One of the most charming and historically rich parishes in Asturias is Bandujo, located about 37 kilometers south of Oviedo. It’s accessed via a series of mountain roads, a winding route that must be a joy for motorcyclists. By car, it can feel a bit tedious, but the effort is well worth it. The little village is incredibly picturesque, with its stone houses and medieval aesthetic, which goes beyond appearances, as its history and roots truly date back to that era. The Tuñón Tower, part of what is known as “El Palacio,” is one of its main landmarks. Originally a defensive tower, its level of preservation is impressive. Walking through the streets of this small village is a visual delight, and its reputation is more than justified.
Although there are many points of interest, I must admit that the photo I’m sharing today is not the most representative of the village, but it completely caught my attention because of how peculiar it is. It’s located at the base of one of the most traditional houses, accessed through a fairly narrow alleyway, which limited the perspective of the shot. The curious thing about this structure is that it’s the humble home of a few friendly chickens. While it doesn’t fit our usual image of a chicken coop, it fulfills its function perfectly. It reminded me of the chicken coops we had in my village when I was a child, and I was tempted to stick a finger inside and relive those ferocious pecks I used to get for trusting my reflexes too much (pulling your finger back in time is always harder than it seems!).
It was a very pleasant visit, and I took home a good handful of photos that, even if they don’t last as long as the Tuñón Tower, are now part of my personal story.
