For just €10 per person, visitors can explore the lives of notable figures interred here, all while navigating the wheelchair-accessible grounds. With insightful commentary and an immersive cultural experience, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to uncover the hidden gems of Avilés.
This experience made our list of the Best Guided Tours In Aviles.
Key Points
- La Carriona Cemetery is part of the European Cemeteries Route and offers guided tours for €10 per person, lasting 1.5 hours.
- The cemetery is recognized for its unique architectural styles, including eclecticism, historicism, rationalism, and modernism.
- Renowned artists such as Manuel del Busto, Tomás Acha Zulaica, and Ángel Arias Falcón have contributed to the cemetery’s artistic legacy.
- The cemetery serves as a cultural repository, housing the remains of celebrated writers, poets, musicians, and athletes.
- The cemetery is wheelchair accessible, with well-maintained grounds and guided tours tailored to accommodate various guest needs.
Overview and Pricing
The guided tour of the La Carriona cemetery in Avilés costs €10.00 per person and lasts for 1.5 hours.
Visitors can explore this unique cemetery, which is the only one in Asturias that’s part of the European Cemeteries Route. The tour provides an in-depth look at the cemetery’s significance, architecture, and artistic heritage.
Guests can choose to reserve their spot and pay later, and they also have the option to cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and pets aren’t allowed, except for assistance dogs.
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Cemetery Significance
La Carriona is the only cemetery in Asturias that’s part of the European Cemeteries Route, making it a recognized destination for its unique significance.
Built in the late 19th century, this cemetery represents the prosperity of the bourgeois and Indians of the region. Designed by architect Ricardo Marcos Bausá, it’s considered one of Spain’s most unique cemeteries.
The cemetery’s significance lies in its architectural and sculptural elements, showcasing various styles like eclecticism, historicism, rationalism, and modernism.
It’s described as a ‘city of the dead,’ an important urban planning achievement that has transformed the cemetery into the largest open-air museum in Avilés.
Architectural Styles
Various architectural styles grace the grounds of La Carriona cemetery, showcasing the diverse artistic influences that shaped this unique burial site. Eclecticism, historicism, rationalism, and modernism all leave their mark, creating a captivating visual tapestry that reflects the region’s cultural heritage.
The cemetery features a harmonious blend of these elements, as seen in the table below:
| Architectural Style | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Eclecticism | Combination of various historical styles |
| Historicism | Revival of past architectural traditions |
| Rationalism | Emphasis on simplicity, function, and logic |
| Modernism | Innovative, forward-looking design principles |
This architectural diversity is a testament to the artistic vision and craftsmanship that have made La Carriona a true open-air museum, worthy of its designation as one of Spain’s most unique cemeteries.
Notable Artists
Renowned artists have left an indelible mark on the captivating sculptures and architectural features adorning La Carriona Cemetery.
The cemetery boasts the work of notable sculptors like Manuel del Busto, who crafted intricate statues and funerary monuments.
Tomás Acha Zulaica’s modernist style is evident in the cemetery’s elegant mausoleums, while Armando Fernández Cueto’s rationalist approach can be seen in the clean, geometric designs.
The revered painter Ángel Arias Falcón adorned the cemetery’s chapels with beautiful murals, and the renowned architect Cipriano Folgueras Doiztúa left his mark through the cemetery’s innovative urban planning.
These artists have transformed La Carriona into an open-air museum, showcasing the region’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyHistorical Figures
Within the hallowed grounds of La Carriona Cemetery, visitors can uncover the stories of esteemed historical figures who’ve found their final resting place.
Writers, poets, musicians, and athletes have all left an indelible mark on the region’s cultural landscape, with their legacies now intertwined with the cemetery’s rich tapestry.
Among the notable interments are the celebrated writer Armando Palacio Valdés, whose works captured the essence of Asturian life.
Poets Marcos del Torniello and Ana de Valle are also laid to rest here, their verses echoing through the cemetery’s tranquil atmosphere.
Musician Julián Orbón and athletes like Yago Lamela, Jesús, and Enrique Quini Castro have all contributed to the area’s cultural heritage, their stories preserved within this unique necropolis.
Tour Experience
Visitors on the guided tour of La Carriona Cemetery can expect to be captivated by the cemetery’s rich architectural and artistic heritage, as a knowledgeable local guide brings to life the stories behind its unique features.
The tour provides an in-depth exploration of the cemetery’s historical significance, discussing how it represents the prosperity of the region’s bourgeois and Indian populations.
Guests will have the opportunity to visit the pantheon of the marquises of San Juan de Nieva and learn about the notable figures interred, including writers, poets, musicians, and athletes.
With its diverse architectural styles and artistic elements, La Carriona offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and historical tapestry of Avilés.
Accessibility Information
The guided tour of La Carriona Cemetery is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors of all mobility levels to explore the site’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.
The cemetery grounds are well-maintained, with level pathways and thoughtful accessibility features. Here’s what to expect:
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Smooth, paved walkways that accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids.
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Designated viewing areas for optimal sightlines to the stunning monuments and sculptures.
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Knowledgeable tour guides who are attuned to the needs of guests with varying abilities.
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Ample space for navigating the cemetery’s winding paths and discovering its hidden gems.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a history buff, the accessible nature of this tour ensures an enriching experience for all.
Meeting Point
The tour meets at the main gate of the La Carriona Cemetery, right in front of the recognition plaques that commemorate the site’s significance. This convenient location provides a clear meeting point for visitors, ensuring they don’t miss the start of the guided experience.
From here, the tour guide will lead the group through the cemetery’s winding paths, sharing insights and stories about the impressive architectural and sculptural elements that make La Carriona one of Spain’s most unique burial grounds.
The main gate is easily accessible, making it a suitable starting point for both able-bodied and mobility-impaired guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Photography Restrictions During the Tour?
The tour allows visitors to take photos during the guided experience. However, there may be some restrictions on photography within certain areas of the cemetery. Guests should check with the tour guide for specific guidance on permitted photography.
Can We Purchase Souvenirs or Gifts at the Cemetery?
The tour does not include any opportunities to purchase souvenirs or gifts at the La Carriona Cemetery. Visitors should plan to enjoy the cemetery’s historical and artistic highlights during the guided tour without any on-site shopping options.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children on the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for children on the guided tour. Children are welcome to join the tour, though parents/guardians must ensure they are supervised at all times for their safety and enjoyment of the experience.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, there is an option to extend the tour duration. Customers can request an extended tour for an additional fee, allowing them more time to explore the cemetery’s unique architecture and historical significance with the guide.
Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks During the Tour?
Visitors are typically allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks during the tour, as long as they dispose of any waste properly and avoid disrupting the experience for others. The tour guidelines do not prohibit outside food and beverages.
Recap
The guided tour of La Carriona Cemetery in Avilés provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich architectural and historical significance of this renowned open-air museum.
With diverse styles, notable burials, and wheelchair-accessible grounds, the tour offers an enriching cultural experience for just €10 per person.
Visitors can explore the cemetery’s captivating history and appreciate the exceptional craftsmanship that makes it a part of the European Cemeteries Route.
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