Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Tuña
Tuña is a small village with the status of a parish in the council of Tineo, Asturias. Despite facing the challenges of depopulation, Tuña holds significant historical and heritage importance. It was the residence of illustrious lineages whose influence extended beyond Asturias to the rest of Spain. In recognition of this historical significance, Tuña was honoured with the Prince of Asturias Exemplary Village Award in the year 2000.
Tuña is also the capital of the "Cuarto de la Riera," a cultural centre characterised by stately architecture. The village has numerous palatial mansions belonging to different noble families. Notable among these are the Casa-Torre de los Cienfuegos (15th century), the Palace of the Riego y Tineo de Tuña family (14th century, known as El Barreiro), the Chamborra (birthplace of General Riego), the Tower of Tuña (14th-century medieval defensive post), the Palace of Cabo del Río (rebuilt after a flood), and the House of Flórez-Valdés (14th-century tower, granery, and barn). Since these buildings are privately owned, only their exterior facades can be admired.
Tuña's cultural heritage extends to the Church of Santa María de Tuña, the Ponte de Carral (Carral bridge), and the Ara Romana de los Lares Viales (Roman altar). The church, dating from the 18th century, features altarpieces in different chapels sponsored by local families. The Ponte de Carral crosses the old Roman road used for transporting gold from nearby mines. Legend has it that beneath its foundations lies a cowhide made of gold.
The Ara Romana de los Lares Viales, discovered in 1983, was dedicated to protecting homes and the countryside and is displayed in Tuña's Cultural Centre.
Tuña has been home to illustrious figures, including General Riego (born Rafael del Riego y Flórez in 1784) who advocated for the Constitution of 1812 and was condemned by the absolutism of Ferdinand VII in 1823.
General Riego played a significant role in shaping the modern history of Spain. He fought in the Peninsular War against the French. He supported the Constitution of 1812, which led to the first military pronunciamiento, a term that later became synonymous with military rebellion.
He even inspired the anthem that bears his name, which 111 years later became Spain's national anthem during the Second Spanish Republic.
As a predominantly agricultural and livestock farming community, Tuña celebrates a cattle and horse fair on February 3rd in honour of Saint Blaise. This event also features the sale of oranges. The Festivity of the Wool takes place on the first Saturday in June, focusing on sheep shearing, crafts, and gastronomy. Tuña also observes two religious celebrations: Corpus Christi and the Christ of Tuña, held for three days at the end of September.