The Councils of Boal, Coaña and Villayon, 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.
During the middle Ages the nobility and clergy governed the land and left testimonies of their wealth in the form of Palaces, Large Stately Houses, chapels and sanctuaries. You will find a lot of examples of this throughout the enchanting small coastal and inland country villages.
The council of Boal, is a lovely example of inland rural Asturias with nice rivers and peaks over 1000 metres.
In Boal you will find the impressive archaeological Celtic settlement called “Castro de Pendia” which has been well preserved and is surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes.
The town of Boal has many examples of “Indiano” Architecture like Villa Anita and other many examples of the Emigration Influence in the towns of Asturias.
Asturias underwent vast emigration at the end of the 19 th century and the beginning of the 20 th century to the Americas, especially Cuba, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela and the US. As the emigrants gained money and success they didn’t forget their roots and on their return to Asturias they built magnificent houses to show off their new status as wealthy men.
Many of these emigrants also acted as patrons of the area financing the development of their home towns in constructions such as roads, public lighting, water drainage, schools and bringing teachers to the towns. You can find perfect examples of this in the schools of Boal and the public laundry area built in 1928 and recently restored.
Other places of interest are the “Cova del Demo” with representations of Cave Art, the “Prelo Palace” in the town of Prelo, considered of Cultural Interest, the town of Froseira and the Reservoir of Doiras.
To get a sense of the beauty of Boal you should visit the viewpoints of “Penouta Costa” “Penouta Interior” or the “Castro de Pendia”. You can also stroll through the valleys by taking either“The Route of the Castros”, “The Route of Penouta”, “The Route of Froseira and the Cova Del Demo”
Boal is very well known for its production of quality honey, and is considered to be the finest in Asturias. Here you will find “Casa de la Apiculture” which is a museum of beekeeping housed in a renovated rural school house.
The Gastronomy in Boal is mainly traditional Asturias cuisine with some Galician influance. It is mainly based on Casseroles, Asturian reared beef, fresh fish from their rivers, cheeses and desserts from the area.
More info: Boal Tourist Office
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Images supplied by Ayto de Boal, Parque Historico del Navia and Turismo Asturias: Arnaud Spani and Mara Herrero
