Getting to know Asturias while learning Spanish

San Francisco Park, in the heart of Oviedo

The Principality of Asturias is situated on the Spanish north coast, facing the Cantabrian Sea (Bay of Biscay). Asturias’ awesome geography is inextricable from its history. The isolation resulting from being surrounded by steep mountains – the Cantabrian Range with its Peaks of Europe - and a turbulent sea helped the former kingdom, where the Reconquista began, to retain its peculiar traditions, culture and legends. With its lakes, peaks, forests which include a number of protected Natural Reserves, some of which have been recognized by UNESCO as Biosphere Reserves, and its breathtaking coastline, known as the Costa Verde (Green Coast) Asturias has a wealth of landscape to see.

The Gothic Cathedral

Oviedo, the capital city, booming with statues, museums and architectural heritage, is a cultural center which appeals to visitors from all over the world, as a crossroads for the Camino de Santiago and the Ruta de la Plata. Not to miss are the city’s old quarter, with the Gothic Cathedral and its Holy Chamber, and the centuries-old pre-Romanesque buildings declared World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO since 1985. The Campoamor Theater hosts a varied cultural offer including operas, zarzuelas, musical festivals, art exhibitions, and the annual Prince of Asturias Awards. This prestigious event recognizes international achievement in eight categories. Among award winners are Margaret Atwood, Paul Auster, J.K.Rowling, Susan Sontag, Woody Allen, Al Gore and many other outstanding personalities.

Statue of Woody Allen