Tineo: Monasteries, Gold and Trails

A very old oak beside a chapel, Romanesque monastic architecture and traces of Roman gold mining give you different ways to explore Tineo during your stay. The Carbayón de Valentín stands in the village of Valentín, in the municipality of Tineo, next to the Chapel of San Pedro. The old oak is designated a natural monument. There are also places where architectural history, pilgrimage traditions, local cuisine and outdoor activities each offer a different focus.

Churches, Monasteries and Pilgrimage History

The Villa de Tineo is designated a Historic Ensemble, and its Museo de Arte Sacro is considered unique in Asturias. The cultural heritage beyond the villa also leads to churches and monasteries. The Church of Santa María La Real de Obona was built in the 13th century according to the austere principles of the Cistercian order. The Monastery of Santa María de Obona was an important stop on the Way of St James and provided support to pilgrims. Obona thus offers two perspectives: the architectural history of the church and the monastery’s historic role in pilgrimage.

The Monastery of San Miguel is in Bárzana, about eight kilometres from Tinéu, on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The nave, portals and three-part apse of its church date from the Romanesque period. The apse consists of three apses, with the middle one being the largest. You can ask for the key in the village to visit; admission is free. As access arrangements may change, it is advisable to confirm these details locally before your visit.

The Museo Vaqueiro de Asturias consists of a restored farmstead with a dwelling, granary and barn in western Naraval, as well as another Vaqueiro house from the late 18th century in Folgueras del Río, which is used as a museum. The museum therefore includes two different sites and types of building. Check visiting arrangements before setting off.

Gold, Trails and Activities

The Ruta de la Huella del Oro leads to Roman gold mines, where underground trenches are still visible. In Navelgas, the Museo del Oro de Asturias is devoted to gold and its history in Asturias. A gold-panning course there introduces participants to the basic techniques of gold panning. Participants need neither prior experience nor special equipment. The route to the mines and the course offer different perspectives: visible traces of historic mining on the one hand, and a hands-on introduction to gold panning on the other.

Fishing, hiking and cycling are possible in the El Arenero area. It is near El Crucero, within the intensive fishing area of the same name, and about three kilometres from the Villa de Tineo. A trail starts in Barrio del Viso on the edge of the Villa de Tineo and ends in El Crucero, where you can visit the El Arenero intensive fishing area. The Paseo de los Frailes leads to Campo de San Roque and follows the same route as the Way of St James.

Chosco and Local Festivals

Chosco de Tineo is a cured and smoked sausage in a pig casing. It is made from selected cuts of pork, including pork neck and tongue, as well as salt, paprika and garlic. The Festival del Chosco-Asturalimentaria is a food fair dedicated to Chosco de Tineo and quality-labelled products. If you are planning to travel specifically for the fair, check the dates for your travel period.

The San Roque festival in Tineo includes a Tineo bowling championship and a traditional procession on 18 August. The procession tradition is documented from the 20th century. The championship and procession offer two different expressions of local tradition; the fixed date of 18 August may help you plan when to visit.

Nature and Archaeological Heritage

At the Embalse de Pilotuerto, a 500-metre walking trail offers the chance to observe numerous species of waterbirds. The Dolmen de Merillés is a megalith in the Sierra de Merillés, a north-western spur of the Sierra de Peña Manteca. It is in acceptable condition. Birdwatching at the reservoir and the megalithic monument add further natural and archaeological points of interest to the themes of culture, pilgrimage history and gold.

Discover more destinations: Tineo, Baradal, Tuña, Naraval, Bustiello, Espinaredo, Navelgas and Onís.

For the broader travel overview: Asturias.