TALK. Don Florencio Valdés y Menéndez: Gijón/Xixón from La Isla

If you are passionate about the history of our city and want to discover how the Gijón/Xixón we know today was shaped, you cannot miss this very special talk. It is a unique opportunity to learn about the figure of Florencio Valdés y Menéndez, a visionary who, from his garden in La Isla, helped design the future of our town.

The appointment will take place on April 26, 2026 at 17:00 in the multipurpose room of the Jardín Botánico Atlántico de Gijón. Admission is free until full capacity is reached, so I recommend arriving early, as spots are limited. 🌿

A legacy among gardens

Florencio Valdés y Menéndez was a key figure during the beginnings of industrialization and the rise of the bourgeoisie in Gijón/Xixón. From his recreational estate in Cefontes, he not only carried out pioneering work in local gardening, but was also an exceptional host.

His garden in La Isla became an essential meeting point for the social and cultural life of the time. There, under the shade of his great cedar of Lebanon and surrounded by camellias, gathered:

• Illustrious people and politicians.
• Friends and young athletes.
• Writers.
• Artists and musicians.

Come and discover how this man, born in 1835 in the Fano-Valdés manor house, left an indelible mark on the thinking and transformation of our city. It will be a fascinating afternoon of history and culture! 🏛️