Page 107 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

NOR THERN SP AIN  105

ASTURIAS AND

CANTABRIA

Asturias • Cantabria

One of the principal attractions of Asturias and Cantabria
is the spectacular Picos de Europa massif, which sits astride
the border between these two regions. Cottage crafts are still kept alive
in ancient villages located in remote mountain valleys and along the sheer
coastline. Cave paintings, such as those at Altamira, were made by people
living here about 35,000 years ago.
Asturias is proud that it resisted invasion by Cantabria is a region of stunning nature,
the Moors. The Reconquest of Spain is said excellent gastronomy, well-preserved
to have begun in 718, when a Moorish villages and towns – including Santillana
force was defeated at Covadonga, in the del Mar and Carmona – and unique artistic
Picos de Europa. The Christian kingdom of sites, such as the Altamira Caves. It also has
Asturias was founded in the 8th century, a rich legacy of Romanesque churches.
and in the brilliant, brief artistic period that Its capital, Santander, is an elegant resort.
followed, many churches were built around Mountains cover more than half of both
the capital, Oviedo. Many of these churches provinces, so mountain sports are a major
built in the Asturian pre-Romanesque style attraction. Expanses of deciduous forests
still stand. Today, Asturias is a province and remain in many parts, some sheltering
a principality under the patron age of the Spain’s last wild bears. Along the coasts are
heir to the Spanish throne. The unspoiled pretty fish ing ports and resorts, such as
Asturian countryside is a natural paradise Castro Urdiales, Ribadesella and Comillas,
where cider and cheese are produced and sandy coves for bathing. Both the
and a quaint language, known as Bable coastal plains and uplands are ideal for
or Asturiano, is spoken. quiet rural holidays.

Peaceful meadow around Lago de la Ercina in the Picos de Europa massif
The scenic Costa Verde, Asturias, with lush meadows reaching down to the shoreline

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