castellano
- population of 14.360 (concejo).
- 45 km northeast of Oviedo.
- On Cantabrian coast, open to the sea via the deep estuary.
- fishing port and tourism center with cider distilleries.
- known for its cider & apple orchards, with 250 varieties of apples.
- Currently experiencing a construction boom.
- beaches: La Ñora, España, Merón, Tazones, El Puntal, Misiegu, Rodiles.
- history:
- King Alfonso X in 1270 chartered city then known as Homes de Maliayo.
- 1277: named changed to Villaviciosa due to its fertile lands.
- Charles V landed on September 24, 1517 to claim his new kingdom
-
sites:
- Santa Maria de la Oliva: dates from 13th century.
- Valdedios: Iglesia de San Salvador (9th century). built in 893 as part of
a complex for Alfonso III.
- Amandi: Iglesia de San Juan (13th century). hilltop. carvings & friezes.
- Sierra del Sueve: mountain range south of Villaviciosa
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