Ribera De Arriba: Hórreos, Cave Art and Hiking Trails

Ribera De Arriba can be explored from different perspectives: hórreos and historic buildings tell the story of the area’s culture, while rock art and hiking trails offer other points of interest. For planning purposes, you can consider cultural sites and routes as separate destinations for excursions.

Hórreos, Cave Art and Architectural History

Cueva de Entrecueves is located in Fresneo in the municipality of Ribera de Arriba and is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Its gallery system contains Palaeolithic depictions; Entrecueves is also one of the caves and rock shelters with rock art in the municipality. Access is very difficult. Bear this in mind explicitly when planning a visit.

In Güeñu/Bueño, there is a group of very well-preserved hórreos, considered one of Asturias’s most important ethnographic ensembles. The Centro de Interpretación del Hórreo explains the origins and distinctive features of these granaries in the Atlantic part of the Iberian Peninsula. The centre includes interactive games, a reconstruction of the interior of an hórreo and an audiovisual room. As the presentation may change, check the latest information about what is on offer before visiting.

The Casa de las Artes y las Ciencias is located in the former Palacio de Bueño, also known as Palacio de los Prieto. The palace is an example of an Asturian manor house and was later renovated. In June 2023, the doors of the Casa reopened and the cultural project Aula de las Matemáticas y la Ciencia was inaugurated. If the project is a reason for your trip, check the current programme in advance.

Other buildings illustrate different aspects of the region’s architectural history. The Capilla de San Juan de Mata in Bueño dates from the 18th century and has a rectangular floor plan and a round-arched portal. The Iglesia de San Nicolás de Tellego dates from the 17th century. Today, only part of the wall and the entrance gate remain of the Castillo de Doña Urraca. The Casa de Hevia-Ponte is considered the finest example of civil architecture in the municipality of Ribera de Arriba.

The Fiestas de San Juan de Mata take place in Bueño in February. Check the specific festival dates before your trip if you would like to plan your visit around them.

Trails Between River and Forest

The Paseo de los Hórreos de Güeñu/Bueño runs along the banks of the Nalón through the Zona Especial de Conservación Río Nalón, which is part of the Natura 2000 network. Both its riverside setting and its route through the protected area define this trail. Check local trail conditions before including it in your plans.

Two other routes differ in their mode of travel and difficulty: Bueño–Peñerudes is a moderate route that you can complete on foot or by bicycle. It starts at the El Llosalín car park just before Bueño; take local parking conditions into account when planning. Monte de Bustello is a hiking route of moderate to high difficulty. The trail passes through chestnut and hazelnut trees.

The landscape also offers a variety of impressions: La Ribera includes both plains and mountain scenery, and oak and chestnut trees are common in its wooded areas. The Caudal and Nalón rivers meet in Ribera de Arriba. Alongside the buildings and archaeological sites, river and forest landscapes thus offer distinct themes to consider when planning your trip.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Ribera De Arriba is part of the Ruta de la Plata and the Camino de Santiago. Transport links include the A-66 motorway, the N-630 and N-634 national roads, and the AS-322 regional road; there is also a rail connection. If you rely on the train for your journey, check the latest services in advance.

Discover more destinations: Bueño, Comarca Vaqueira, Teverga, Aller, Gozón, Oviedo, Cangas Del Narcea, Degaña

For the broader travel overview: Asturias.