Tag:

MINING

COMMUNITIES AND COUNCILS PHOTOS

The council of Morcín and Santa Eulalia

by Admin

The council of Morcin is part of the Central Mountains of Asturias. In this area you have two types of landscapes, one of impressive natural beauty and the other more industrial in its makeup reminding you of its mining heritage and long industrial history.

The location offers a wealth of Natural and Protected Spaces, leafy Beech and Oak forests, green mountain pastures, narrow valleys and large meandering rivers.This natural beauty is juxtaposed with examples of past and present mining activites and Slack-heaps, mine entrances, Headframes, worker’s housing, etc dot the landscape. This is a real cornucopia for those who have an interest in Industrial architecture and landscapes. Mining has moulded Asturias and plays a significant part in her story so it is worth while learning about this history as it will help to understand the local community a bit more.

Morcin is home to a wealth of stone monuments, megalithic structures, necropolis and old settlements. The Route of the Silver cross the territory of Morcin. .

The Route of the Silver is Roman of origin and crosses the peninsula from north to south starting in Gijon, Asturias, and finishing in Seville, Andalucía. This was built to facilitate commerce and legion movement. After that, the route was mainly used by shepherds who took their livestock to the greener pastures of Asturias during the summer

The Council of Morcin is located in the protected area of the Mountain Rage of Aramo and is a perfect union between the history and nature of Mount Monsacro and the rivers of Morcin and Barrea. One of the principal attractions for tourists is the Mostayal Peak and its ascent through Peñerudes.

The main town in Morcin is called La Foz and has been awarded with “Exemplary Town of Asturias Award”. This is an award given by the “Princess of Asturias Foundation” and delivered in person by the King and Queen of Spain. The award shall be conferred upon a town, village, population centre, scenic area or group of people in the Principality of Asturias that have stood out in a notable way in “defending and conserving its natural or environmental setting, its historical, cultural or artistic heritage, or in the carrying out of outstanding communal works or other such displays of solidarity”.

Also in Morcin you can find more examples of cultural interest like The Chapels of Monsacro, the Medieval Tower of Peñerudes and the parish church of Santa Eulalia.

Morcin offfers many Walking Routes throughout protected landscapes such as The Sierra Aramo Route, The Route to the view point of Pando and Pico Llosoriu, the Route to the Chapels of Monsacro and the Mining Route of La Esperanza.

The other main attraction in Morcin is the local gastronomy offering an Asturian traditional fare or Stews, Asturian reared beef, fish from the rivers, cheeses and Asturian desserts.

One very popular dish is the turnip stew, the Afuega el Pitu cheese and the classical Asturian almond pastries. There is also the Museum of Cheeses of Asturias.

More info: Morcin Tourist Office

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Images supplied by Consorcio Montana Central and Turismo Asturias: Marcelo Suárez, Ana Muller, Armando Montes, José Suárez and Arnaud Spani.

COMMUNITIES AND COUNCILS PHOTOS

The council of Riosa and La Vega

by Admin

The council of Riosa is part of the Central Mountains. In Riosa you have two types of landscapes, one of impressive natural beauty and the other more industrial in its makeup reminding you of its mining heritage and long industrial history.

The Central Mountain range offer a wealth of Natural and Protected Spaces, leafy Beech and Oak forests, green mountain pastures, narrow valleys and large meandering rivers.

This natural beauty is juxtaposed with examples of past and present mining activites and Slack-heaps, mine entrances, Headframes, worker’s housing, etc dot the landscape. This is a real cornucopia for those who have an interest in industrial architecture and landscapes. Mining has moulded Asturias and plays a significant part in her story so it is worth while learning about this history as it will help to understand the local community a bit more.

Riosa is home to a wealth of stone monuments, megalithic structures, necropolis and old settlements.

The Route of the Silver cross the territory of Riosa. The Route of the Silver is Roman in origin and crosses the peninsula from north to south starting in Gijón, Asturias, and finishing in Seville, Andalucía. This was built to facilitate commerce and legion movement. After that, the route was mainly used by shepherds who took their livestock to the greener pastures of Asturias during the summer.

The area of Riosa is part of the protected mountain landscapes of the Coal-Mining Area at the Aramo Mountain Range where you can find the Mostayal Peak. In Viapara, Riosa you will find one of the main entrances to the peak.

