Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Proaza
The parish of Proaza is a central Asturian parish located in the Trubia Valley.
Human activity existed in the area as early as the Palaeolithic period, as evidenced by the remains of Palaeolithic materials that have been found.
However, it was during the Middle Ages when the municipality gained special importance, as the Trubia Valley communicated the central area of Asturias with the Meseta Central plateau.
Numerous castles and towers were built to defend the strategic position. These defensive buildings include the Casa de los Vázquez de Prada and the Torre de Proaza del Campo and Torre de los González Tuñón towers.
Moreover, the castle of Proaza was a key element in the uprising of Count Gonzalo Peláez against Alfonso VII. The parish belonged to the Asturian diocese and, as a result, numerous protests against ecclesiastical domination took place, the most notable of which were during the reign of Enrique II. Finally, on 16th July 1581, Proaza became independent from the Church, constituting its own town council.
In the 20th century, Proaza once again gained importance with the passing of the railway that linked the Quirós and Teverga coal mines with the La Fábrica, Arroyo.
The information point "Casa del Oso" is located in the village, whose opening times and contact details can be found at the following link.
Of special interest is also the Cercado Osero (Bear enclosure), where specimens of brown bear (Ursus arctos) can be seen. This enclosure was initially built on the slopes of Mount Fernanchín for the bears Paca and Tola, who were rescued from poachers in 1989.
The patron saint festivities of Proaza are held on 14th September in honour of the Christ of the Mercy. But they also celebrate the Gastronomic Festival of Turnips and Fuente Cheese, the last weekend in January; the San Blas and Las Candelas Fair, a livestock fair that takes place on 2nd February; the Easter Fair, on Easter Sunday; the Alcordanza Market and Seronda Menu; and on the first Sunday in December, the "Valles del Oso" livestock market and country show.