San Antolin De Ibias offers several highlights for a stay: hiking trails pass through meadows, heathland and vineyards, while the church and exhibition offer insights into the area’s history. The Río Ibias is also home to a recreation area and the starting point for a river route.
Hiking trails and traces of gold mining
Several hiking routes can be started from the Área Recreativa del San Antolín de Ibias. It also provides access to hiking trails. The Senda del Oro offers a distinct focus: it starts at the Iglesia de Santa María and initially follows the Río Ibias, passing through meadows, heathland and vineyards.
The Senda del Oro brings together nature, archaeology and traditional culture. Along the way, it passes traces of Roman gold mining. This route therefore combines scenery with evidence of earlier use of the land. For planning purposes, it is helpful to note the difference between this route and the several hiking trail starting points at the Área Recreativa: the Senda has a specific starting point and a defined theme, while you can choose between several hiking routes from the Área Recreativa.
Recreation area on the Río Ibias
The Área Recreativa del San Antolín de Ibias is set in natural surroundings on the Río Ibias. The site is characterized by extensive meadows and shaded areas. Facilities include a children’s play area, barbecue facilities and picnic tables. So if you’re planning to spend time outdoors, you’ll find both places to eat at a table and space to relax. The area is also a starting point for several hiking routes.
Iglesia de San Antolín: building history and paintings
The Iglesia de San Antolín de Ibias originated as a monastery dedicated to San Antolín, documented in 1076. Its present structure dates from the early 13th century. The rectangular, single-nave body has a barrel vault; adjoining it is a semicircular apse with a quarter-sphere vault. Medieval building elements and proto-Gothic features have also been preserved. These include portals and windows, as well as an image of the patron saint above the portal on the main façade.
The church preserves 16th-century wall paintings in the presbytery. The religious scenes include the Last Supper and the Stations of the Cross. Visitors can therefore distinguish different periods during a visit: the documented monastic origins, the structure dating from the early 13th century and the later paintings. The church is open to the public; contacting the church in advance is recommended for information about opening hours and access.
Exhibition and traditional construction
The Aula de la Naturaleza y Centro Interpretación de la Palloza de Ibias is open to the public and features a permanent exhibition about Ibias. Objects, stories, exhibitions and workshops show what life was like centuries ago in the Asturian villages in the surrounding area. Check the seasonal arrangements before your visit.
La Palloza illustrates traditional round or oval houses with masonry walls and rye-straw roofs. Another ethnographic ensemble is La Pena’l Corvo, which includes a dwelling, a hórreo, a mill, a stable and a small chapel. These examples give cultural history concrete architectural forms that differ from the church’s medieval architecture.
Getting there and the river route
From La Regla, you can reach San Antolín via the AS-29 and then the AS-210. After crossing the Río Ibias, the access road to the Área Recreativa continues for another 400 metres to the left. A route on the Río Ibias also starts in San Antolín and runs downstream to its confluence with the Río Navia. If you’re planning this river route, check current operating arrangements and booking procedures with the municipal visitor information service in advance.
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