Mieres offers the chance to discover mining history at places with very different points of interest. The Pozu Santa Bárbara in Turón is an integrated mining complex protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Today, it serves as the Centro Cultural PZSB. The Mieres industrial y más route looks beyond individual buildings, exploring Mieres’ history from the late 19th century to the present and considering how its industrial heritage has shaped the landscape and society. As use of the cultural centre may change, it is advisable to check visitor information before your trip.

Mining Heritage and Everyday Life in Bustiello

In Bustiello, industrial history comes to life in a planned ensemble. The mining company Sociedad Hullera Española built the settlement between 1890 and 1917. Its features include a church and a monument, as well as a casino or workers’ centre, a school, a sanatorium, and homes for engineers and workers. The Centro de Interpretación del Poblado Minero de Bustiello explores its geological, industrial, historical, artistic and heritage conservation aspects.

Access to the interpretation centre and its chapel is by guided visit only and requires advance booking. Check the visitor arrangements ahead of time. From this centre, Mieres’ tourism facilities also organise guided visits to the municipality’s museums and interpretation centres. Another place with a social and educational function is the Pozu Espinos, which remains open. If you would like to visit, check the visiting arrangements in advance.

Valleys, Trails and Railway History

The landscape is also part of the area’s history. The Espacio Protegido de las Cuencas Mineras includes parts of Mieres and is designated both as a protected landscape and as a Special Area of Conservation. The section within Mieres includes the upper Turón valley, with steep slopes, numerous streams and small ravines.

The Vía Verde del Valle de Turón runs for more than 14 kilometres through the valley and can be explored on foot or by bicycle. For a different perspective on railway history, the Aula del Ferrocarril de Loredo has models and explanatory panels about the history of the Riosa coalfield and its narrow-gauge railway. The Aula is a stopping point on a greenway along the former railway line from La Pereda to the Peñamiel Tunnel. Advance booking is required for visits, even during regular opening hours; check the arrangements in advance.

The Ruta del Ferrocarril de Baltasara combines mining heritage, landscape and nature on a circular route. It is classified as an easy route and is suitable for cycling and family outings; conditions on site may vary. It offers a different way to explore the connection between industrial history and landscape than the longer greenway through the Turón valley.

Architecture, Pilgrimage and Local Festivals

In Cenera, you can combine a visit to the Museo Costumbrista Benjamín Pumarada with a walk through the village, where traditional Asturian buildings can be seen. This museum also requires advance booking, even during regular opening hours. In Mieres del Camín, the Casa Duró dates from the 17th century and is the oldest civil building in the town. Its exterior can be viewed, and the house is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The Palacio del Marqués de Camposagrado in La Villa also has this designation.

The Santuario de San Cosme y San Damián is open to visitors. This Baroque Bien de Interés Cultural dates from the early 18th century and overlooks the Cuna valley. The Romería de los Santos Mártires Cosme y Damián takes place there every year on 27 September; the programme may vary from year to year. Mieres del Camín also has a historic connection to the pilgrimage route: the town was an important stopping point on the Camino del Salvador.

Another event with its own culinary character is Folixa na Primavera, celebrated during a week in April. Its key elements draw on local and outside folklore with Celtic roots. The focus is on seasonal cider, gastronomic events and the bolla de la folixa pastry. Details may vary from year to year.

Discover more destinations: Mieres, Figaredo, Urbiés, Cenera, Cardeo Riba, Laipata, Santu Miano and Taramundi.

See the main travel guide: Asturias.