A bit of history...

Despite its geographic isolation, Ponga has been a place of human settlement since antiquity. This is evidenced by the remains found of Neolithic settlements, pre-Roman forts and Roman burial sites, among others.

 

During the Roman occupation, these lands, which were part of the territory of Cantabria, were subdued, but due to their difficult access and control, there was no strong Romanization. This allowed the preservation of some Celtic traditions that have survived to the present day.

 

In the éeacute;n of the Arab occupation, the Ponguetans actively participated in the beginning of the Reconquest, fighting alongside Pelayo in the battle of Pontunio (port of Pontón). This victory is celebrated every year on the feast of the Santina, in Arcenorio.

 

The first known documentary reference to the council dates back to 1188, when Alfonso IX donated the señorío of Cazo to Pedro García de Caso.

 

During the Middle Ages, Ponga received several royal privileges for its loyalty to the crown. In 1395, Henry III granted the Ponga people freedom of grazing and exemption from commercial taxes or portage.

 

From this period date the first administrative records of the Pongueto territory, which mention the existence of noble and commoner judges, brotherhood mayors and five perpetual aldermen.

 

In the Modern Age, the religious and civil integration of Ponga in Asturias was consolidated. The Catholic Monarchs intervened in religious and civil matters, such as the municipal appointments of notaries, aldermen and overseers.

 

In the 18th century, the council is characterized as a populated and productive area, centered on livestockía and farmland.

 

In the 19th century, the population increased, communications improved and new economic activities arose, such as the installation of the Soto Rodrigo ironworks. Later, however, there was a éxodus, mainly of young men, to America.

 

During the 20th century, the population remained stable until the 1960s, when a new wave of emigration began, this time to foreign countries and cities.

 

Today, Ponga is the Asturian council with the lowest population density. Traditional livestock farming is in decline and alternatives for young Ponga residents are limited, with tourism as one of the few growing options since the council was declared a Natural Park.

 

Throughout its history, Ponga has experienced demographic ups and downs, stemming from its geographic location: a beautiful but complicated environment, which has influenced both its sensitivity to change and difficulty in adapting to it.