Cangas del Narcea

The largest council in Asturias is also one of those with the most bountiful and unspoilt nature. A large part of its territory constitutes the Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña and Ibias Natural Park, declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco and one of whose 'jewels' is an emblematic natural area of Asturian nature: the Muniellos Forest. But the lands of Cangas del Narcea are not only rich in dream forests, they are the perfect 'refuge' for a unique species such as the Cantabrian brown bear, which lives happily and protected in these latitudes and which from time to time can be seen in an area which, as in the case of Xedré, is ideal for this type of sighting.

Throughout history, Cangas del Narcea, due to its geographical position and the richness of its subsoil, has been an area of passage for cultures, traders, stockbreeders... It has important geological reserves of coal, and a benevolent microclimate that since the Middle Ages has made it possible for high mountain vineyards to grow on its steep slopes. Today, numerous wineries coexist and there is a Wine Museum in Santiso.

Likewise, the Monasterio de Corias, once a highly influential spiritual and educational centre, has now been converted into a Parador Nacional hotel of unequalled architectural and heritage wealth, very close to the capital of the council, which has an interesting historic quarter.The Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de L'Acebu, the black pottery of Ḷḷamas del Mouru, or the village of Bisuyu, where Alejandro Casona was born, complete the vast cultural panorama of the council.

In addition to this wealth of heritage, there is the possibility of getting to know closely traditional crafts that still survive in the council and that can be visited throughout the year, offering the visitor a direct experience with the popular culture of Cantabria. One of the most representative examples is the Madreñas Virgen de los Remedios Factory, in Pambléi, where a craftsman works the wood to make madreñas and other traditional objects such as cachos, jugs, castanets or walking sticks. Visits can be made from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00 (985 815 066).

Equally emblematic is the Black Pottery of Ḷḷamas del Mouru, recognisable by its characteristic black colour and metallic sheen. Its most traditional pieces are jugs, pots, escudiellas, penadas and tarreñas. The workshop can be visited from Monday to Friday, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Group visits by appointment only (692 202 111 / 985 921 235).

Population: 14,077 inhabitants
Surface area: 823,6 ^km2
Weekly market: Saturdays