Pigüeña lies in the valley of the river of the same name. When planning a trip, the village itself and its wider regional surroundings are both worth considering: historic buildings are found in the village, while the river and valley shape the natural landscape of the surrounding area. The Pigüeña is a trout river that is also home to salmon. On a regional scale, the Pigüeña Valley is rugged and gorge-like; it lies between mountain ranges and includes small, enclosed meadow areas.

River and nature on a regional scale

Somiedo Natural Park extends across five valleys, including Pigüeña. In the wider region, the headwaters of the Pigüeña are among the last refuges of the Pyrenean desman. The natural features therefore span several geographical scales: from the river and valley to the natural park and its headwaters. The landscape around Pigüeña cannot be reduced to a single viewpoint or destination.

Routes to La Pornacal

The PR-AS 14.1 route runs through the Valle de Pigüeña from Villar de Vildas, past Braña La Pornacal, to Braña de Los Cuartos, also known as Braña Viecha. Seasonal restrictions may apply to this route; check the conditions before planning. La Pornacal lies in the uppermost part of the Pigüeña Valley. An easy trail suitable for all ages leads there from Villar de Vildas. The route from Villar de Vildas to La Pornacal can also be ridden by mountain bike. These details offer different levels of planning: La Pornacal as a specific destination, and the PR-AS 14.1 with additional named stops.

Churches and architectural history

The former parish church of San Martín de Pigüeña is part of Asturias’ cultural heritage and a cultural and historical landmark of the village. Its structure is typical of rural Asturian buildings: it consists of a central nave and an attached bell tower. The main façade faces west, and the entrance is framed by a round arch. A central nave is the main longitudinal area of a church interior and helps explain the layout described for the former church.

Near Pigüeña are the remains of the original church of San Martino de Pigüenna, which are used as a cemetery. The newer church of Pigüeña, at a higher elevation, houses a Baroque altarpiece. An altarpiece is an artistically crafted structure behind or above an altar. The houses are also part of the village’s architectural history: Pigüeña has many old houses, including one with a coat of arms.

Getting there and your stay

Pigüeña can be reached by a local road that starts at Aguasmestas and ends in Villar de Vildas. If you are looking for a holiday apartment for a stay in Pigüeña, you can choose your focus based on whether you want to explore the village’s buildings or the nature and routes in the wider region.

Discover more destinations: Arangas

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