Riosa has a very rich old legacy where ancient settlers exploited the underground riches in the mine of Rioseco which constitute an exceptionally valuable archaeological site due to their early date and are among the oldest in Western Europe. Other exceptional examples of this are the Castro or Settlement of Pico Castiello in El Collado and the necropolis of Corujedo in Corujedo. There are 30 other archaeological sites included in the Archaeological Chart of the County of Riosa designed by the Archaeologist Gema Adán in 1995.

Riosa is also very well known for amongst Cycling circles and especially for “Ascent to the Angliru”. For those passionate about cycling the Angliru Climb is an exciting challenge. The extreme gradient of the climb which is over 23% has made it a stage of the classic Tour of Spain and assent has gained international fame due to its difficulty.

If you don’t fancy donning the spandex shorts and pushing yourself to the limit then you can also access it by car and enjoy the amazing natural beauty at the top of this Peak. You can get there via the road of Grandiella which passes the recreational area of Viapará. Here one can enjoy a great picnic area with exceptional views of the Aramo mountain range, the winding road leading to the Angliru and the Monsacro. After one hour’s walk from the summit of Angliru you will reach the Gamonal Peak (1,712metres). This is a splendid vantage point with views of the Asturian coastline, the Picos de Europa and the Cantabrian Mountain range.

Another very beautiful route in the area is the Water Route. Apart from walking, cycling and climbing you can also practice fishing or spelunking,

The other main attraction in Riosa is the local gastronomy offering an Asturian traditional fare or Stews, Asturian reared beef, fish from the rivers, cheeses and Asturian desserts.

More info: Office Tourism Riosa

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Images supplied by Ayto de Riosa, Consorcio Montana Central and Turismo Asturias: Arnaud Spani and Camilo Alonso.

COMMUNITIES AND COUNCILS PHOTOS

The council of Langreo and La Felguera

by Admin

This area is a part of the Mancomunidad of the Nalon Valley formed by the councils of Langreo, San Martin del Rey Aurelio, Laviana, Sobrescobio and Caso

The council of Langreo it is located in the south east of Asturias and connected by the Nalon River.

In this area you have two main protected landscapes; the first one is the wonderful natural landscapes of the Redes Natural Park which is a Biosphere Reserve in Sobrescobio and Caso. The second one is the Protected Landscapes of the Mining Basins in Langreo, San Martin del Rey Aurelio and Laviana.

The area of Langreo is very valuable for its industrial legacy. In the middle of XVIII and XIX century the Nalon Valley was immersed in an authentic industrial Revolution that transformed the face of the valley and its way of life. Coal mining, iron and steel production together with the development of the railways, were the basic pillars for this industrialisation process.

In Langreo you can visit a lot of this industrial heritage such as The Old Duro Felguera Works or the Urquijo District in La Felguera, San Luis Colliery in La Nueva, Fondon Colliery in Sama, Maria Luisa Colliery in Ciañu or the Iron Bridge of La Maquinilla in Sama. Also they offer different Routes around the Industrial Patrimony such as The Iron and Steel Route around La Felguera, The Route through the Sama District or the Route through the Samuño Valley.

Here you can visit the Asturias Iron and Steel Museum (MUSI) housed in the impressive cooling tower from the Old Duro Felguera Iron and Steel Works. It is also very important the Mining and Industrial Museum (MUMI) which offers a journey through the technical history of European mining, the age of steam and Asturian industrialization.

Regarding to artistic patrimony in the council of Langreo you can find the Tower of Quintana, the House of the Solis, the Church of San Esteban or the Virgin of Carbayu Home Asylum and Chapel all in Ciañu; or the chapel of Our Lady of the Carbayu in El Carbayu.

The main village of the Council of Langreo is called with the same name and there you can visit the Eduardo Urculo Municipal Art Gallery, the Armando Palacio Valdes visitors centre and the Redes Natural Park Reception and Visitors Centre or the House of the Water in the Redes Natural Park.

In the council of Langreo you can also find a large representation of ethnographic patrimony through traditional housing, stables and barns, horreos and paneras, grinding mills, public springs, washing places and animal troughs.

