Universidad Laboral is one of Gijón's most surprising buildings: a huge mid-20th-century complex with a monumental courtyard, church, theatre, and tower. Its scale is almost theatrical, and it gives the city a sight that is neither beach nor old fishing quarter.
The building now functions as a cultural and educational complex, so check current access before going. Even from the outside it is worth the trip east of the centre, especially if you pair it with the Atlantic Botanical Garden or other sights on this side of Gijón.