GRADOAn Asturian town

                                    

Grado, Grau in Asturian, is a market town in the center of Asturias. It is the capital of the county of the same name,

which is 20 km from Oviedo. It has a total population of 10,901 inhabitants, with 7,519 living in the town of Grado itself.

Asturias

Spain

León

LugoCantabria

Cantabrian Sea

AsturiasGrado

Flag and shield of GradoFlag and shield of Grado

«Moscones de oro» (The Golden Fly) is the name of a prestigious award

that is given every year by the Friends of Grado Association.

The main football team is called Club Deportivo Mosconia and has a bluebottle fly, ‘moscón’,

on its shield.

In addition to ‘Gradenses’, the inhabitants of Grado are known as ‘Moscones’ (flies). The origins of this term are not clear. Among the theories, one suggests that the nickname is of medieval origin and refers to the surname Mosca, which means

fly. Another theory traces the origin to the battle of Peñaflor, which was fought against the French in 1809. The militia of Grado, situated in the narrow pass of

Peñaflor , shot at the French from both sides. The bullets sounded like flies.It is not a pejorative term, and is in fact the most common term that residents of

Grado use to refer to one another.

The County of Grado is found in the Cantabrian Range, and its landscape is very varied with the lowest areas being less than 100

meters above sea level (the town is 60 meters), and the highest being almost 1500 meters. As a result there are numerous mountain trails. Among these the most famous is the Camin de la Mesa, which is of

great historical importance.

Mountainous area, Grado

The town of Grado is located at the juncture

of two rivers, the Nalón, which is the most important river in

Asturias, and the Cubia, which passes through

the city center. The county has an

oceanic climate, with a mild climate and frequent rainfall

throughout the year.

The Cubia River as it passes through Grado.

The Peña Flor bridge over the Nalón River, near Grado.

Grado is very well connected by highway and railway with Oviedo. It has historically been a very important transportation hub and is currently

an important commercial and administrative center.

Grado is modern and dynamic. It has a trial court, music school, library, modern sport facilities, primary

schools, and two secondary schools.

Ramón Areces Secondary School

Bernardo Gurdiel Primary School

Municipal Sports Center Hall

The County of Grado has villages with unique

architecture, the best examples being hórreos and paneras, which are raised granaries.

Paneras are bigger. Agricultural activities are still very

important, with cattle ranching being the most important.Cattle grazing in Baselgas (Grado)

“Hórreos” in Baselgas (Grado) Grado Downtown

Although of Roman origin, no such

remains or those of the following Medieval

Period are found in the town of Grado

There are, however, medieval buildings in the surrounding area, such as churches and

fortresses. An interesting example is the Villanueva Tower.

Villanueva (4 km. from Grado): medieval tower

The County of Grado is home to palaces of great importance which date from the Modern Age. The 18th century Palace of the Miranda-Valdecarzana family, with its private Chapel of the Sorrows, is an important example. The town library is currently housed in the palace, and the chapel is now a

cultural center.

At the end of the 19th century ‘indianos’, who had made their fortunes in the Americas, constructed palatial mansions in Grado. Villa Granda was

constructed by Juan Granda on his return from Cuba.

One of the most important examples of ‘indiano’ architecture is the Velázquez Palace. It was constructed at the end of the 19th century by Manuel Velázquez

upon his return from Santo Domingo.

The town hall is another important building. Although built in the 19th century, its current design dates from the middle of the 20th century.

The town government has 17 aldermen. Antonio Rey, Popular Party, is the current mayor.

Among the historical events connected with Grado, the two most important are the battles of Lutos and Peñaflor Bridge.

The Battle of Lutos, 794, saw the Asturians defeating the Moors. The Battle of Peñaflor Bridge took place during the

Napoleonic Wars. This bridge also saw bloody combat during the Spanish Civil War, due to its strategic value as an access

point to Oviedo.

Reenactment of the Battle of Peñaflor Bridge, which took place in 1809. The British and the Spanish were defeated by the French.

The Northern Route of the Way of St. James passes through Grado on its

way to Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims, after having visited Holy

Saviour Cathedral in Oviedo, arrive in Grado via the historic Peñaflor Bridge. After having visited the Church of Saint John, which is located near the bridge, they

continue towards the Shrine of Our Lady of the Ash Tree. This site marks the end of the ‘Moscona’ portion of

the route.

Shrine of Our Lady of the Ash TreeChurch of St. John of Peñaflor

Stone cross, Grado. It serves as a marker for the Way of St. James.

Grado is famous for its weekly market, which has been held every Wednesday and Sunday since the Middle Ages. There is also a cattle market the first

Sunday of every month. Important festivals are celebrated throughout the year, the most well-known being La Flor, the flower. La Flor, also known as Primera

Flor or first flower, is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter.

A sculpture titled ‘Homage to the Hawkers’ was in erected in 1999 in the square which

is the site of the traditional market.

Typical weekly market scene in Grado.

Grado’s gastronomy is well-renowned. In addition to typical Asturian dishes, such as fabada, Grado is famous for its Afuega´l pitu Cheese, whose name comes from the

local dialect. It is also famous for its desserts. Tocinillo del cielo, or ‘heavenly bacon’, is among the most well-known.

Afuega´l pitu Cheese Fabada (Fava bean stew)