Culture

Melendreros

The Funeres Well is a memorial site, a reminder of the tragedy that occurred during the repression of the post-war period and a source of inspiration for legends. It is located at the foot of the mountain, under Tremes Peak, very close to Texu Peak and Trigueru Peak. This natural well is located in an unspoiled area.

After the Spanish Civil War broke out, the region of Biemes was placed under the Republican side until it was taken over by the rebel side in 1937. Many people took refuge in the Villamayor mountain range in order to join the resistance. The fugitive combatants were pursued from then on.

The first sources indicate that it was between March and May 1948 when a group of 22 Asturian miners suspected of collaborating with the guerrillas were arrested, tortured, and thrown into this natural sinkhole, Pozo Funeres. It is not clear how many people actually met this fate. However, the sad way in which their lives were ended is undisputed. Those who survived the fall and cried out were silenced by pouring gasoline on them and then setting them on fire.

There are other stories in Bimenes that describe the horror of what happened in the region. The war in Bemenia, as well as in so many other places in Spain, is something that we do not want to forget because we never want to repeat it again. A commemorative plaque was erected in honour of these people. In addition, a solemn ceremony is held every year in which the Asturian Socialist Federation, Socialist Youth of Asturias, and the General Union of Workers participate.

There were already legends surrounding this well prior to these true events however. It is said that, after the Battle of Covadonga in 722, the Saracens burned the Tower of Beloncio in Piloña and kidnapped the local women. Among them was King Aurelius' daughter, Hermensinda. Fearing what might happen to her, the young woman threw herself into the depths of the well. After learning of this, the Muslim warlord tied one of his soldiers by the moat with the message that it was not of his own free will, for fear of reprisals. It is said that since then Hermensinda's voice can be heard on spring and summer nights coming from this well of death.

It is also said that this well is infinite and that it connects to hell itself. Other dark legends tell of a peasant man and woman who were collecting chestnuts arguing over who had collected more. They argued to such an extent that the peasant woman said: "Whoever has the least, let him fall into the Funeres well". The story goes that the well swallowed her up and the man fled, never to return to that place again.