Alevia lies in the Sierra del Cuera and combines striking viewpoints with a clearly visible architectural and mining history. The hiking route to Pico el Paisano passes the remains of Mina del Pilar. This offers a choice of different points of focus: local history or a challenging mountain hike with a historical connection.
Views in the Sierra del Cuera
As a natural viewpoint, Alevia offers a view over the valley of Peñamellera Baja. From the Mirador de San Antonio, you can enjoy a panorama of the Peñamellera valley. The summit of Pico el Paisano offers another vantage point: from there, the view stretches across the Peñamellera valleys and the Picos de Europa. On clear days, the Cantabrian Sea is also visible on the horizon. The valley panorama from the village and the more expansive view from the summit therefore offer different perspectives.
Buildings and history
The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista is classified as Gothic-Baroque, while also preserving Gothic structural remains from the late 14th or early 15th century. These include a pointed triumphal arch, decorated capitals and a ribbed vault in the presbytery. The church thus offers two historical points of reference: its classification as a building and specific older architectural features that can be identified.
The Torre del Reloj was built in 1951 and has a bell tower and a clock. The Quinta de Arriba is a mansion in the Indianos architectural style. Alevia’s Indianos architectural character is associated with the history of emigration to America. The Capilla de San Antonio is also part of the village’s architectural history: it was rebuilt. According to some researchers, a Romanesque chapel may previously have stood on the site.
Mina del Pilar and traces of the past
Accounts of mining a ferromanganese ore vein at Mina del Pilar date back to the 16th century. The Alevia–Pico el Paisano route passes the remains of Mina del Pilar, an iron and manganese mine from the 19th century. Along the hike, you will encounter a tangible connection to Alevia’s mining history.
Hikes and travel planning
The Alevia–Pico el Paisano route is a challenging 12.2-kilometre circular hike that starts and ends in Alevia. It is estimated to take more than five hours and is listed as suitable year-round. Plan it as a separate, longer day trip and check current trail conditions before setting out.
Another hiking route is Alevia–Abándames–Alevia; it also starts in Alevia. If you are considering this hike, check trail conditions before setting off. Alevia is also included in the “El infinito encanto de Picos de Europa” driving route by Turismo Asturias. Check road conditions and access before departure.
San Juan is one of Alevia’s local festivals and is dated June 24. If this date is important for your trip, check the event dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Abándames, Panes.
For the broader travel overview: Peñamellera Baja.
