The area of Teverga is part of the Natural Reserve of Las Ubiñas-La Mesa. It is situated on the border of Leon which is accessible through the spectacular Ventana Pass and surrounded by the wonderful mountains of Yernes & Tameza and the Natural Reserve of Somiedo offering an amazing place to admire landscapes, relax and enjoy nature.
Teverga is also a part of the Camin Real de la Mesa (Royal route of the Table). This route is Pre-Romanic in origin and up to 19th century, it was one of the busiest routes between Asturias and the central plains of Spain. You can still find the original Roman Pavements as the route winds its way through hills, meadows and along the River Nalon.
In Teverga you can visit the Prehistoric Park which is one the newest museams dedicated to Paleolithic Art in the country. This Museum displays some of the most outstanding representations of the Upper Palaeolithic Period in Europe and offers tours through the near perfect real size reproductions in the Cave of Caves.
Very close to this park you will find The Cave Paintings of Fresnedo from the Bronze Age and the Huerta Cave which was declared a Natural Monument in 2002 for its length and being of biological and geological importance. It is also worth a visit to witness the large colonies of bats that are considered to be a threatened species.
Teverga has very good examples of Pre-Romanic and Romanic art such as the Collegiate Church of San Pedro de Teverga considered of Cultural Interest which displays the mummies of the Marquees of Valdecarzana and his son. Also you can visit the Romanic Church of Villanueva, the Church of Santo Tomas del Riello or the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Cebrano. There are also many Palaces and Large Estates dotted throughout the region.
At the very top of mountain areas you will find groups of the traditional Asturian Thatched roofed huts such as Fonfria and El Rebechon which are of great ethnographic interest. Teverga is a perfect place to walk offering many sporting and adventure activities such as trekking, horse riding, biking, fishing, etc.
One of the most popular walking Routes in the area is the Route of the Bear which is great for walking or cycling especially when accompanied by small kids. Bicycle and Segway hire is available at reasonable daily rates. The route starts in the town of Tuñón, Teverga and follows 25 km of a disused mining railway, restored for hikers and cyclist as it passes through Quiros, Santo Adriano, Proaza and Teverga collectively known as the “Valleys of the Bear”.
The area is a refuge of one of the last populations of Cantabrian Brown Bears in the country which are one of the three varieties of brown bear existing in Europe. Along the track you might get a chance to spot Paca & Tola, two orphan bears that have found a home there and you can sometimes see them when they come down from the mountain to eat.
The Gastronomy of Teverga is classical Asturian, offering very nice seasonal vegetables, stews, Asturian reared beef and nice fish from the Rivers. One of the most classical dishs of the area is the hearty “Pote Tevergano” or Teverga stew. Teverga is also well known for Game stews, roast meats, picadillo (asturian spiced minced meat) or callos (tripe). Meals are normally served with the wonderful local Escanda Bread (Spelt Bread).
If you want to know more about the Camin Real de la Mesa you can read the article written by Paul Richardson for the english newspaper The Guardian: Secrets of Spain on a road less travelled.
More info: Teverga Tourist Office
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Images supplied by Tomás Fano, Ayto de Teverga and Turismo Asturias: Eduardo Velasco and José Antonio Carretero.