Samartín del Rei Aurelio, Administrative division in Asturias, Spain
Samartín del Rei Aurelio is an administrative division in Asturias comprising three main towns—Sotrondio, El Entrego, and Blimea—plus several smaller settlements spread across approximately 56 square kilometers. The territory occupies the Nalón valley and features varying elevations with mountain landscapes surrounding it on all sides.
The place takes its name from King Aurelio, an 8th-century Asturian ruler whose tomb is located in the parish church of San Martín. Later, coal mining became the defining force that shaped the region's development and transformed it into an industrial center during the modern era.
The place preserves mining heritage through several former extraction sites scattered across its three main towns. These abandoned facilities show how coal shaped the daily life and economy of local communities for generations.
The area connects to regional roads and has regular bus services linking the three main towns with each other and neighboring areas. The varied terrain means travel between locations may take longer than expected on a map.
The territory features an elevation gradient exceeding 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), creating dramatic differences between deep valleys and higher mountain zones. This steep variation produces distinct climate and vegetation zones within a relatively compact area.
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