Laboral City of Culture
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Laboral City of Culture - by Julio Vigil on Google




Description
The Laboral Ciudad de la Cultura is a complex built in 1948-58 to provide education to orphaned children of mine workers in the Province of Asturias as well as other parts of Spain. In the Francoist fashion of the time, it adopted neo-Herrerian and neo-classical design elements and, with a total floor space of 270,000 m², it is the largest building in the country. Architectural highlights include the view from the central courtyard, the elliptical church, the 130m tower, and the Corinthian atrium. The complex was repurposed in the early 2000s and now houses a broadcasting network, a contemporary art centre, and various tertiary education institutions.
Access & Transport
The complex is 6km southeast of the city centre, just off the N-632. Bus services 1, 2 and 18 stop there and there are car park spaces on site.
Instructions & Recommendations
At the time of this review update, there were scheduled guided visits (90mins) in Spanish everyday from April to October and Fri-Sun the rest of the year. Alternatively, there is a free audio guide available in several languages (Spanish, English, French, and German)
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral visit since the primary purpose of the buildings is not tourism. Part of the regions' architectural heritage.
Conclusion
An unusual attraction that will be best enjoyed by architectural buffs. If you happen to be in the vicinity of Gijon or even Oviedo, this is worth adding to your itinerary.
Key positive
Visually very impressive
Interesting historical background
Key negative
None
Suitability
Accessible except for the climb to the church (stairs). The tower has a lift
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo