To spot the Royal Institute of Asturian Studies, look for a stately stone building on Plaza Porlier with a distinctive plaque on its wall-just like the metal one in front of you, which features a crowned crest surrounded by laurel leaves.
Now, let’s dive into the story! Imagine you’re in post-war Asturias in 1946, when scholars and thinkers gather here in the grand old Palace of the Counts of Toreno. In the quiet square, the only sound is the echo of footsteps on cobblestone as some of the brightest Asturian minds hurry inside, clutching manuscripts and dreams. This institute, called RIDEA, was created to protect and explore everything wonderful about Asturias-its culture, art, science, and even its most mysterious legends.
You might think it’s just a group of people reading dusty old books, but these are defenders of Asturian identity! Their first big studies ranged from language quirks-like how the letter “h” is pronounced in the east of Asturias-to entire dictionaries of Asturian rhyme. Over the years, the place became a treasure chest of Asturian stories, filled with manuscripts handwritten by famous minds like Jovellanos, Pardo Bazán, and Palacio Valdés. Picture scholars carefully turning these ancient pages, the rustle of parchment making you want to whisper.
And if you detect a little royal sparkle here, you’re not wrong! In 1991, Prince Felipe himself became honorary president, and by 1992, the king granted the title “Royal” to this institute-so it’s not just any old place, it’s officially royal. If you catch an extra twinkle from the windows, maybe it’s just history winking at you.
Today, here in this beautiful old building, the institute opens its archives to all who are curious. Who knows-maybe the next discovery about Asturias will start right where you’re standing! But don’t try sneaking out a manuscript, or the ghosts of old Asturian poets might give you a poetic scolding!
