In Soto de Ribera, the Río Nalón and the Río Caudal join to form a single river. A historic stone bridge over the Caudal adds an architectural highlight. The town’s history also encompasses different connections: the Castillo de Soto in Soto Rei is a medieval castle ruin, while Soto del Rey station is part of the industrial heritage.

Riverside scenery and cycling route

A cycling route runs from Olloniego/Lluniego to Soto Rei/Soto de Rey. It winds along the Río Nalón and through an industrial area near Oviedo; the Nalón forms its main axis. The route is also part of the Central Mountains cycling route network. This makes it possible to distinguish its connection to the river, its surroundings and its place in the cycling network: the route follows the river and also passes through an industrial area. Both are part of its distinctive character.

The historic stone bridge

The stone bridge in Soto Ribera spans the Río Caudal. It was built in 1808 and restored in 1864, 56 years later. Four arches shape the structure, reinforced by large piers. The dates distinguish the original construction from a later restoration; the arches and piers describe the form of the bridge. Together, they offer a specific insight into its architectural history without conflating the two historical phases.

Castillo de Soto in Soto Rei

The Castillo de Soto, also known as Castillo de Doña Urraca, stands in Soto Rei and is the oldest structure in the municipality of Ribera de Arriba. The medieval castle survives as a ruin. Its masonry includes the north wall, several windows framed in limestone with straight lintels, a small round-arched window and a door with a round arch made of dressed voussoirs. A straight lintel closes the top of an opening horizontally; at the door, the voussoirs form the curve. The ruin thus displays different solutions for window and door openings.

La Quinta de Soto Ribera

The architectural ensemble known as “La Quinta de Soto Ribera” was built in the late 19th or early 20th century by an Indiano who had returned from Cuba. Its origins link the building to its owner’s return from Cuba. In the basement, the property retains a rustic kitchen with a bread oven and a cider press. These features identify two specific functions of the kitchen: baking bread and pressing apple juice. The description therefore covers both the ensemble’s architectural history and details of its preserved interior.

A connection to the industrial heritage

Soto del Rey station on the Norte Railway is part of the industrial heritage. It complements the medieval castle and the historic stone bridge with a railway connection. For travellers with a particular interest in industrial history, it is a distinct point of interest; it also clearly differs from the buildings described from other periods.

Discover more destinations: La Cruz, Felgueras, Santa Cruz de Mieres, Agüeria, El Bravo, Moreda, Grandiella, Armada

For the overview of the wider region: Montaña Central.