Astounding Asturias
One of the more overlooked but unspoilt regions of Northern Spain is Asturias. Apart from its lush green landscapes and friendly people, Asturias is unusually rich in pre-Romanesque art and has a multitude of 8th-10th century buildings so special that they have special protection from UNESCO. They stand out for their innovative style and their unique identity which was perfectly integrated in the landscapes that surround them. The pre-Romanesque movement went on to play a fundamental role in the development of religious architecture in Spain with artistic influences from the Roman Empire and the Visigoths. Stone, arches, windows, colonnades, and towers all come together with an austere feel, but also with unique harmony and aesthetics.
For more info, check: http://www.infoasturias.com/
For more info Pre-Romanesque art in Spain, check: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Pre-Romanesque_art
For some great photos of Asturias, check: http://www.asturiasnatural.com/fotos/
