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A Brief History of Asturias, about it’s People and the Place
Brief History
Asturias is very proud that it never succumbed to the invasion of the Moors in the 8th century and that it remained a last bastion for Christianity in Spain. They are also proud that the re-conquest of Spain also started from Asturias. Asturians have their own language, Asturiano (or Babel) which is often spoken mixed in with Castilian Spanish. During the 10th Century, Asturias was ceded to the Kingdom of León. In the 14th Century the Kingdom of Asturias was re-established and eventually the heir to the throne of Spain was titled Prince of Asturias. The conquest of the americas saw Asturias prosper and it’s population increased significantly. The 19th Century saw industrial change with mining of coal and iron ore. With the rise of fascism through Franco a Marxist rebellion was quashed and Asturias was humiliated by being retitled Province of Oviedo. It was not until 2 years after Franco’s death that the name Principality of Asturias was restored.
The People
The people of Asturias are justly proud of Spain and of Asturias. They are warm, friendly and welcoming. Asturians are very family orientated. Regular family outings, get togethers or simple walks are central to Asturian life. Most Spanish live in the cities in flats and so instead of meeting in each others homes they go out with their family to meet others in bars, sidrarias and rural “pubs”. This makes for a great atmosphere in the cities.
The Place
The scenery of Asturias is a paradise. From the mountain range of the Picos de Europa to the sandy shores of the Costa Verde with beautiful and lush countryside in between dotted with the sophisticated cities of Gijón and Oviedo and picturesque towns of Cangas de Onis, Ribadesella, Villaviciosa to name just a few. Today Asturias is a mix of the old and new. It is a chic place which rubs shoulders with the traditional. For instance the hostelries are a mix of sawdust floored sidrarias and elegant wine bars with regular beer “pubs” inbetween. Industry varies from hard mining to and information technology. Agriculture plays a major part in Asturias industry. Asturian milk is famously produced but more famous is the harvest of apples which produce the delicious sidra (natural cider).
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