Directly on the coast of the Bay of Biscay,
the Principality of Asturias was for many
centuries the refuge of the christian Spanish
kingdom during the long Arabic invasion
and reign. This is a very green region full
of mountains and hills. At its borders are
the national parks of 'Covandonga' and 'Picos
de Europa'. The future king of Spain, Felipe
de Borbón, holds the title of Prince
of Asturias.
With
a magnificent cultural heritage and exhuberant
nature, Asturias is a singular place. Its
architecture and its pre-romanic paintings
and handwork where included to UNESCO's
World Heritage in 1985.
Highlights: national park of the
mountain of 'Covadonga', on the western
side of the 'Picos de Europa'.
Food: 'Fabada' ('fabes' are white
beans) is a landmark of Asturian food. Fabes
symbolise the essence of this land, whether
you take them with shell-fish, with fish,
with seafood or with meat. Stews with fabes
and casseroles mix the abundant natural
foods that both sea and land produce here.
Also abundant are the river fish like the
wild salmon, trouts and 'reos'. In meat,
pork and red meat or "carne roxa" have outstanting
quality. Asturian cheeses are many and very
different: cow, sheep or goat. Worth mentioning
cheeses are: Cabrales, 'Afuega'l Pitu',
Gamonedo or 'Los Beyos'. Natural apple cider
is their speciality and you can find it
everywhere.
OVIEDO
CITY
Pre-románico
art at Santa María del Naranco, Oviedo 
Highlights: celebrations of San Mateo,
September 21st. Oviedo has an interesting
opera scene. The most important awards given
by any Spanish authority —the "Principe
de Asturias Award"— have here
their headquarters.
Monuments: cathedral, university,
'Foncalada' fountain, 'Campo de San Francisco',
'Marqueses de Santa Cruz de Marcenado' palace,
church of 'San Isidro'.
GIJÓN
CITY
Highlights: Gijón is the
capital of the "Green Coast".
They celebrate the 'Virgen de Begoña'
week, from 15th to 31st of August. They
also host an important bull fair.
Monuments: watch-spot by Chillida
"Elogio al Horizonte", church of 'San Juan
Bautista', 'Trinidad' chapel, 'Los Remedios'
church, Museum-Birth place of 'Jovellanos',
Ethnography Museum, international museum
of "The Pipes" (the instrument),
museum 'Evaristo Valle', museum 'Juan Barjola',
Palace of Revillagigedo, Roman thermal baths,
'Cimadevilla' neighbourhood.
