Page 101 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Northern Spain

ASTURIAS AND C ANT ABRIA  99

for wolves, brown bears and fishing boat or kayak trip along
capercaillies (a large European the ría, which is lined by nice
grouse). The post-glacial beaches. At the end of the ría
Saliencia lakes are remarkable for lies Villaviciosa, a graceful little
their breathtaking settings and resort town that attracts visitors,
diverse geology. The largest of thanks to its well-preserved
them, Lago del Valle, is also the Romanesque buildings. The
largest lake in Asturias, and is most famous of these is the
situated at an altitude of 1,550 m Iglesia de Santa María de
(5,085 ft) above sea level. The Oliva, built in the late 13th
park is home to several species century. The stonemasons
of wild flowers, which temper introduced elements of early
the harsh landscape. The pre-Romanesque Iglesia de Gothic style. The side entrances
Traditional thatched stone San Salvador in Valdediós and most of the decorative
cabins, or teitos, are the park’s elements are still Romanesque,
most distinguishing feature. Environs but the pointed arches in the
Herdsman live in these cabins Approximately 5 km (3 miles) main portal and the use of rose
in spring and summer while southeast of Valdediós is windows attest to an interest
their animals graze on the Nava, well known for its July in new architectural trends.
mountain pastures. cider festival, with pourings This mixing of styles and
Geologically, the landscape and tastings. The local, four- the gradual transition from
of the park is made up of room Museo de la Sidra one style to the next is very
slate, sandstone, quartzite (Museum of Cider) houses much in evidence in Amandi,
and limestone. an interesting exhibition on a small but picturesque district
the cider-making process. of the town. The Iglesia de San
Juan of 1134, initially designed
E Museo de la Sidra as a monas tery church, is an
Plaza Principe de Asturias, Nava. example of the late Romanesque
Open mid-Jun–mid-Sep: noon–2pm style. The chancel was entirely
& 4–8pm Tue, 11am–2pm & 4–8pm dismantled in the 18th century
Wed–Sat, noon–2pm & 5–8pm Sun; due to subsidence, and was
mid-Sep–mid-Jun: 11am–2pm & later rebuilt. The highlight of
4–7pm Tue-Fri, 11am–2pm & 4–8pm the interior is the sculptural
Sat, 11am–2pm Sun. & (free Tue).
= 7 decoration – the religious
scenes are infused with plant
Stone cabins with thatched roofs in the motifs (fruits, leaves, rosettes),
Parque Natural de Somiedo r Villaviciosa geometric motifs, zigzags and
chequered patterns, as well as
Asturias. Road Map E1. * 15,000. animal motifs (birds and reptiles).
e Valdediós n Calle Agua 29, 985 89 17 59.
∑ villaviciosa.es Villaviciosa is also known
Asturias. Road Map E1. * 150. as the cider capital of Asturias,
Monastery: Tel 670 24 23 72. Open The Ría de Villaviciosa, which and is surrounded by apple
April–Sep: 11am–2pm & 4:30–7:30pm cuts inland for 8 km (5 miles), orchards, with many
Tue–Sun; Oct–Mar: 11am–1:30pm Tue– is rich in plants and traditional sidrerías
Sun. ∑ monasteriovaldedios.com animal life. You (cider bars)
can take a in town.
A highlight of this hamlet is the
pre-Romanesque Iglesia de San
Salvador, founded by Alfonso III
in 893. The interior painted
decoration is very well preserved,
assuming in places geometric,
Moorish forms. The frescoes on
the ceiling are particularly vivid.
Nearby stands a Cistercian
monastery dating from 1200,
with beautiful cloisters from
1522. In 1992, Cistercian monks
restored it and established a
seminary, but they left in 2009
as they were so few in number.
The San Juan Order took over
and opened a hostel here to
finance the restoration works. Romanesque portal of the Iglesia de Santa María de Oliva in Villaviciosa
A cobbled street in Santillana del Mar, a historic town in Cantabria

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