CANGAS DE ONÍS

Roman Bridge

It can be said that the Cangas de Onís bridge is one of the most recognized symbols of Asturias. Of medieval origin, it sits on the remains of a Roman bridge giving way to the River Sella. From the central arch hangs a representation of the famous Victoria Cross.

Palaciu “Pintu”

It is the reconstruction of the original from the 17th century of a stately mansion-palace, known for its colors. On its façade we can see the legend «The Barelas and the Bermúdez, Ulloas and Villalobos, as ancient in Galicia as the Godos in Castile / By my law and by my king I will die» At the foot of the tower there is a bust in memory of Vázquez de Mella, politician and writer, a native of Cangas de Onís, the work of Gerardo Zaragoza. In the arcades of the construction we can visit the Sunday market of Cangas de Onís.

Holy Cross Chapel

This small chapel located in the Contranquíl neighborhood the oldest Christian temple in Spain. Inside it houses the Dolmen of Santa Cruz, a funerary monument dating from 4000 BC. King Favila, son of Pelayo, had it built to commemorate the victory in the Battle of Covadonga.

Palaces and mansions

The entire municipality is full of fantastic family mansions of great importance, as well as impressive examples of Indian architecture, stately homes built by emigrants who made their fortune in America, such as the Palacio de Soto Cortés, in Labra, Villa María and the house of Sarmiento in the Avenida de Castilla, or the Palacio Cortés (photo), located in the market area of ​​the city. A baroque building from the 16th century with a rectangular floor plan and an attached chapel with a bell tower. Queen Elizabeth II stayed there on the night of August 27, 1858, on a stopover on her trip to the sanctuary of Covadonga. Visits from Jovellanos, who had family ties, were also common.

Church of Cangas de Onís

The Parish Church of Cangas de Onís was built in 1963 and is located in the center of the town, at the intersection of the most important streets. It is made up of three naves and a transept and its 33-meter-high tower stands out with a three-storey bell tower. Inside, its stained glass windows and paintings by the Asturian artist Casimiro Baragaña stand out.

In front of the church there is a triangular garden, formed by the confluence of the streets, which is presided over by a life-size sculpture of King Pelayo, with an inscription that reads “First King of Spain”,the work of the sculptor Felix Alonso.

Church of Santa Eulalia de Abamia

Romanesque temple whose origins date back to the 8th century, its construction is attributed to King Pelayo. With a Gothic main chapel and a centennial yew tree.

Saint Anthony

On June 13, San Antonio is celebrated, the festival of Cangas de Onís, which lasts a week. In the Foguera de San Antoniothe “rozu” is burned on the 12th, and the following Sunday “La Jira”is held and fireworks are thrown on the Roman Bridge, ending the festivities with a great verbena.

Shepherd’s Feast

The festival of the Shepherd takes place on July 25 in the Vega de Enol, in the surroundings of the Lakes. It is a tribute to the Shepherds of the Picos de Europa, who make their lives in the mountains with cattle and making cheese, the true protagonists of the place. The festival celebrates the council of shepherds, activities such as rural games, race to La Porra, regional dances, exhibition and sale of handicrafts, mass in the chapel of the Good Shepherd and a picnic is held.

Astures, Pelayo our King

The second weekend of September in Cangas de Onís the deed of King Pelayo and the Astures is relived. The city and its inhabitants dress in period clothing and during these days they remember the events in which the local people gave Pelayo the command to lead the Reconquest and rise up against the invading troops in the Battle of Covadonga

Cheese Capital

The week of October 12th the Picos de Europa Cheese Contest-Exhibition is held, with the famous Gamonéu and Cabrales being the protagonists. Although the Regional Cheese Fair also takes place, where all the cheeses of Asturias can be found.

At the same time, during the same days, you can also enjoy the days of the Honey of Asturias.

Fisherman’s Party

The famous Sella river is the total protagonist the first weekend of September, since in the surroundings of the Roman Bridge the Fisherman’s festival is celebrated. Performances are held with regional dances, bagpipes, a vermouth session… while the fly-throwing championship takes place in the waters of the Sella.

