1. GRADO
An Asturian town

2. Cantabrian Sea Asturias
Spain
Grado
Asturias
Cantabria
Lugo
León
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.
Flag and shield of Grado

3. 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 main football team is called
«Moscones de oro» (The Golden Fly) Club Deportivo Mosconia and
is the name of a prestigious award has a bluebottle fly, ‘moscón’,
that is given every year by the on its shield.
Friends of Grado Association.

4. Mountainous area, Grado
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.

5. The town of Grado is
located at the juncture
of two rivers, the Nalón,
which is the most
important river in
The Cubia River as it passes through Grado. 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 Peña Flor bridge over the Nalón River, near Grado.

6. 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.

7. Ramón Areces Secondary School Municipal Sports Center Hall
Grado is modern and dynamic. It has a
trial court, music school, library,
modern sport facilities, primary
schools, and two secondary schools.
Bernardo Gurdiel Primary School

8. “Hórreos” in Baselgas (Grado) Grado Downtown
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
Cattle grazing in Baselgas (Grado) being the most important.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

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

15. Church of St. John of Peñaflor Shrine of Our Lady of the Ash Tree
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
Stone cross, Grado. It serves as a the end of the ‘Moscona’ portion of
marker for the Way of St. James. the route.

16. A sculpture titled ‘Homage to the Hawkers’ Typical weekly market scene in Grado.
was in erected in 1999 in the square which
is the site of the traditional market.
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.

17. Afuega´l pitu Cheese Fabada (Fava bean stew)
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.