The Asturias And The Wonderful Oviedo

Asturias is a Spanish region situated in the northern part of the country, famous for its coastline which is said to be lush and for the Natural Park called Picos de Europa that offers spectacular views and breathtaking landscapes; because of the rigid and rugged terrain in the region it was of particular interest to the Moors who had conquered practically the whole of Spain in the 8th century. In the year 722 Asturias was saved from Moorish rule when the famous Pelayo won the Battle of Covadonga bringing the region back into Spanish control.
The wonderful Oviedo

Oviedo is not just a city of the region, but also its capital. Of particular interest is the fact that unlike the other cities in the region, Oviedo managed to resist the conquest of the Moors. Oviedo is only 25 kilometers from the Costa Verde where there are fabulous unspoiled beaches which attract sun lovers and tourists every year. However, this is not the only reason why tourists visit the city; they are also very interested in its history.

Oviedo, despite escaping the assault of the Moorish armies, suffered considerable damage during the battles to its monuments. However, some were preserved and the San Salvador Cathedral still stands proud as a perfect example of Gothic architecture, having been restored in the 14th century on the site of the original 8th century Cathedral. Holy remains from the Moors and Toledo conflict were kept in The Gothic Tower of the Cathedral

One of the best art galleries in Spain, the Fine Arts Museum of Asturias, is located in Oviedo where the works of Picasso, El Greco, Ribera and Goya are displayed among many others. Tours of the museum are free so make sure you visit it.

Costa Verde and the National Park

The main attraction of the region is the famous Costa Verde, which is popular for its spectacular beaches. Tourists love these beaches because they are surrounded by lush vegetation which offers extraordinary views. The National Park is another important attraction of the region, especially for those who love nature. The Park is a place where wild boar, wolves and bears roam free; a place where Mother Nature rules with her fabulous landscapes and the monuments built by man have no importance. The animal and plant species cannot fail to impress any visitor whilst taking a breath of fresh air and being at one with the planet.