Covadonga Day

September 8 is the day of Asturias and the day of the “Santina”, the Virgin of Covadonga. In the morning there are various religious acts in Covadonga and Los Lagos, in addition to the procession to the Santa Cueva accompanied by bands of bagpipes. In the afternoon the party moves to Cangas de Onís with parades by regional groups, musical performances and festivals.

Campanu del Sella auction

The Campanu is the first salmon to land on the Sella, which is auctioned every year on the Sunday in April when the fishing season begins. The setting chosen for this exciting show of hands auction is the Roman Bridge, to which participants from all over Spain arrive, making the first Sella salmon reach really important figures.

Corao Fair

“La Feriona” de Corao is the livestock fair par excellence, it is celebrated on May 26 and is a meeting point for thousands of cattle, ranchers and dealers 4 km from Cangas de Onís, in the town of Corao. It is one of the most important livestock fairs in Asturias, due to the number of cattle that congregate and the economic importance it has throughout the region.

Descent of the Sella

The canoeing of the Sella is an activity for the whole family to which thousands of visitors come every year to emulate the canoeists who carry out the famous International Descent of the Sellain the month of August. It is an entertaining activity to spend the day outdoors, dodging rapids, taking a dip in the Sella and taking a break in the shade of its banks.

Canyoning

The ravines of the upper part of the Sella River, at the foot of the Picos de Europa, are an excellent place to descend following the riverbed downstream and test the physical condition of anyone who wants an incredible day of adventure and Nature in its purest form; climbing, crawling, diving, swimming, rappelling… and enjoying the immense landscape that surrounds the Sella.

Sport fishing

The Sella River is an icon of inland fishing at the national level. From the last weekend of March to the last of July, the fishing season allows us to enjoy excellent and abundant salmon, sea trout and trout, and now it also has areas reserved for fishing without death, where you can enjoy the pure activity of fishing as a sport.

Horse trips

It does not matter if it is the first time you ride a horse, you can enjoy a smooth ride whether you are an expert rider or a beginner. Live an unforgettable day for both children and adults where you will enjoy contact with the landscape and nature in its purest form.

Quad and Buggy Routes

You will be able to ascend to impressive views, enter the depths of the forest, skirt and cross riverbeds, with these vehicles you will access routes where others do not reach… emotion and impressive panoramic views are guaranteed.

Rafting

With the melting of the Picos de Europa, the rivers increase their flow, then it is the ideal occasion for the practice of Rafting, in which boarded in large inflatable boats and with adapted equipment we will be able to cross the river in the direction of the current at the same time that we enjoy an imposing environment.

In Cangas de Onís you can enjoy the best of Asturian gastronomy, from the famous Asturian bean stew to beans with clams, Asturian stew, arbejos (peas)with ham, red meatin all its variants (entrecôte, sirloin, chop), pitu caleya (village chicken) lamb and kid. Always with the quality that Asturian products give.

But we must not forget that it is very close to the Asturian coast and the most important rulas, such as Ribadesella, Llanes and Lastres, so the great variety and quality of fresh fish and shellfish is also very present.

If you are a cheese lover, you are in the right place. The most typical of the Picos de Europa area are the Cabrales, the Beyos and, the most specific of Cangas de Onís, the Gamonéu. But in the immediate surroundings many other equally remarkable ones are produced, such as Vidiago, Pría, Peñamellera cheese… and a long etcetera if cheeses from the rest of Asturias are also included.

And after all these delicacies, remember to leave a place for dessert because you will have a choice between rice pudding, borrachinos, flans, casadielles or frixuelos or joyueles. The Peña Santa ice cream, made with a mixture of various flavors and covered with burnt meringue, is a typical, very local option.

Cider is the traditional Asturian drink, and it is also very present for the preparation of exquisite dishes such as hake and other fish in cider, chorizos in cider, desserts and cocktails. Asturian cider is shared among the different people in the group, rotating shifts and using the same glass. The most typical thing is that the waiters of the cider houses are at your disposal to serve it, although there are establishments that have pourers to be able to enjoy it without losing an iota of flavor and properties.