Gentle terrain and rolling hills, dense forests and extensive plains, the Comarca del Nora is one of Asturias' major ecological and energy storehouses situated geographically right in the heart of the region. It is definitely a land of green hills with rich market garden produce, fine apples and top quality cattle and milk... All of which contributes to an excellent selection of fine gastronomic produce.
Siero cattle market remains one of the most important in Europe. The territory has a significant number of cider mills or llagares and is a major producer of quality cider and pioneer in ice cider. A top quality cheese is also produced here, Varé cheese, which pairs up well with other produce. The tripe and sabadiegos made in Noreña (the latter a cured blood sausage crossed with chorizo) are meat product delicacies that have their own festivities and, in the case of the latter, its own Order, that of the Knights of the Order of the Sabadiego.
The land surrounding the River Nora is an affable, open and festive territory, whose celebrations are charismatic in all seasons: In the summer, there is the medieval Feast of the Exconxuraos or "Excommunicated" in Llanera, and Asturias' major romería (religious procession and feast), the so-called Carmín de la Pola, in Pola de Siero. In autumn, lovers of cider tavern life and fine traditional eating can "stuff themselves" at the Tripe Festival in Noreña. Winter is the season of Comadres in Pola de Siero, when women get together to eat and have fun, while spring is enlivened with sabadiegos and minced, spicy slaughter pork in Noreña.
This is a territory that knows how to balance work and play, or put another way, business and pleasure. This has always been so, since the days when it was one of the drivers of industry and mining in Asturias... because part of the lifeblood of the region's energy resources "runs" through its subsoil, as Siero still retains substantial coal reserves. Its glorious mining past emerges in the form of pits with their pithead gear,which travellers can enjoy on an unforgettable tourist route, also including the Jovellanos Mining Routes, linked to this territory by the bloodline of its forebears.
Long before the first industrial revolution, of which this area was a "flagship", there was a time when medieval lords ruled the world, and that world is reflected in the numerous mansions and family homes that remain today in the three boroughs.
Besides the vast plain that extends precisely over Llanera, lovers of air sports will find Morgal Airfield, while fans of various forms of motorsport will soon be able to fully enjoy the facilities of the Fernando Alonso Circuit, named after the Asturian two-time winner of the Formula 1 championship.
A territory with lots of atmosphere to enjoy good food, drinks, partying, sports, scenery and culture. Just a short distance from Oviedo, Gijón, Avilés and the Mining Valleys. In the green heart of the region and well connected with the metropolitan area of Asturias.
Three boroughs make up this territory: Llanera, Noreña and Siero.
- Siero's mining past and Jovellanos Mining Route.
- Cattle Market.
- Listed Festivities of Tourist Interest ("Huevos Pintos" - painted Easter eggs- , Carmín).
- Old Quarter of Noreña, listed tourist interest festivity and activity (Spicy pork mince and Sabadiego).
- Mansions in Llanera.
- Fernando Alonso Circuit and La Morgal Complex.