Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Llamas de Mouro
Llamas del Mouro (or Llamas del Mouru in Asturian) is located in the parish of San Martín de Sierra in the council of Cangas de Narcea, Asturias. While it may appear to be just another of the many scattered villages in the Asturian mountains, Llamas del Mouro is renowed, even at an international level, for its traditional black pottery, which has been crafted here since the tenth century.
Black pottery has a distinctive black colour and metallic sheen achieved through a primitive carbonation technique during the firing process.
For over 300 years, the tradition of pottery making has been passed down through the generations in the family of Jesús Rodríguez Garrido. The family, currently led by grandchildren, continues to operate the pottery factory in Llamas del Mouro, producing items such as pitchers, jugs, pots, and cheese pots. The family workshop, though not located in the village itself, is accessible by turning off the road to the south towards Valcabo. Visitors have the opportunity to witness the craftsmanship involved in turning the pottery, as it was done in the past.
In addition to its pottery heritage, Llamas del Mouro is home to the Palacio de los Sierra, a significant 16th-century building rebuilt in the late 17th century. The palace belonged to the Sierra family, who were related to the navigator Christopher Columbus. The complex features two three-storey towers enclosing the two-storey main façade. Coats of arms of the Sierra and Columbus families dominate the upper center of the front face. Adjacent to the north tower is a chapel with a Baroque altarpiece housing a Romanesque image of the Virgin Mary with the child. Behind the Sierra palace stands a circular medieval tower dating back to the times of the Asturian monarchy.
Despite its small population, Llamas del Mouro proudly celebrates the festivities of Our Lady of el Carmen every first Saturday of August. The day includes a morning dog-tracking competition, a barbecue with music and dancing, and an evening party.