Gold mining and river landscapes shape different sides of Belmonte de Miranda. The municipality lies in central-western Asturias, within the historic Comarca del Camino Real de la Mesa. Gold mining is one of the local traditions that is kept alive. The interactive Aula del Oro explores the history of gold mining in the municipality.

Gold history and walking trails

The AS-227 runs lengthwise through Belmonte de Miranda and is the main connection to Oviedo, Gijón and Avilés. This road is a useful point of reference when finding your way around on a trip through Asturias.

The walking trails also differ in their described routes. The PR.AS-138 runs for 11 kilometres from Belmonte to San Cristóbal, passing through Corias and Silviella. The PR.AS-144 starts and ends in Belmonte; near La Corredoria, it leads to the Roman road of La Mesa. This means that one route has a named destination, while the other starts and finishes in Belmonte. The PR.AS-144 also leads to a historic road.

Riverside habitats and landscapes

The Natura 2000 ZEC Río Narcea protected area includes Belmonte de Miranda and has well-preserved riverside and aquatic vegetation. Natura 2000 protected areas of the European Union are located in the municipality. On the Route of the Upper Salmon Rivers (Ruta de los Salmones Arriba), the trail passes through riverside habitats that are home to otters and numerous waterbird species. Wildlife sightings can vary by season.

Las Llavanderas is a riverside recreation area near Silviella. A fish ladder is located nearby, where salmon can be seen leaping upstream during the spawning season. The Vigonzález recreation area offers a different landscape: it lies near Silviella amid centuries-old chestnut trees. The riverside setting and old-growth trees thus provide distinct features within the municipality.

Nature, culture and local life

La Casa del Lobo is an interpretation centre about the Iberian wolf, its biology, behaviour and conservation. It offers a guided interpretive walk of about 1.5 kilometres along the Río Pigüeña to an enclosure with Iberian wolves. The Aula del Oro complements its account of gold history with an archaeological excavation activity accessible to wheelchair users.

The main hall of Las Ayalgas de Silviella displays a collection of vehicles and automotive technology, blacksmithing and ironwork, agricultural machinery, and a lemonade factory. It also features objects that were central to rural life in Asturias; the exhibits can be rearranged. Alongside gold mining, the cultivation of escanda wheat is one of the local traditions kept alive. The two topics point to different aspects of the region’s heritage: mining history and agricultural life.

La Alzada Vaqueira was a traditional festival featuring a market for crafts and food. Demonstrations at the time included woodworking, ironwork, basketry, stonework and weaving.

Before setting out on a hike or guided walk, it is worth checking the latest trail and visitor information, as conditions and visiting arrangements may change.

Discover more destinations: Vigaña, Alvariza, Belmonte, Cutiellos, Quirós, Peñamellera Alta, Comarca Vaqueira, Pesoz.

For the broader travel overview: Asturias.