Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Cangas del Narcea
Cangas de Narcea, derived from the Asturian word canga meaning closed valley, serves as the capital of the eponymous council, the largest in the Principality of Asturias, which owes its name to the river that runs through this pleasant town. The Narcea River and its numerous tributaries have carved valleys and mountains, defining the picturesque landscape of Cangas.
Founded by Alfonso X in 1255 as Cangas de Sierra with the aim of centralising administrative and economic activities, but it was not until 1927 that the name of the town was changed to Cangas de Narcea, previously known as Cangas de Tineo. After its foundation, noble families such as Omaña, Toreno, Llano, and Pambley established palaces and heraldic houses in the upper part of the town, while peasants and merchants contributed to shape the enduring streets, squares, and markets of Cangas. The Narcea River is traversed by a number of bridges spanning different periods and styles, particularly the emblematic Puente Colgante (Hanging Bridge), built between 1971 and 1972.
Cangas de Narcea boasts an extensive cultural heritage, including the Collegiate Church of Santa María Magdalena, a majestic Baroque temple dating back to 1642. With its two-towered façade and slate roof, it houses a collection of altarpieces of significant artistic value. Adjacent to the medieval bridge, the Chapel of Nuestra Señora del Carmen in the old Entrambasaguas neighborhood is another notable landmark.
For centuries, the inhabitants of Cangas de Narcea were primarily craftsmen, farmers, and stockbreeders. The 1950s witnessed a mining boom linked to anthracite extraction, but the decline of the coal industry prompted a return to more traditional trades. Notably, the region has embraced winemaking, with a unique vineyard cultivated thanks to the mountain microclimate characteristic of the southwest of Asturias.
Among the town's numerous annual festivities, the festivities of Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Our Lady of Mount Carmel) and Santa María Magdalena (Saint Mary Magdalene) are standout events, classified as Festivals of Regional Tourist Interest. Taking place from the 14th to the 22nd of July, an impressive fireworks display, known as "la Descarga," honours the Virgen del Carmen on the 16th. Another significant celebration is the Fiesta de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival), a Festival of Tourist Interest in the Principality of Asturias. This festival, centered around October 12th, features craft stalls showcasing traditional products and places a spotlight on the renowned wines of Cangas.