At the summit of Monsacro stands the Ermita de la Magdalena, a late-Romanesque building dating from the 13th and 14th centuries. The chapel is very close to the Ermita de Santiago. Both are classified as Bien de Interés Cultural; the classifications are dated 8 May 1992. Morcín is also part of the protected landscape of the Sierra del Aramo, whose limestone ridge is almost 20 kilometres long and seven kilometres wide.
Between Aramo and Alfilorios
The protected landscape of the Sierra del Aramo can be reached via the AS-229 regional road between Pola de Lena and Bárzana. To reach the Embalse de Alfilorios, take the N-630 via Santolaya, the MO-1 and the MO-2 towards Los Alfilorios. On the northern part of the reservoir, there is a recreation area and a small viewpoint overlooking Monsacro. From there, you can see the mountain where the two medieval chapels are located. You can also watch waterfowl at the reservoir.
Hikes with different route details
The ascents to Mostayal and Gamonal from La Vara each take two to three hours. Both are classified as easy ascents. However, walking time depends on the conditions and your own pace. The time given is for each summit individually, not for both together.
The route to Pico Llosorio is a 12.82-kilometre circular mountain hike. It starts and ends in La Foz de Morcín. In clear weather, the 360-degree view from the summit stretches from the Picos de Europa to the Cantabrian Sea. This lets you distinguish the ascents to Mostayal and Gamonal, described in terms of time, from the Llosorio circular hike, described by distance; the panorama at Llosorio is specifically associated with clear weather.
The Peñerudes and Torreón route is also suitable for all audiences. Its destination, the Torreón de Peñerudes, is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The tower adds another protected structure in Morcín to the chapels on Monsacro.
Cultural history and traces of mining
The Muséu Etnográficu de la Llechería is part of the network of Asturian Ethnographic Museums and is located in the former hoppers of the Pozo Monsacro mine. Advance reservations are required for visits, so arrange your appointment beforehand. On the Mina La Esperanza route, you can see mine entrances, railway tunnels and mining facilities as reminders of the area's industrial past. Here, you encounter a different side of its history from that represented by the medieval chapels.
The Cueva del Molín, also known as the Entrefoces rock shelter, is of natural and archaeological interest. Access is difficult. There are also megalithic burial mounds and burials in the mountains of Morcín. Thus, alongside the visible structures, archaeological traces are also part of the area's history.
Local awards and cheese
La Foz was named a Pueblo Ejemplar by the Fundación Princesa de Asturias. The Quesu d'Afuega'l Pitu competition showcases cheeses from artisan producers throughout Asturias. If you want to include the competition in your travel plans, check the programme for your travel dates. This adds a culinary focus to your exploration of the landscape, chapels and mining history.
Discover more destinations: Argame, Peñanes, Las Vegas De Cardeo, Quirós, Ribadedeva, Salas, Santo Adriano, Comarca Del Nora.
For the main travel overview: Asturias.
