Villamarín is home to archaeological, ethnographic and religious cultural heritage; medieval documents also offer insight into the history of the place. The protected landscape of Pico Caldoveiro is another highlight in the surrounding area. When planning your trip, you can choose between local culture, a potential festival date and the nature of the region.

Cultural Heritage in Villamarín

Cultural sites in Villamarín include the archaeological Túmulo de Espinapata and Casa de Xabrí, an ethnographic heritage site. Casa de Xabrí includes a panera, a traditional granary. Other named sites are the Fuente y lavadero de La Fonte Barréu, a traditional quintana complex, and the Capilla de Casa La Cuesta. Also in Villamarín are the Panera and Eira de Casa Jose'l Sierru, as well as the Iglesia parroquial de Santa Marina.

The different names point to distinct aspects of the cultural heritage: an archaeological site, an ethnographically classified house, a traditional quintana complex and religious buildings. If you are interested in the history and culture of the place, you can use these distinctions as a guide rather than viewing the names as a single attraction. The parish church has been restored. Its typological classification points to the 18th century, while leaving open the possibility that it dates from the 19th century.

Medieval References

Two documents provide specific historical reference points. A document from 1151 names Villamarín among the holdings confirmed by Emperor Alfonso VII together with his children Sancho, Fernando and Sancha. A 1217 grant lists the place among the holdings that Alfonso and Gonzalo Rodríguez transferred to their brother Pedro, the abbot of Lapedo. The two references show the different contexts in which Villamarín appears in medieval documents.

Pico Caldoveiro and the Surrounding Landscape

The Pico Caldoveiro Protected Landscape includes the part of Grado south of the villages of Tolinas and Villamarín. Its predominantly limestone areas feature typical karst formations: deep gorges, blind valleys, swallow holes, limestone pavements, sinkholes and canyons. Representative wildlife in the protected landscape includes brown bears, wolves, deer and birds of prey. These natural highlights complement the town’s cultural heritage with a regional perspective.

The Villamarín association is also involved in restoring and maintaining paths, green spaces and wooded areas. It also lists exhibitions, courses, workshops and cultural and educational activities in general among its areas of work. If you would like to include one of these activities in your travel plans, check for specific dates in advance.

Festival Date, Route and Directions

San Benito is celebrated in Villamarín on the third Sunday in September with a church service and a pilgrimage, or romería. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the specific festival dates in advance.

The Camín Real de Salceo branches off from the Camín Real de la Mesa at Alto del Mouro and continues through the area of Campa El Carbaéu and San Roque. A report published in 2021 describes a hike from Ambás along this route, followed by a descent to Villamarín. Before setting out on a hike, check the current condition of the route.

The described driving route follows the AS-311. At the junction near El Llanón, take the GR-5; a turnoff on its western side leads to the village. As road conditions can change, it is worth checking the current route before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Camín Real de la Mesa, Carrea, San Martín, El Coto, La Riera, Sabadia, Santullano, Valle De Lago.

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