The council of Langreo enjoys the mountains of the Protected Area of the Cuenca Minera made up of the headwaters of the rivers Samuño, Santa Barbara and the Villoria, tributaries rivers of the River Nalon. There are many Walking Routes in the council such as the Circular Route of Ciañu, the Peña Villa Ascent, the Braña Walk, The Llantamartin Route, or the Mills Route among others.

In this area you can practice a wide range of activities according to the season, fishing and hunting are two of the most deeply rooted in the Valley. In Autumn you can listen the sounds of braying deer. Also the reservoirs of Tanes and Rioseco are a unique situation for bird watching, especially at Rioseco where there are two purpose-built observation posts.

This is also a fantastic area for the practice of different sports such as walking, trekking, mountaineering, mountan biking, rock and ice climbing, horse riding, cycling and Nordic Skiing.

The other main attraction of the area is the Gastronomy enjoying Asturias traditional food based in Stews, Asturias beef, fish from the rivers, local Asturias sweets. But the star of the region is the high Nalon trout, the Casin Cheese, one of the oldest in Spain, and the Nalón whispers which are exquisite butter pastries.

More info: Langreo Tourist Office

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Images supplied by Council of Langreo, Turismo Asturias: James Seoane Argüelles and Manuel Ángel Suárez Calvo.

COMMUNITIES AND COUNCILS PHOTOS

The council of Aller and Cabañaquinta

by Admin

Aller is also known as the gate of Asturias because it is what you will first see as you are head north from the plains of Leon in Spain. This is quite an impressive journey, positioned at the border between Leon and Asturias you are welcomed by the magnificent and vibrant beauty of the Mountains which makes quite an impressive picture.

The Central Mountain range offer a wealth of Natural and Protected Spaces, leafy Beech and Oak forests, green mountain pastures, narrow valleys and large meandering rivers.

This natural beauty is juxtaposed with examples of past and present mining activity as Slack-heaps, mine entrances, Headframes, worker’s housing, etc dot the landscape. This is a real cornucopia for those who have an interest in Industrial architecture and landscapes. Mining has moulded Asturias and plays a significant part in her story so it is worth while learning about this history as it will help to understand the local community a bit more.

Aller is home to a wealth of stone monuments, megalithic structures, necropolis and old settlements. The Route of the Silver cross the territory of Aller. The Route of the Silver is Roman in origin and crosses the peninsula from north to south starting in Gijón, Asturias, and finishing in Seville, Andalucía. This was built to facilitate commerce and legion movement. After that, the route was mainly used by shepherds who took their livestock to the greener pastures of Asturias during the summer

The Council of Aller borders with the community of Castilla Leon. Aller is a natural paradise enjoying the impressive mountains of the Principado de Asturias such as the San Isidro pass, Vegarada, Piedrafita and the Via Carisa. The large rivers of this area such as S. Isidro, Negro and Aller are teeming with trout and other fish. The dense forests are home to the wildlife like Deer, Wolves, Foxes, Wild Boar, Otter, Sables, Capercaillies (which is a type of Grouse), and many species of birds.

The main town in Aller is called Moreda. The most important cultural and historic aspects of Aller are the megalithic necropolis of El Padrún in Boo from the 4^th century BC, the monolith of “El Moyón de la Corrala” in Pola de El Pino, The Church of San Vicente de Serapio, The Church of San Juan El Real de Llamas and St Felix de El Pino and the Church of St Juan de Rumiera de Satibanez de la Fuente, all considered Artistic and Historic Monuments.

You will find many fine examples of Industrial Mining Heritage throughout the area. Some of the best examples are the “Pit of San Jorge”, “The Pit of San Fernando” and the Hearframes of San Jorge, Santiago and San Antonio.

Aller is the start of many Routes and it is also part of the La Carisa Way which is one of the pre-historic routes that connected Asturias with the rest of the peninsula. It was the first road built and widely used by the Romans to accommodate safe passage for their carriages. You can still see some of the original road preserved as you travel along its route. The Roman camp of La Carisa is located on the Curriel peak and at 1,728metres, it was the highest Roman military camp in Europe and could house up to approx 10,000 men.

The area of Aller is a fantastic place to do any kind of sports and is well set up for trekking, mountaineering, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, Mountain biking, quad biking, horse riding, spelunking, paragliding, etc.

