Taramundi: water, inventions, nature and a Guinness record

Taramundi is a place that is water, nature, crafts and culture. It is located in the north of Spain, very close to the border with Galicia and in the interior of the Principality of Asturias, just 30 kilometers from beach of Catedrales. This council, which only has about 600 inhabitants, was one of the pioneers in rural tourism, which has been promoting for more than thirty years. An average temperature of 18 degrees in August makes this magical place a perfect place for nature and culture lovers. At any time of the year, but especially in summer. It is an ideal place to change the stress and noise of the city for the tranquility and sounds of nature.

When water is part of culture

Water is a source of life and Taramundi is an example of this. Surrounded by streams, it has turned this element of nature into a great ally. And is that the elements of nature that at first may seem opposites, such as fire and water, in this area live in complete symbiosis. And the local ferreiros, blacksmiths, know this very well. Water, besides being a source of energy, shapes the landscape and turns the area into a natural paradise where the green contrasts with the black of the slate. It also provides a pleasant atmosphere that comforts the soul.

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An old and idyllic water mill in the middle of the mountain, surrounded by lush vegetation, in Taramundi. | Shutterstock

The clearest example of the importance of water in this area can be found in Mazonovo, where the largest museum of mills in Spain is located. Its history begins at the end of the 19th century and reaches the present day. Stones for grinding grain, electric turbines and the savings of an Asturian emigrant in Argentina, are some of the ingredients used over more than 100 years. With activities for the whole family, you can take a trip back in time by operating the mills and grinding your own flour.

Another example is the House of Water, where you can see this element from two very interesting perspectives, as a source of energy and as a raw material. This museum shows the relationship between water and cultures throughout history, showing different hydraulic inventions of the area and other parts of the world.

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Water mill museum in an autumn landscape, Taramundi. | Shutterstock

Four kilometers from the village of Taramundi, belonging to its Council, you can find the Ethnographic Ensemble of Teixois. This place, which was declared of Cultural Interest with the category of Historic Site, is a place where the culture and customs of the area are shown in a very faithful way to what life was like, in this region, many years ago.

A fulling mill, a mill with large mallets for beating, a power plant, a blacksmith’s hammer, a sharpening wheel… These are some of the hydraulic devices that can be found in this interesting site. All these artifacts, with essentially practical functions, are linked to the way of life that, for many years, has existed in the Council of Taramundi.

Craftsmanship that can give you a cut, knives and razors of Taramundi

The good work and wisdom of hundreds of years have their maximum expression in the living legacy of the manufacture of knives and razors of Taramundi. To understand this passion that is mixed with the useful and cultural, it is highly recommended to visit the Museum of La Cuchillería. There, the importance of this legacy is transmitted to the visitor through its rooms. In addition, you can see live the elaboration of such precious tools.

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The beautiful museum of Taramundi, in the deep Asturias. | Shutterstock

Luckily, this type of craftsmanship can not only be seen in a museum. The elaboration of knives and razors in an artisanal way is something alive and well in Taramundi. That is why you can visit different workshops where demonstrations of the process of elaboration are made. As a sign of this good health of the sector, you can see the largest knife in the world. It is seven meters long and weighs no less than 1,500 kilos. A Guinness record that arouses the curiosity of forging lovers from all over the world.

There is an artisan cheese factory, which can be visited. In addition to different types of cheese, you can find a cheese that has a combination that can be considered perfect. It is the cheese of walnuts and hazelnuts, unique in Asturias. In addition, if paired with cider fermented in local presses and pork sausages from the area, you can taste the culinary essence of Taramundi.

A paradise for hikers

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Water mill moved by the force of a beautiful waterfall. | Shutterstock

The Council of Taramundi is located in the valley of the Turia River. Not to be confused with the Turia. Surrounded by mountains, the abundant water in the area makes green the predominant color and envelops all the villages in the area, in chestnut and pine forest.

Up to 6 different routes are recommended by the City Council of Taramundi, ranging from low to medium difficulty.

The Water Route: 14 kilometers of learning about the use of water during centuries of exploitation.
The Ferreiros Route: the visit to different artisan workshops of cutlery, will be the common denominator of this route of low difficulty.
The Mills Route: circular route that allows you to visit one of the most characteristic constructions of the area, the water mills.
Teixo: the ethnographic component, in addition to nature, will be the main attraction of this route.
The Ouroso Route: you reach a height where you can see the mountains of Lugo and León. It is a magnificent viewpoint.
Eiroá: which runs mainly along the Cabreira river valley. It begins and ends at the historic hotel La Rectora, a pioneer of rural tourism in Spain.

All the hiking trails are well signposted, in good condition and most of them are suitable for mountain biking.


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