Balouta: Pallozas, Hórreos and Routes to Pico Miravalles

Balouta is characterized by a well-preserved ensemble of Pallozas and Hórreos; a route to Pico Miravalles also starts here. The village center also has a distinctive landscape setting: it lies in the middle of a large meadow crossed by a stream. Among the settlements in the Valle de Ancares, Balouta preserves the largest number of Pallozas.

Pallozas, Hórreos and Architectural History

The Pallozas in Balouta have rounded lines and an elliptical floor plan. Their shape adapts to the slope of the terrain. The architectural ensemble includes Pallozas with thatched roofs, known as Teitos, as well as Hórreos; the ensemble is preserved in good condition. The Hórreos stand on four supports. Their roofs are thatched with rye straw and finished with a woven edging. The architectural forms therefore offer different details to compare: the floor plans and adaptation to the slope in the Pallozas, and the supports and roof design in the Hórreos.

Balouta’s architectural character is better preserved than that of other places in the Valle de Ancares. Balouta is also one of the places in the Ancares Leoneses designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The church in Balouta is dedicated to Santiago. An old house bears a coat of arms of the nobility, providing another distinct point of architectural interest.

Historical Points of Reference

A royal charter transferred Balouta and Suárbol to the monastery of San Andrés de Espinareda in 1192. The document includes both places and establishes a clearly dated historical point of reference. Alongside this are the local architectural landmarks: the church dedicated to Santiago, the old house with its coat of arms of the nobility, and the preserved ensemble of Pallozas and Hórreos. These topics can be considered separately, without equating the historical transfer with the present-day architectural forms.

Meadow, Stream and Views of the Surroundings

The village center’s location in the middle of a large meadow crossed by a stream connects the settlement directly with the landscape. Nearby, at Puerto de Ancares, there is a recreational area with a viewpoint. From there, you can see the mountains of the Valle de Ancares, as well as Balouta and Suárbol. A forest path leads from Puerto de Ancares to the Mirador de Balouta. These viewpoints and routes have different points of reference: one offers the views of the villages and mountains mentioned above, while the other connects Puerto de Ancares with the Mirador de Balouta.

Routes to Pico Miravalles

The starting point is the main factor when comparing the routes. The Balouta–Pico Miravalles route starts in Balouta and leads to Pico Miravalles, at an elevation of 1,969 meters. Another linear route in the area, Puerto de Ancares–Pico Miravalles, starts at Puerto de Ancares, at an elevation of 1,648 meters, and leads to the same summit. It gains 321 meters in elevation. The two descriptions therefore offer different starting points for the same destination; no hiking time is provided for this comparison. Conditions on the routes may change, so check their current status before setting out.

Accommodation and Visit Planning

Hotel Rural Miravalles is a rural accommodation in Balouta. Check availability directly if you would like to stay there. Old household items and furniture have been preserved inside most Pallozas. To visit the interior of some Pallozas, contact Hotel Rural Miravalles. If you would like to see these interiors, check directly before your trip whether visits are possible.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Montealegre, Ocero, Villafranca Del Bierzo, El Valle, Matallana de Valmadrigal, Santa Marina De Somoza, Valdefresno, Villadangos del Paramo

For the overview of the wider region: León.