The renewed Ciudadela de Celestino Solar

The renewed Celestino Solar Citadel

The Celestino Solar Citadel is known as “Ciudadela de Celestino Solar” or “Ciudadela de Capua.” It consists of a group of houses in a courtyard. The factory workers at the end of the 19th century rented the premises. Most of the men worked as masons, factory workers, and workshops or artisans. Ciudadela de Celestino Solar is the last remnants of more than 100 in the Arenal neighborhood. The entrance is located at Capua Street number 13 in the center of Gijon.

The renewed Celestino Solar Citadel

 

Layout

The “Ciudadela de Celestino Solar” built in 1877 with 24 houses.  The site inhabited for more than 100 years and organized in two spaces:

• Firstly, a large patio converted into a garden area. Nowadays, the master walls of the old houses remain as well as some of the original floor;

• Secondly, a small patio recreated with detached houses. While the first one is entirely reconstructed, the following ones host exhibitions.

The renewed Celestino Solar CitadelAThe renewed Celestino Solar Citadel
The renewed Celestino Solar CitadelAThe renewed Celestino Solar Citadel

 

Living Quarters

The whole family lived in these small homes of just 30 square meters. Usually, the inhabitants were a couple, their children and sometimes the parents of one of the spouses. These houses had no running water or electric light. The neighbors shared the public toilets available in the patios. Women and girls brought buckets of water from the nearest fountain located at the nearby Mercado de San Agustin. The reconstruction of one of the homes gives a glimpse of one of these family homes. The floor plan includes a kitchen, a living room, and two rooms. These renovations include with objects and furniture from the 30s and 40s of the 20th century in Gijon.

The renewed Celestino Solar CitadelAThe renewed Celestino Solar Citadel
AThe renewed Celestino Solar Citadel

 

The renovation of “Ciudadela de Celestino Solar” with professionals in the Gijon Employment Plan (Plan de Empleo) promotes employment and job placements. The entrance located at Capua Street in between San Lorenzo Beach and San Miguel Square. Admission is free and the opening times are Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 to 17:00 and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 18:00. It belongs to the Network of Museums of Gijon. The Muséu del Pueblu d’Asturies is also an ethnographic museum if interested in learning more about the local culture. Enjoy!