Sacred Heart of Jesus Basilica

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a Catholic temple in the city of Gijón/Xixón, which is also popularly known as the Iglesiona, due to its proportions and the Asturian tendency to use augmentatives in -on, in front of landmarks that have a special sentimental and historical value.

The monument combines different influences, among others the Gaudí modernist tendency, and Gothic resonances.

But undoubtedly one of the most characteristic features that make this church unique is the figure of the Sacred Heart - the work of Serafín Basterra - located in the bell tower, which can be seen from different points of the city, adding an artistic plus to the Gijón skyline, which is always interesting.

The Iglesiona also stands out for its impressive interior paintings, which make it known as the "Sistine Chapel of Asturias". Of course, its parabolic arches are also a novel solution adopted due to the narrowness of the plot on which it was built.

But the church is not only outstanding for its artistic value, but also for its intense history. Burnt down in 1930 and repaired at that time by Manuel del Busto, during the Spanish Civil War it was used as a prison.

In 2003, the Holy See, in view of its historical and artistic merits, proclaimed it a basilica.