Social Programme

Pre-conference day trip:

Covadonga: Covadonga, the Covadonga Lakes, Cangas de Onís

Sunday, April 2. Departure 9:30 am – arrival 18:00 pm

Pick-up location: Hotel Campoamor
Calle de Argüelles, 23, 33003 Oviedo

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The Sanctuary of Covadonga sits in a unique enclave in the heart of eastern mountain ranges of Asturias. This location is of significant historical relevance, as it is the site where the Battle of Covadonga took place in 722 AD. This battle marked the beginning of the Asturian Monarchy and of the first Christian kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula. The beauty of its surroundings justifies the trip in itself, but you may also be interested in visiting the Holy Grotto (with the statue of Our Lady of Covadonga) and the Basilica, the museum or the Gran Hotel Pelayo.

Covadonga lies at the entrance to the Picos de Europa National Park, where we find one of the most beautiful natural spots in Asturias, the Lagos de Covadonga (Covadonga Lakes). The two glacial lakes, Enol and Ercina, are surrounded by the high summits of the Picos de Europa, a combination that creates memorable views. The Picos mountain chain itself has been shaped by multiple geological processes over time and has now become one of the most popular destinations in Spain.

Cangas de Onís is a delightful market town, and was the first capital of the Asturian Kingdom. It is a quiet but lively place, famous for its medieval bridge (el Puente Romano) and the Santa Cruz chapel. On Sundays, the town holds a street market, a must see if you want to buy traditional Asturian products and foods, but equally fun if you just want to look around.

This trip includes lunch at a restaurant in Cangas de Onís (vegetarian/vegan options available) and an English-speaking tour guide for the whole visit. Cost per person: 42 Euros

Post-conference day trip:

The Indianos route: Colombres, Llanes, Ribadesella

Saturday, April 8. Departure 9:30 am – arrival 18:00 pm

Pick-up location: Hotel Campoamor
Calle de Argüelles, 23, 33003 Oviedo

Google maps location >

This is a coastal tour, visiting three beautiful towns that are home to buildings constructed by Asturian migrants to the Americas. These buildings, usually manors or large houses, represent the wealth and architecture that the migrants who made their fortunes brought back in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Known as Indianos (a reference to the 'Indies’), these migrants often returned to Asturias only for the summer months. However, their presence is still felt today in the major buildings of Ribadesella, Llanes and Colombres, as in those of many smaller towns and villages.

The village of Colombres has been designated a Site of Cultural Interest due to the high concentration of buildings with this distinctive architectural style. Perhaps the best known exponent is the Guadalupe Estate, which is now a museum, holding the Indiano Archives.

Llanes is a beautiful and lively town located on the coast. A walk through the old quarter will allow you to enjoy its fishing harbour, the ruins of the medieval walls or the many examples of civil and religious architecture, such as the basilica or the chapels of La Magdalena and Santa Ana. Outside the town centre there are examples of Indiano architecture such as the Casa de los Leones, Villa Concepción, the "Casino" social club, or the Avenida de La Paz.

In the picturesque fishing town of Ribadesella one can see very fine examples of Indianos manors, together with other remarkable buildings such as the Casa de la Cueva and the Prieto Cutre mansion. A pleasant walk along the beach, the harbour, the Guía chapel and the old quarter will reveal the town's stately character, which is also home to a remarkable prehistoric cave.

This trip includes lunch (vegetarian/vegan options available) and an English-speaking tour guide for the whole visit. Cost per person: 47 Euros.