Proaza combines nature experiences with traces of very different periods: one section of the Senda del Oso follows the former route of a mining railway. There is also Casa del Oso, with its educational offering, and traditions on display at the Mercáu de l'Alcordanza. Proaza cannot be reduced to a single attraction; it is precisely the different ways of experiencing it that make choosing what to see interesting for your visit.
Casa del Oso: orientation and knowledge of nature
Since 1996, Casa del Oso has been the official headquarters of the FundaciĂłn Oso de Asturias. The ground floor houses a tourist information centre, a souvenir shop and a museum or exhibition area. If you plan to use these facilities, check their current availability before your visit. The site thus combines practical orientation with an introduction to nature.
Right next door, a garden extends the experience outdoors: it is designed as an educational space and has information panels about biodiversity and native plant species. There are also lifelike representations of animal tracks. Plants and tracks offer two different ways of learning about biodiversity: the panels focus on plant species, while the tracks depicted draw attention to animals.
Senda del Oso: former route, present-day use
The first section of the Senda del Oso follows the former route of a mining railway and ends in Caranga Baxu in Proaza. The railway's former route thus tells the story of the path's origins. This section of the Senda del Oso is suitable for walking and cycling. The Tuñón–Caranga route is classified as easy and is also suitable for families. Check current conditions before setting out. The historic route and the route classification help answer different questions: one illustrates its former use, while the other helps you choose a route.
Buildings with different stories
The Torre del Campo was built in 1495. A defensive structure, it stands on a small hill; the PayĂłn stream serves as a natural moat. The location and water are more than just individual details: together, they make the defensive design easier to understand. The Central HidroelĂ©ctrica de Proaza offers a different perspective on architecture. It was designed by the architect and artist JoaquĂn Vaquero Palacios. At the Torre, the focus is on its defensive purpose and location, while at the Central HidroelĂ©ctrica it is on its designer. This offers two different points of interest for visitors interested in architecture.
Crafts and food at the Mercáu
The Mercáu de l'Alcordanza features demonstrations and workshops in woodcarving, basket weaving and traditional clog making. The workshops on offer may vary from one edition to another. The Jornadas Gastronómicas de la Seronda are held in conjunction with the market. They showcase Asturian products, including chestnut stew, wild boar and apple compote; the menus may also vary from one edition to another. Two different themes are therefore presented side by side: traditional crafts and regional products featured in the food programme. If you are interested in a particular edition, check the latest dates and programme before your visit.
Practical information
The Oviedo–Proaza bus service is operated by Pullmans Llaneza. Check service details before travelling. This will help you plan visits to Casa del Oso, the nature route, the buildings and the market programme according to your interests, without limiting your visit to just one main attraction.
Discover more destinations: Proaza, Nava, Siero, Navia, Ibias, MorcĂn, Parque HistĂłrico Del Navia, Belmonte De Miranda
Back to the main travel overview: Asturias.
