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- population of 83.855.
- industrial town in decline, because their basic industries (steel, aluminium, zinc, etc.) are continuing to
lose workers. has a large steel mill & a historic centre.
- Birthplace of Pedro Mendoza, founder of Saint Augustine.
- lies along the Ría (inlet) de Avilés, an inlet of the Bay of Biscay.
- Asturias Airport: 13 km away.
- sites:
- Town Hall: built 1677.
- Plaza de España ("El Parche"): centre of old Avilés.
- San Nicolás de Bari: gothic church.
- Palacio de Camposagfado: baroque structure.
- history:
- The Fuero de Avilés (1155), a statute by which Alfonso VII of Castile freed the city from its
feudal ties, was significant in the development of medieval Spanish law.
- 1529: granted permission by king to load cargoes destined for the indies. later revoked &
only could leave from Sevilla.
- 1950's steel boom.
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