Two of the most important sporting activities in the area are climbing in Pelugano and Cuevas; and skiing as Aller is home to the Winter Ski Resort of Fuentes de Invierno, the newest and most modern ski station in Asturias.

Aller boasts some stunning natural monuments such as “Foces de El Pino” or the yew tree of Santibañez de la Fuente and beautiful pasturelands like Valencia, La Tabierna, El Gumial, El Rason, Palmial or La Escosura. During months the autumn, the mountains sides echo with the sound of Stags rutting for mates which is an eerie and magnificent experience to behold.

The other main attraction of the area is the local gastronomy offering a traditional Asturian fare based on Stews, Asturias reared beef, fish from the rivers, cheeses and Asturias desserts but the toast of the region is the handmade Rye Bread and the Sweet Bread Pudding called Panchon.

More info: Aller Tourist Office

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Images supplied by Ayto de Aller, Consorcio Montana Central, RECREA and Turismo Asturias: Arnaud Spani, Camilo Alonso and C. Salvo.

COMMUNITIES AND COUNCILS PHOTOS

The council of Caso and Campo de Caso

by Admin

In the municipality of Caso one can find the largest growths of beech trees in Europe, but there are also yews, ashes, birch, chestnut, oak and holly. There are many varieties of the fauna with protected species such as the brown bear, boar, wolf, golden eagle, capercaillie, deer, roe deer, etc.

This area is a part of the Mancomunidad of the Nalon Valley formed by the councils of Langreo, San Martin del Rey Aurelio, Laviana, Sobrescobio and Caso. It is located in the south east of Asturias and connected by the Nalon River.

In this area you have two main protected landscapes; the first is the wonderful natural landscapes of the Redes Natural Park which is a Biosphere Reserve in Sobrescobio and Caso. The second is the Protected Landscapes of the Mining Basins in Langreo, San Martin del Rey Aurelio and Laviana.

The area of Caso is a part of the Natural Park of Redes, one of the most valued natural spaces in Asturias that has been declared as a Wold Biosphere Reserve. An area of water, woods, peaks and village have lived mainly from agriculture and raising livestock.

The Natural Park of Redes belongs to the Nature 2000 network, it is considered a Place of Community Importance and it is also a Special Protection Place for Birds (ZEPA). It was also awarded with the Q certification in 2005 for tourism quality.

Inside the Redes Park there are three natural Monuments: The Alba Route with cascades and waterfalls along the whole route. The Tabayón del Mongayu, a spectacular waterfall originating in the Riega del Mongayu and the Deboyu cave: a kast cavity excavated by the River Nalon as it passes through the locality of Les Yanes.

In the council of Caso you find examples of artistic patrimony such as The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria La Real in Tañes, the Church of Santa Cruz La Real in Caliao, the Medieval Bridge of El Campu, The Tower House and Chapel of San Cosme in El Campu, The Veneros Palace in Veneros, the Chapel of Santiago in Bueres or the Chapel of the Virgin of Dolores in Nieves.

In the council of Caso you can also find a large representation of ethnographic patrimony through traditional housing, stables and barns, horreos and paneras, grinding mills, public springs, washing places and animal troughs.

The abundance of woods means that Caso is known for its long tradition of woodcrafts. Here you can visit the Wood Museum in an Asturias Baroque style XVII century palace in the village of Veneros. Woodworking and basket weaving is very notable in the area, and it is worth mention the tradition of clog making. In fact you can visit the Clog Museum in Pendones.

In this area there is a wide range of activities according to the season, fishing and hunting are two of the most deeply rooted in the Valley. In autumn you can listen the sounds of braying deer. Also the reservoirs of Tanes and Rioseco are a unique situation for bird watching, especially at Rioseco where there are two purpose-built observation posts.

There are many Walking Routes in the Caso such as The Brañagallones Route, The Route of La Cabeza L’Arcu, The Route of the Waterfall of Tabayón, The Route of the Peña of l’Vientu or the Route of the Royal Walk of Sellon, among others.

This is also a fantastic area for the practice of different sports such as walking, trekking, mountaineering, mountain biking, rock and ice climbing, horse riding, cycling and Nordic Skiing.

