Charles V, the king's first voyage

The Plaza del Riveru is one of the most emblematic spaces of Tazones, since it is where the social and economic life of the town was concentrated. Here the whales were disembarked for their quartering and, later, the daily fishing. At the end of the 18th century, a wadi, a retaining wall and two docks were built to facilitate the beaching of the boats. The catch was weighed and sold at "La Rula del Pesu". In the 1930s, a breakwater was built, the current fishermen's guild and an oven for dyeing nets, and an electric winch was installed, which is still preserved.

More than 500 years ago, a young prince named Charles of Habsburg landed on these shores on his way to Castile to be sworn in as king. Later known as Charles I of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, he was born in Ghent in 1500, the son of Joan the Mad and Philip the Handsome. Orphaned in 1506, he inherited vast territories. Declared of age in 1515, he proclaimed himself king in Brussels in 1516. Before being accepted by the Cortes in Valladolid, he had to face internal challenges and dynastic disputes, including the aspiration to the throne of his brother Ferdinand.

This artistic bench represents a woman weaving fishing nets, paying homage to the fisherwomen of Tazones. The fishing activity of the port is documented since the twelfth century, especially linked to whaling. Already in the 18th century the old port was built, still visible today under the houses. From this place you can contemplate the contrast of the Cantabrian Sea, the Asturian green and the sailor houses. This bench is part of the Route of the Viewpoints of Villaviciosa, an experience that combines art, landscape and seafaring memory.

On September 19, 1517, the young Charles of Habsburg disembarked in the port of Tazones. From there he began his journey to Castile, where he would be proclaimed King Charles I of Spain and, later, Emperor Charles V. After his arrival, he spent four days in Villaviciosa, staying at the Casa de los Hevia, before continuing on to Valladolid. Today, the path linking Tazones and Villaviciosa allows you to travel 11 km between historic hamlets, orchards, estuaries and protected landscapes, reliving the route that marked the beginning of an imperial reign. An experience to feel, for a day, like a king.

On September 7, 1517, the fleet that was to transport the young Charles of Habsburg set sail from the port of Flessinga, in the Netherlands. Between 40 and 60 ships were assembled, including merchant and warships. Charles embarked on the Engelen, accompanied by his sister Eleanor and an entourage of up to 7,000 people. The ship, armed with 50 cannons, was on loan from the King of Denmark. A storm diverted the fleet, arriving on September 19 to the Asturian coast, where they disembarked in Tazones. It is believed that Charles landed at Piedra del Cahiz, the only navigable point at that time in the Villaviciosa estuary.

The parish church of Tazones, located in the neighborhood of San Miguel, is one of the main meeting points of the town. In its interior is kept the image of the Niño Manolín, which the children procession during the Fiesta de Les Flores. Tazones is composed of the neighborhoods of San Miguel and San Roque, declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1991. Its people live from the sea and the restoration. Every August, the town recreates the Desembarco de Carlos V, Fiesta of Tourist Interest, involving the whole community in a vibrant historical representation.