The Councils of Grandas de Salime, Illano and Pesoz, belong to an area called “The Historical Park of the Navia River”. This refers to an area of different councils with a common historical past stemming from the ancient inhabitants of Asturias.
The west of Asturias is full of legends, mystery, magic and myth. This is largely because their location between the sea and the mountains of Galicia and Leon and their welcoming character as a land of travellers, farmers, fisherman, shepherds, sailors and craftsmen. The whole area is like a living museum with exhibits of mountains, beaches, valleys, rivers, towns and forests where you can find history in every step through the remnants of the Celtic, Roman and Christian cultures.
If we had to define this area in few words then it would be inspirational, relaxing, spiritual and mystical Other common denominators to all these areas are the mix of Galician and Asturias architecture, with stone structures and slate roofs. The traditional Asturian stores called “horreos” or “paneras” live side by side with Galician Style Barns. You will find these constructions right next to the houses and were designed protect cured meats and the vegetables from animals and insects.
The Council of Grandas de Salime is one of the entrances to the Historical Park of the River Navia at a reception area called “The First Settlers” dedicated to the history from megalithic times, the Celtic settlements, the Roman mines and the medieval necropolis. In Grandas de Salime is highly recommended to pay a visit to the archaeological site of the incredible Chao Sanmartin, a settlement from the Bronze Age.
In the area, you will also find the Xorenga Petroglifos, the Canadeiro Burial Mounds and the Penafurada Roman Tunnels.
Grandas de Salime is also a part of the “Primitive Route« of the «Route of Santiago” which starts in Oviedo and passes through many towns of the area taking in amazing landscapes and making this a very peaceful and beautiful part of the walk. Here you can find two pilgrim refuges, El Salvador and Albergue Residencia Juvenil El Castro.
The Council of Grandas de Salime is home many family crests most of them belong to Names such as Casa Roman, Casas de Rubiera and Niño, Casona de los Robledo, Casona de Vicente etc. Also, the collegiate church is worth a visit as well as the impressive industrial architecture of the hydroelectric power station with its beautiful murals designed by local artists Joaquin Vaquero Palacios and Joaquin Vaquero Turcios.
The reservoir of Grandas de Salime is a magnificent engineering feat. Here you can practice sailing and all kind of water sports. Also, you can enjoy several walking Routes such as “The Archaeological Route” or “The Route of the Surroundings of Grandas de Salime”.
The Gastronomy of the area is mainly traditional Asturias cuisine with some Galician influence. It is mainly based on Casseroles, Asturian reared beef, fresh fish from their rivers, cheeses and desserts from the area. Images supplied by Ayto de Illano, Ayto de Pesoz, Ayto de Grandas de Salime and Parque Historico del Navia.
More info: Grandas de Salime Tourist Office
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Images supplied by Tomás Fano