GIJ6N, nO-nonf. An important seaport in the Province of Oviedo, Spain, 20 miles by rail north-northeast of the city of Oviedo (Map: Spain, C 1). It is situated on a peninsula pro jecting into the Bay of Biscay, and is one of the most flourishing towns of Asturias, its population having increased with the development of its com merce and its growing popularity as a watering place. The town is well built, the more modern quarters with wide, straight streets; a num ber of new buildings, including markets, a town hall, etc., have been constructed. There are statues in honor of Pelayo and Gaspar de Jovel lanos, the latter a native of Gijon, who in 1794 founded the Instituto Jovellanos. which has a valuable art collection; and the Campos Elfseos with a theatre, circus, and extensive gardens. Gijon has also a large bull-ring and fine prome nades; the parish church of San Pedro (fifteenth century) and the two palaces are further objects of interest. One of the old ecclesiastical build ings has been converted into a Government tobacco factory which employs some 1500 persons. The
manufacturing establishments comprise also glass and pottery works, foundries and machine shops, wire and wire-nail factories, petroleum refineries, etc. The town, including a considerable area that is chiefly mountainous, is the port for a rich mining district, and carries on an extensive ex port trade in coal, copper, iron; and other min erals, lumber, and nuts. The coastwise trade is also important. Increased railroad facilities and improvements in the harbor have promoted Gijon's commerce. Population, in 1900, 46,813. GijOn is identified with the ancient Gigia or Gijia, though not on the exact site of the Roman town. Captured by the Arabs, it fell into the hands of Pelayo after the battle of Covadonga, and until near the close of the eighth century was the capital of the Asturian princes. The shattered 'Invincible Armada' repaired here in 1588.