This collection of beautiful towns, Villanueva de Oscos, Santa Eulalia de Oscos y San Martin de Oscos, together with San Tirso de Abres, Castropol, Taramundi and Vegadeo are part of the Mancomunidad de Oscos-Eo and form the area around the Reserve and Biosphere of the Mountains of Oscos and the riversways of the River Eo.
Due to their close proximity with Galicia and adding a combination of mountainous landscapes, beaches, architecture and gastronomy, the area is rich in both cultural and environmental abundances.
The mountains and forests of the Biosphere Reserve of the Oscos Mountains in Asturias are full of mountain routes, untainted beauty spots, outdoor & adventure sports and plenty of natural experiences.
The Estuary of the Eo River has been declared a Partial Natural Reserve for its marine ecosystem and because it is one of the most important wetlands in the North of Spain for its concentration of birdlife and waterfowl making it an ideal to practice ornithology.
It is also ideal for paddling, canoeing, fishing and other water sports. The area is home to some of the best beaches of Asturias like Peñaronda, a declared Natural Monument and Galicia such as The Beach of the Cathedrals.
Around the middle Ages the nobility and clergy controlled and governed the area and left testimonies to their existence by way of Palaces, Large Stately Houses, chapels and sanctuaries. You will also find many examples of this throughout the enchanting small fishing towns and inland country hamlets.
This area has a varied and tasty mix of gastronomy mainly due to its location between the Sea and the Mountains. You can enjoy the traditional Asturias food with some influences from Galician gastronomy offering you a wide selection of hearty casseroles, Asturian reared Beef or cured meats to the freshest fish and shellfish such as razor fish, clams and oysters. It is also a very popular area for cheese and rustic bread.
The Celtic heritage can be seen throughout the area as it borders between Asturias and Galicia, the two counties that celebrate the best examples of Celtic Culture in Spain. At every turn you’ll witness presence of Celtic history with traces of settlements and many examples of drawings and carvings on balconies, in corridors, and on traditional Asturias food stores or “horreos” / “paneras”. Many folkloric tales are regaled and Celtic music played during the yearly Celtic festivals.
San Martin de Oscos is historically linked to the Celts and this can be seen at the settlement of San Isidro. There is plenty evidence throughout the area of a primitive iron industry and Iron Mines from the Roman times right up to the twenty century.
Other places of interest are the towns of Soutelo, Piorno and Mon where we can find one of the best examples of the nobility architecture in El Palacio de Mon.
Santa Eulalia de Oscos is a town with a mixture of popular architecture and Large stately homes form the twenty Century.
Here you will find the Museum house of the Sargadelos Marquis, who was a master of industry from the 18th century and the driving force behind the modern steel and pottery industry. The local style of ceramic pottery is very characteristic with beautiful and particular designs that have become a very typical and prestigious product from Asturias.
In this town you will also find traditional handcrafted looms and an “Azabache” or Jet workshop. Jet is a black stone that is used in the design of jewels and amulets and is another example of quality artisan products made in Asturias…. Apparently, apart from being used as a jewel, Jet is believed to ward off “the evil eye”….
Villanueva de Oscos is the town where you will find the Monastery of Santa Maria, the Eco-Museum of Bread and the Interpretation Centre for traditional Asturian Architecture.
At the mountains of Sierra de la Bobia you find herds the wild horses and great examples of Burial mounds and dolmens.
Note: The word Mancomunidad roughly translates as “shared management” in English.
More info: San Martin de Oscos Tourist Office
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Images supplied by Ayto de San Martin de Oscos, Ayto de Villanueva de Oscos and Turismo Asturias: Jose Suarez, Camilo Alonso and Arnaud Spani.
