Cangas de onís asturias

Cangas de onís weather

Nestled between the peaks of the Picos de Europa and the river Sella, the council of Cangas de Onis is an open door for lovers of nature, history, and, of course, gastronomy… Check out our guide to spend 48 hours in the destination and make the most of it.

Nothing like starting the weekend with a little adrenaline. For this, the best is the star plan of the local adventure sports: the descent of the Sella, the river to which Cangas de Onís owes so much.

There are several companies that organize these fun descents. For example, Cangas Aventura makes departures from Arriondas at 11:00 h and at 13:30 h including picnic. You can also consult K2 Aventura or Jaire Canoas.

From Cangas de Onís, Covadonga is a must visit: they are the coordinates where the origin of the Kingdom of Asturias is fixed. And that was thirteen centuries ago. The place concentrates epic and religiosity in a beautiful natural environment that is a marvel for hiking enthusiasts.

It is very important to plan how to get to the lakes and the basilica. Especially during Holy Week, summer, All Saints’ Day and Constitution Day, when vehicle access is restricted.

Parador cangas de onís

The royal bearing of its capital, as befits what was the cradle of the Reconquest and the first city and court of the Asturian Monarchy, the first in the Iberian Peninsula. The mythical Roman Bridge with its hanging Victoria Cross and one of the most photographed monuments in Asturias is the symbol of the lively capital of Cangas, where the cult of gastronomy, interesting gastronomic stores and a Sunday market where you can buy the tastiest products of the orchard and the best cheeses of Picos de Europa.

Cangas de narcea

Cangas de Onís was the capital of the Kingdom of Asturias, until 774. Here an epic battle was fought, the battle of Covadonga (722), which exalted the revolted figure of Don Pelayo against the Muslims and which meant the beginning of the Christian conquest of the Peninsula.

The name is an extravagance: it was built in the Middle Ages, although perhaps over another Roman structure. The “Roman Bridge” of Cangas de Onís is already almost a symbol of the council. It was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1931. From the central arch hangs the Cross of Victory.

The fascinating thing is that the hermitage of the Santa Cruz was built over a funerary dolmen that was placed there in 4,000 B.C. It was uncovered with a rehabilitation after the Civil War and can be seen inside. We repeat: 4,000 BC.

In front of the church of the Assumption stands warrior Don Pelayo. He was the epic character of the history of the Kingdom of Asturias and the Christian conquest of the Peninsula over the Muslims. The historical character was a rebel, a fearsome warrior and a born strategist. He was the first king of Asturias. His tomb is in his military refuge: in the Holy Cave of Covadonga.

Cangas de onís what to see

Cangas de Onís is a charming town with many attractions where you can enjoy outdoor sports, its monuments and the wonderful Asturian gastronomy, in a natural environment that will surely leave you impressed. This is what to do and what to see in Cangas de Onis:

This church built in the 16th century and of which only its chevet remains, was restored in 2000 to become the headquarters of the Aula del Reino de Asturias. An exhibition to learn about the history of the Asturian monarchy, especially at the time when the city was its seat. It has explanatory panels, audiovisual material, models and an exhibition of objects from between the 8th and 10th centuries.

The bridge of Cangas de Onís follows the course of the Roman road that linked Lucus Asturum or Lugo de Llanera with Portus Victoriae or Santander. You can walk along it, the views from above are very nice.

On one side is the Pintu Palace, named for the colors of the facade of the tower. It was built in 1940 on an old palace of the seventeenth century, retaining its original appearance and the original coat of arms of the family.