Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Pola de Laviana
This town is located on the banks of the Nalon River and is the capital of the Laviana Council. Just 15 km from Langreo, this charming town was a mining town in the past and its river and countryside are well worth a visit.
Starting in the 13th century, it started as a district dependent on the Bishop of Oviedo, a rural transit area. The population was not dense at that time, but it was different from the rest because of its social composition. It had a carpenter, notary, blacksmith, and other occupations that allowed it to become a town around the year 1400 and, later in the 16th century, the capital of a municipality.
Another factor that facilitated its prosperity was the construction in the Arcu Bridge in the 13th-14th century, which probably came from a previous Roman bridge that continued the Roman road that led to Puerto de Tarna. It has been gradually restored, but its two large openings in the shape of a donkey's back are still visible today.
Progress exploded in Pola de Laviana in 1875 when the Langreo Railroad was opened. Before this, the railway transported coal from Langreo to Gijón. And it was one year later in 1876 when Pola de Laviana joined the coal industry when the Coto Musel mine was opened.
The Coto Musel Mine would eventually employ six hundred workers and production would be of such magnitude that the company would have its own dock and fleet at the Gijón Pier. This success may have been due to the fact that World War I halted mining activities in Europe, allowing Asturian coal to prosper. It eventually closed in 1972 due to the mining crisis of the 70's. There are still some remnants of the mining industry in the area like the mine entrances, the mine offices, other mining equipment such as wagons and winches, and even the Chalana Bridge that was used to transport coal from Villoria and Ribota. There are also stories from that era like the workers' mindset that led the miners to go on strike in 1917 or the uprising in the Asturian capital in 1934.
The town is home to excellent architectural works by famous architects such as Luis Bellido (Our Lady of the Assumption Church), Juan Manuel del Busto (Gran Teatro Maxi), and Mariano Marín (Town Hall).
The Our Lady of the Assumption Church is a neo-Gothic style church built in 1895. It has a Latin cross floor plan with two adjoining chapels on the sides. The belfry draws your eye to its well-kept facade. It has undergone several restorations and renovations due to damage from natural causes and the Civil War. Nowadays, it is the town's main church.
Before it was built, the townspeople used to go to the Our Lady of Otero Chapel in Laviana since it was the only parish church in the area. It dates back to the late 15th century and it is said that it was placed near the cemetery by the will of the Virgin Mary. It is a single-story building in the shape of a cross. Its masonry facade is simple and there is a cross on top of the belfry. Inside you will find a 17th century baroque altarpiece with multi-coloured, gilded craftsmanship. At the front of the church there is a 17th century Our Lady of the Otero.
On August 15, the town celebrates its patron saint's festivities with a massive procession of Our Lady of Otero to the music of the municipal orchestra.
Another event includes the Folkloric Descent of the Nalón, a National Tourist Event. Decorated boats filled with people dressed up in costumes make their way down the river. It is held on the Saturday between the 19th and 25th of August.
Finally, the Pontona Festival on October 12 features a livestock contest, tute and parcheesi contests and an incredible open-air dance with music.