Astronaut Christina Koch receives Princesa de Asturias Concordia Award 2026 for record-breaking Artemis II mission
American astronaut Christina Koch has been awarded the 2026 Princesa de Asturias Award for Concordia. Koch, who was part of the Artemis II mission that established the record for the greatest distance travelled by humans in space — 406,771 kilometres from Earth — became the first woman in history to leave Earth's magnetic field and reach deep space. The mission concluded on 10 April 2026. Koch's space career began in 2013, and in 2019 she performed the first all-female spacewalk alongside Jessica Meir. She holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman with 328 consecutive days in space. Her message of unity and shared effort — "Planet Earth, you are a crew" — has been highlighted by international press. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Princesa de Asturias Awards: a global showcase that positions Oviedo as a prestigious residential destination
Each October, Oviedo captures the attention of media from around the world as it becomes the institutional and cultural epicentre of Europe with the presentation of the Princesa de Asturias Awards. The presence of world-renowned figures from science, the arts, concord and sport gives the region an international projection that is unrivalled. For the property market, this global impact acts as an extraordinary ambassador, consolidating the "Asturias brand" with investors worldwide. The image of a region capable of organising an event of this magnitude — which brings together royalty and international opinion leaders — reinforces the perception of Asturias as a safe, sophisticated and highly attractive territory for establishing a residence or acquiring a high-end property. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Oviedo's 78th opera season at Campoamor Theatre becomes a strategic asset for international property buyers
The 78th season of the Oviedo Opera at the historic Campoamor Theatre represents not only an artistic milestone but a strategic driver for residential tourism and international property investment. The Campoamor, home to Spain's second oldest opera season after Barcelona's Gran Teatre del Liceu, offers a programme of international prestige including Gounod's Roméo et Juliette, Vivaldi's Orlando furioso, Verdi's Rigoletto, Bizet's Carmen and Humperdinck's Hänsel und Gretel. For international buyers, cultural programming is a decisive factor alongside property quality, security and environment — and Oviedo responds with a sophisticated urban fabric where opera serves as an ambassador for a high-quality lifestyle. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Woody Allen reveals: "I would like to retire in Oviedo" — Asturias captivates the iconic filmmaker
During the promotion of his film Rifkin's Festival, shot in San Sebastián, the iconic New York filmmaker Woody Allen has once again placed the international spotlight on Asturias. In a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar, Allen confessed a desire that resonates strongly in the region's property sector: he fantasises about "having a nice retired life in Oviedo, away from the terrible world outside." The director's vision of Oviedo — a city that has already honoured him with a statue in its historic centre — underscores the values that international buyers discover when visiting the Principality: peace and security, quality of life, and cultural connection in a setting where urban beauty and nature combine. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Oviedo, the best Spanish city for women: 8.49/10 in safety, sports and quality of life
According to a ZAVA study on European cities most friendly for women, Oviedo is the best-positioned Spanish city, ranking 14th in Europe with a score of 8.49/10. The study highlights its high sense of security (85.91% of women feel safe walking alone at night), high trust in the local police (76.18%), and positive evaluations of sports facilities, public transport and neighbourhood quality. The city stands out as a quiet urban environment with a low accident rate and good opportunities for citizen participation and physical activity, positioning it as a leader in security and quality of life for women in Spain. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
The Wamba bell in Oviedo Cathedral: the oldest working bell in the world, cast in 1219
Oviedo Cathedral, one of the most visited landmarks in the city, is home to a unique treasure in its belfry: the Wamba bell, the oldest working bell in the world, which has been ringing since 1219. With a diameter of 130 centimetres and a weight of 883 kilos, this bronze piece has survived wars, earthquakes, lightning and fires over more than eight centuries. Its name, possibly derived from the Visigothic king Wamba or from the onomatopoeia of its sound, is still a matter of debate. The bell, which in 2019 inspired the Ministry of Culture to declare manual bell ringing as Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a silent witness to Oviedo's history. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
John Carter Cash, son of Johnny Cash, brings Tennessee to Salinas in a concert full of emotion and family roots
John Carter Cash, the son of legendary musician Johnny Cash, and his wife Ana Cristina Cash, who has Asturian roots, offered a recital at the Náutico de Salinas. The couple, who are visiting Asturia until 13 July, performed songs including the classic 'Ring of Fire', with Ana Cristina singing part of it in Spanish. John Carter Cash, a two-time Grammy winner, highlighted his father's legacy and the importance of music as a universal language. Ana Cristina, who has sung for President George W. Bush and at the White House, expressed her love for Asturias, which she considers her favorite place in Spain. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
The Night of Fire of the Exconxuraos in Llanera: living in a place with history is also an investment
The spectacular Night of Fire of the Exconxuraos, celebrated in Llanera, reflects the character of a municipality that has preserved its traditions and turned them into a top-tier cultural and tourist attraction. This medieval re-enactment, declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest, brings together thousands of visitors each year around shows, a medieval market and historical recreations. Municipalities like Llanera, with their strategic location, excellent communications and a strong cultural identity, are increasingly sought after by those looking to establish their permanent residence or acquire a property that offers a high quality of life. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Gijón International Horse Show renews itself: the summer magnet boosting premium real estate in Asturias
From 25 to 30 August, Gijón will host the 83rd edition of its prestigious International Show Jumping Competition (CSI), a historic event that has modernised its facilities to meet FEI standards. With a prize fund of €520,000 and 16 events, it expects to attract more than 45,000 spectators. The event includes categories CSI YH1*, CSI 2* and CSI 4*, and attracts a high-spending international audience of riders, owners and investors. This consolidated equestrian hub is a magnet for exclusive property buyers seeking a lifestyle linked to nature and exclusivity, boosting demand for prestigious estates and rural properties in Asturias. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
La Quinta de Selgas reopens as a Cultural Interest Asset: the artistic jewel boosting western Asturias' real estate market
The Quinta de Selgas, a spectacular 19th-century palace complex known as the 'Asturian Versailles', has reopened its doors to the public following its official declaration as a Cultural Interest Asset (BIC). Located in El Pito (Cudillero), the property features nine hectares of historic gardens and an invaluable art collection with works by Goya, El Greco and Luca Giordano. This cultural milestone reinforces the appeal of Cudillero as one of the most sought-after coastal areas for exclusive property buyers, while consolidating the region's prestige as a destination for high-end cultural tourism. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}
Chef José Andrés' hometown in Asturias: Mieres, his family refuge among mountains and cider
Beyond his international fame as a chef and founder of World Central Kitchen, José Andrés' roots lead back to Mieres del Camín, the Asturian town where he was born in 1969. Located in the heart of Asturias, surrounded by the Central Mountains and crossed by the Caudal valley, Mieres was historically a mining and industrial centre that shaped the identity of the region. Although his family moved to Barcelona when he was a child, José Andrés has always maintained a strong bond with his homeland, being named 'Adopted Son of Mieres' and stating that "everything I am began in Asturias." His favourite recommendation for visitors is clear: to drink a glass of cider in Mieres. .inastour-article *{box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:1.6}