The other main attraction of the area is the Gastronomy enjoying Asturias traditional food based in stews, Asturias beef, fish from the rivers, local Asturias sweets. But the star of the region is the high Nalon trout, the Casin cheese, one of the oldest in Spain, and the Nalón whispers which are exquisite butter pastries.

More info: Caso Tourist Office

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Images supplied by Caso Council, Turismo Asturias: Victor Cabal, José Suárez, Mercedes Blanco, Camilo Alonso, Antonio Vázquez, Osmel.

COMMUNITIES AND COUNCILS PHOTOS

The council of Ribera de Arriba and Soto de Arriba

by Admin

The council of Ribera de Arriba is part of the Central Mountains of Asturias. In Ribera de Arriba you have two types of landscapes, one of impressive natural beauty and the other more industrial in its makeup reminding you of its mining heritage and long industrial history.

The Central Mountain range offer a wealth of Natural and Protected Spaces, leafy Beech and Oak forests, green mountain pastures, narrow valleys and large meandering rivers.

This natural beauty is juxtaposed with examples of past and present mining activites and Slack-heaps, mine entrances, Headframes, worker’s housing, etc dot the landscape. This is a real cornucopia for those who have an interest in Industrial architecture and landscapes. Mining has moulded Asturias and plays a significant part in her story so it is worth while learning about this history as it will help to understand the local community a bit more.

Ribera de Arriba is home to a wealth of stone monuments, megalithic structures, necropolis and old settlements. The Route of the Silver cross the territory of Ribera de Arriba.

The Route of the Silver is Roman in origin and crosses the peninsula from north to south starting in Gijon, Asturias, and finishing in Seville, Andalucía. This was built to facilitate commerce and legion movement. After that, the route was mainly used by shepherds who took their livestock to the greener pastures of Asturias during the summer

The County of Ribera de Arriba is an extensive valley running alongside the Nalon River and very close to the city of Oviedo, the capital of Asturias.

Due to the proximity to the river one of the main constructions in the area is a very important example of the local industrial heritage, the thermal power station of Soto de Ribera.

This area has many small villages that continue to use traditional methods of construction, specifically the use of wood and stone in the building of the “horreo” or Asturian food stores which are raised wooden structures for storing grain and other produce. The main attraction in the town of Bueñu is the well explained route of the “Horreos”. The high number and diversity of these popular grain stores allow visitors to view “horreos” from all ages between the 16^th and the 20^th centuries, with examples of the three symbolic decorative styles: the Villaviciosa, the Carreño and the Allande.

Other areas of cultural interest in the area are the San Juan de Mata Chapel, San Nicolas de Tellego Church, Remains of the Doña Urraca Castle and Soto Castle, Hevia Ponte’s house and San Antonio Chapel.

Here you can enjoy many walking Routes such as Bueñu-Peñerues Route, the Busiellu Mount Route or the route of Asturian Barns in Bueñu.

The other main attraction in Ribera de Arriba is the local gastronomy offering a traditional Asturian fare of Stews, Asturian reared beef, fish from the rivers, cheeses and Asturian desserts.

More info: Ribera de Arriba Tourism

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Images supplied by Ayto de Ribera de Arriba, Consorcio Montana Central and Turismo Asturias: F. Geijo, C. Salvo and Camilo Alonso.

COMMUNITIES AND COUNCILS PHOTOS

The council of San Martin del Rey Aurelio and Sotrondio

by Admin

This area is a part of the Mancomunidad of the Nalon Valley formed by the councils of Langreo, San Martin del Rey Aurelio, Laviana, Sobrescobio and Caso. It is located in the south east of Asturias and connected by the Nalon River.

The area of San Martin del Rey Aurelio is very valuable for its industrial legacy. In the middle of XVIII and XIX century the Nalon Valley was immersed in an authentic industrial Revolution that transformed the face of the valley and its way of life. Coal mining, iron and steel production together with the development of the railways, were the basic pillars for this industrialisation process.

San Martin del Rey Aurelio is based in the banks of the Nalon River and surrounded by mountains. It preserves civil and industrial architecture related to the coal extraction. Some examples are La Maquinilla Bridge or Los Gallegos Bridge in Sotrondio, The Villar Colliery of San Mames, The San Vicente Colliery in El Entrego, the Miramar Bridge in El Entrego, Les Chapes Bridge or La Oscura Bridge or The Entrego Colliery in El Entrego or the Cerezal Colliery in La Cruz, among others. They offer different Routes around the industrial areas such as The Pithead Route or Carrocera-La Gueria Carrocera Route.

