Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Asiego
Asiego, also known as Asiegu, is a village belonging to the parish of Carreña. It is located north of the Cabrales council, 3.5 km from Carreña and 16 km from Benia de Onís. Its elevated position allows for fantastic views of the Picos de Europa, and especially of one of the most emblematic peaks in Asturias, called the Picu Uriellu.
The village was honoured with the Exemplary Village of Asturias Award in 2019 by the Princess of Asturias Foundation. This award recognises its distinguished efforts in "the defence and conservation of its natural and environmental surroundings, its historical, cultural, or artistic heritage, initiatives for economic and social development, or outstanding communal works or other shows of solidarity." Asiegu is an Asturian village with a rich history, and its people are well aware of its magnificent natural environment, and show an admirable entrepreneurial spirit.
The history of Asiego began with the first humans who lived here, with their close connection with the Cave of La Covaciella. This Palaeolithic cave, located near the village, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Cultural Heritage Site. It contains very interesting archaeological sites, but its most outstanding feature is its magnificent cave paintings with artistic representations of deer, goats, horses, and detailed paintings of bison.
Asiego has witnessed the passage of time. Fourteen Bronze Age war axes dating from around 1500 B.C. were discovered here. These remains are known in archaeology as the Asiego site and they gave their name to a type of barbarian axe called "Cabrales." This type of axe is widespread in Asturias, Galicia, and the Portuguese regions of Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and Douro Litoral. They were used not only as weapons but also as ingots and symbols of power. The flat axe heads of Asiego are now on display in the Archaeological Museum of Oviedo.
It has to be said that Asiego is shrouded in mystery since, in addition to the fourteen bronze axes, a tomb full of burial items was discovered that was so big that it was dubbed "the tomb of the giant of Asiego."
Today, mediaeval remains are also preserved in the village. Additionally, there are the remains of an 18th century defensive tower, known in its day as the Tower of Asiegu.
An essential part of the village is the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel. This religious building was built between the 14th and 17th centuries and has a single rectangular nave. Its exterior features a bell gable with two bells, and it has two access porches at its sides. The interior is covered by a pointed barrel vault, and the presbytery is separated by a triumphal arch. Notable mural paintings depict St. Peter and St. Paul, a calvary scene, and the evangelists.
The panoramic vistas are an important part of the village’s charm. In fact, two dedicated viewpoints allow residents and visitors to marvel at this natural spectacle. One of them, the Pedro Udaondo Viewpoint next to the church, is situated within the actual village, and the other is perched atop the Sierra del Cuera, known as the Mayada de Tebrandi.
The village boasts stone houses in the popular mountain style, the Pandiella fountain, the new Bowling ground dedicated to Dionisio Viejo, and the Monument to the heroes of the highway. This monument is a tribute to the people who worked hard to build the road that has improved the lives of Asiego’s residents.
The village is part of the Cheese and Cider Route. It is a place where Cabrales, the best-known cheese in Asturias, is produced. They also produce their own cider. This is possible thanks to the caves in the surrounding area, the apple trees that dot its slopes, and its green meadows that are used for the summer transhumance.
Asiego’s popular festivities are held in honour of Saint Roch of Asiego on 16th August. There is a planting ritual called "la joguera" that only takes place in Asiego and in Tielve. This tradition involves planting a maple trunk, which has been stripped bare, in the ground. A gift is placed at the top of the trunk and whoever manages to climb up to the top can claim it.