San Martín De Beduledo has a clear archaeological focus in the Castro de San Chuis. The hillfort lies southeast of the village; its settlement sequence began in the 8th century BC, and a Roman presence has been documented since the mid-1st century AD. Its location, fortifications, and the various regional routes offer different starting points for planning your trip.
Castro de San Chuis: Location and Layout
The hillfort stands on one of the highest points of a flattened mountain ridge. Its maximum elevation is 783 metres; the ridge separates the valleys of the Prada and Abaniecha rivers. Several defensive ditches run along the southern edge. The fortifications also include double ramparts, a ditch, and a wall up to two metres wide. The terrain and structural features describe different aspects of the site: its position between the river valleys and the layout of its defenses.
A building type has also been preserved inside the site: several circular structures, typical of settlements from the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The settlement sequence began much earlier, in the 8th century BC; a Roman presence has been documented from the mid-1st century AD. These dates and the circular structures provide several historical reference points for the hillfort without combining them into a single period.
The Castro de San Chuis was designated a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC) and an archaeological zone under Decree 48/2014 of 14 May 2014. Visitors interested in archaeology can explore the settlement’s history, its location on the mountain ridge, and its fortifications as distinct topics.
Access and Visit
To reach the hillfort, take the ALL-2 to the turnoff for Celón, continue to San Martín De Beduledo, then follow a forest track from the village entrance to the foot of the hillfort. There is no admission fee; the site is free to visit. Check local access conditions before setting out, as they may change.
Routes with Different Connections
The Ruta romana y castreña route begins at the Castro de San Chuis, near San Martín De Beduledo. Another trail, the Ruta prehistórica de la zona occidental, runs between Villacondide (Coaña) and Merillés (Tineo), passing through San Martín De Beduledo. These two routes therefore have different geographical connections: the Castro is the starting point of the first, while the village lies along the second.
The driving itinerary El dorado asturiano also mentions San Martín De Beduledo in a different context: on the second day, the drive from Navelgas to San Martín De Beduledo passes through the Allande section. As an additional regional route connection, the Camino Primitivo stage from Pola de Allande to Berducedo passes through Montefurado; it is listed as 17.4 kilometres long. This stage is therefore distinct from the two routes directly connected to the village or hillfort.
The access road to the hillfort, the starting point of the Ruta romana y castreña, and the courses of the other routes are different details, each offering its own approach to planning.
Discover more destinations: Ferroy, Cereceda, San Salvador, Abaniella.
Go to the main travel overview: Allande.