Regarding to artistic patrimony in the council of San Martin del Rey Aurelio you can find the Dolmen of La Campa L’Españal, the Estela of Los Cuetos, the Church of San Martin or the Casona del Bravial in Blimea.

In the council of San Martin del Rey Aurelio you can also find a large representation of ethnographic patrimony through traditional housing, stables and barns, horreos and paneras, grinding mills, public springs, washing places and animal troughs.

The council of San Martin del Rey Aurelio enjoys the mountains of the Protected Area of the Cuenca Minera made up of the headwaters of the rivers Samuño, Santa Barbara and the Villoria, tributaries rivers of the River Nalon. There are many Walking Routes in the council such as Blimea-La Casilla Route, El Entrego-La Camperona Route, Carrocera-La Gueria de Carrocera Route, El Entrego-Valley of Santa Barbara Route or The Green Belt of La Bobia- La Colladiella Route.

In this area you can practice a wide range of activities according to the season, fishing and hunting are two of the most deeply rooted in the Valley. In autumn you can listen the sounds of braying deer. Also the reservoirs of Tanes and Rioseco are a unique situation for bird watching, especially at Rioseco where there are two purpose-built observation posts.

This is also a fantastic area for the practice of different sports such as walking, trekking, mountaineering, mountan biking, rock and ice climbing, horse riding, cycling and Nordic Skiing.

The other main attraction of the area is the Gastronomy enjoying Asturias traditional food based in Stews, Asturias beef, fish from the rivers, local Asturias sweets. But the star of the region is the high Nalon trout, the Casin Cheese, one of the oldest in Spain, and the Nalón whispers which are exquisite butter pastries.

More info: San Martín del Rey Aurelio Tourist Office

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Images supplied by the Council of San Martin del Rey Aurelio, Turismo Asturias and Camilo Alonso

COMMUNITIES AND COUNCILS PHOTOS

The council of Laviana and Pola de Laviana

by Admin

In this area you have two main protected landscapes; the first one is the wonderful natural landscapes of the Redes Natural Park which is a Biosphere Reserve in Sobrescobio and Caso. The second one is the Protected Landscapes of the Mining Basins in Langreo, San Martin del Rey Aurelio and Laviana.

The area of Laviana is very valuable for its industrial legacy. In the middle of XVIII and XIX century the Nalon Valley was immersed in an authentic industrial Revolution that transformed the face of the valley and its way of life. Coal mining, iron and steel production together with the development of the railways, were the basic pillars for this industrialisation process.

Laviana is based in the banks of the Nalon River and surrounded by mountains. It preserves civil and industrial architecture related to the coal extraction. Some examples are The Mine of Coto Musel, the Carrio Colliery in Barredos or the Drift Mining Route at the Musel Colliery.

Regarding to artistic patrimony in the council of Laviana you can find the Bridge of Arcu, the Church of San Martín in Llorio, the Tower of Condao in El Condao, The Casona of Menendez in L’Aldea or the Church of San Nicolás in Villoira.

In the council of Laviana you can also find a large representation of ethnographic patrimony through traditional housing, stables and barns, horreos and paneras, grinding mills, public springs, washing places and animal troughs.

The council of Laviana enjoys the mountains of the Protected Area of the Cuenca Minera made up of the headwaters of the rivers Samuño, Santa Barbara and the Villoria, tributaries rivers of the River Nalon. There are many Walking Routes in the council such as Coto Musel or Mine Route, El Condao-La Xamoca Route, Les Foces del Raigusu Route, Peña Mea Ascent or the Green Belt el Sutu-La Bara, among others.

In this area you can practice a wide range of activities according to the season, fishing and hunting are two of the most deeply rooted in the Valley. In autumn you can listen the sounds of braying deer. Also the reservoirs of Tanes and Rioseco are a unique situation for bird watching, especially at Rioseco where there are two purpose-built observation posts.

This is also a fantastic area for the practice of different sports such as walking, trekking, mountaineering, mountain biking, rock and ice climbing, horse riding, cycling and Nordic Skiing.

