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Laboral City of Culture

261 Calle Luis Moya Blanco, Cimadevilla, Principado de Asturias

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)

Meta review

Mostly excellent reviews for this site that is little known outside of the Asturias, probably because of its past link to the Francoist regime. Visitors are not just impressed by the scale of the complex but also by its architectural aspects and there are systematic recommendations to join a guided tour to get better insights into the historical background, architectural features, and some of the interior artworks.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
The guided tours cost €6/€4.5
Free

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