In La Manjoya, you can explore forest trails, nature education and the Camino de Santiago as different highlights of your trip. The Bosque de La Zoreda offers a four-kilometre trail through dense woodland; elsewhere, a nature classroom and the Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol take centre stage. Which details you combine depends on whether you mainly want to spend time outdoors, learn about nature, or explore architecture and pilgrimage routes.
Forest and nature in La Manjoya
The Bosque de La Zoreda lies within the grounds of the former Fábrica Nacional de Explosivos de La Manjoya. A four-kilometre trail runs through the dense woodland. Tree species include oaks, known as carbayos in Asturian, maples and birches, as well as other species. Squirrels, wild boar, roe deer and numerous birds can also be spotted there. The forest trail thus combines a clearly defined route with insights into the local flora and fauna.
The trail’s length is clearly specified for planning your day: four kilometres. You can reach the Bosque de La Zoreda by city bus line 10 or by Renfe Cercanías train via El Caleyo station. Check the current timetable before setting out. Both options are especially convenient if you plan to travel without using your own car; no further information about journey times is provided.
Routes and wayfinding
At La Manjoya, the Senda Verde Oviedo-Fuso La Reina crosses the Ruta de la Plata motorway over a bridge made of wood and iron. There are picnic areas at several points along the route. These are useful landmarks if you want to plan a break along the way.
The Vía Verde de Fuso is another route with its own features: it is fully paved, has a low difficulty level and offers step-free access. You can use it on foot, by bicycle or on inline skates. The route passes the Antigua Estación de Tren de La Manjoya. There is also a nature classroom in the Estación de La Manjoya area, with temporary exhibitions of regional interest. Here, getting active along the route and learning about nature go hand in hand, although they are not necessarily part of the same visitor experience.
The Camino de Santiago and the Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol
On its final descent, the Camino de Santiago passes through El Caserón and La Manjoya. It enters the city of Oviedo through the San Lázaro neighbourhood. The Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol de La Manjoya offers another cultural highlight: it is considered a classic and notable example of vernacular architecture and stands in a tree-lined meadow between El Caserón and La Bolgachina.
Distinctive features of the church include a portico and a reddish bell gable with three arches and pointed decorative finials. A Santiago sculpture made of white granite has also stood in its courtyard since 7 March 2010. Access to the church may vary, so check the current visiting arrangements before your visit. This allows you to plan around the architectural details and the sculpture without assuming a particular form of access.
Nature education at the former FEVE station
The Aula de Naturaleza de La Manjoya is housed in the former FEVE railway station building. It is run by the Fondo para la Protección de los Animales Salvajes (FAPAS), and various nature education activities for children take place there. Real ant colonies and amphibian terrariums are part of the learning experience, along with play-based learning. This makes it distinct from the nature experience at the Bosque de La Zoreda: here, the focus is on educational activities and tangible exhibits. Check the current opening arrangements and programme before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Oviedo, Nava, Las Caldas, Faro, Villapérez, Siones, Cortina, Santo Medero.
Back to the main travel guide: Oviedo.