The other main attraction of the area is the Gastronomy enjoying Asturias traditional food based in Stews, Asturias beef, fish from the rivers, local Asturias sweets. But the star of the region is the high Nalon Trout, the Casin Cheese, one of the oldest in Spain, the Nalón whispers which are exquisite butter pastries and the Bartolos typical local dessert made by almonds.

More info: Laviana Tourist Office

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Images supplied by Mancomunidad del Valle del Nalon

COMMUNITIES AND COUNCILS PHOTOS

The council and town of Mieres

by Admin

The council of Mieres is part of the Central Mountains of Asturias and range offer a wealth of Natural and Protected Spaces.

This Protected Spaces are leafy Beech and Oak forests, green mountain pastures, narrow valleys and large meandering rivers.

Mieres have two types of landscapes: one a impressive natural beauty and other more industrial in its makeup reminding you of its mining heritage and long industrial history.

This natural beauty is juxtaposed with examples of past and present mining activites and Slack-heaps, mine entrances, Headframes, worker’s housing, etc dot the landscape. This is a real cornucopia for those who have an interest in industrial architecture and landscapes. Mining has moulded Asturias and plays a significant part in her story so it is worth while learning about this history as it will help to understand the local community a bit more.

Mieres is home to a wealth of stone monuments, megalithic structures, necropolis and old settlements. Mieres also acts as a crossroads to two significant trading routes and for that reason the area is well marked by a mixture of many cultures. The two main routes that cross the territory are the Route of the Silver and the Route of Santiago.

The Route of the Silver is Roman in origin and crosses the peninsula from north to south starting in Gijon and finishing in Seville, Andalucía. This was built to facilitate commerce and legion movement. After that, the route was mainly used by shepherds who took their livestock to the greener pastures of Asturias during the summer

The famous Route of Santiago is the other significant route of the area. This section is known as the “El Salvador Route” which enters Asturias through the Pajares Mountain pass and down into Oviedo ending up at the San Salvador Cathedral where the route connects with “Primitive Route”.

The Council of Mieres is located just 10 minutes from Oviedo and it is part of the protected mountain landscapes of the Coal-Mining Area at the Valley of Turón.

You will find many fine examples of Industrial Mining Heritage throughout the area. Some of the best examples are the Headframes of Pozu Espinos, San Jose Pit, The Mining Village of Bustiello (considered of Cultural Interest), Santa Barbara Pit (declared of Cultural Interest), Barredo Pit, the Water Deposit of Villapendi and examples of locomotives.

The main town of the area is also called Mieres and it is where you can visit very interesting historic buildings such as The Town Council, Casa Duro, The Carmen Chapel, The Church of San Juan Bautista and the Palace of the Camposagrado Marquees, among others.

Also, the surrounding area offers copious amounts of culturally interesting places to visit such as the Sanctuary of the martyrs of Valdecuna, the Church of Santa Eulalia of Ujo, the Palace of the Vazquez de Prada or the Palace of the Cachero Riosa, the Palace of the Viscount of Heredia or Villarejo, among others. Here you can also find some fine examples of ethnographically interesting buildings such as ethnographic zone of San Justo, Llano Pomar, Stately and country Homes, Asturian food stores, mills and pigeon lofts.

Mieres offers many walking routes throughout the protected landscapes like The Green Belt of Turon, the Castañir Route, the Navaliego Mountain Route or the Route of the Grand Houses and the route of the Brañas. There are also many well organized Mountain biking routes at all levels of difficulties such as the Navaliego Mounain Range, The Cordal of Rozamayor Route, or the Padrun and Baiña Route. This County is also a paradise for hunters or fishermen.

The other main attraction of Mieres is the Gastronomy offering a traditional Asturias fare based around Stews, Asturian reared beef, fish from the rivers, cheeses and Asturias desserts.

The main party of the area is the party of San Juan where they light a huge fire on the Town Hall Piazza.

More info: Mieres Tourist Office

If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com

Images supplied by Tomás Fano, Ayto de Mieres, Consorcio Montana Central and Turismo Asturias: Arnaud Spani, Juanjo Arrojo, Camilo Alonso, Marcos, Morilla and C. Salvo