Argul lies on a hillside on the left bank of the Agüeira. The historic ensemble was protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural in 2004. To understand the village, look beyond its individual stone buildings: their position on the rock and the connections between them shape the architectural landscape.

Stone buildings and connecting paths

The stone buildings rest on natural rock. Galleries, tunnels and elevated corridors connect them and provide passage between the buildings. In Argul, passageways and crossings are as much a part of the architecture as the houses themselves; they make the spatial connections between the buildings a subject in their own right on a walk through the village.

The traditional layout of the farmsteads can also be described in specific terms: they were grouped around courtyards, with dovecotes and hórreos (raised granaries) nearby. These storage buildings and dovecotes were built entirely from local slate, wood and clay. The materials and courtyard layout offer a different perspective on the ensemble from that of the individual connecting structures.

The tunnel of Casa de Vilar has a notable measurement: it is almost 20 metres long. At the Capilla de San Antonio, the location on the rock is paired with a design suited to a confined interior. The chapel has a Baroque altarpiece adapted to the space.

A veiril—an elevated passageway—was built between the cuarto novo and the ensemble’s main building. Argul is also home to Casa de Juan Alonso Villabrille y Ron. Juan Alonso Villabrille y Ron was a sculptor at the court of Philip V. These two details lead from architecture to history in different ways: one through a connection between buildings, the other through a biography associated with a name.

On foot or by bike

The Ruta del Río Agüeira (PR-AS 117) is a moderately difficult circular route in the mountains. It is 8.12 kilometres long, with a stated duration of three to five hours. It follows the Agüeira River through chestnut and pine forests and passes through Argul. This means you can plan the walk not only by its length, but also by its route between river, forest and village. Check trail conditions and signage before setting out, as both may change.

Part of the Ruta del Río Agüeira runs through the ZEC Cuenca del Agüeira, an area within the Natura 2000 network. This applies to part of the route, not the entire trail. If you are considering a bike ride instead of a walk, the Pesoz–Argul–Bousoño cycling route also leads to Argul and to Castro de San Isidro, on the boundary between the municipalities of Pesoz and San Martín de Oscos.

Getting there and respecting the village

The road route from Navia follows the AS-12 towards Pesoz. At kilometre marker 58, turn right onto a signposted track. Road conditions and signage may change; check the route before setting out. The road route from Navia follows the AS-12 towards Pesoz. At kilometre marker 58, turn right onto a signposted track. Road conditions and signage may change; check the route before setting out.

Argul is an inhabited village. Ask permission before entering private property. This is especially important when exploring the architectural ensemble: descriptions of galleries, tunnels and corridors do not constitute permission to enter private areas. This way, you can appreciate the architecture while respecting the boundary between visiting the village and entering private property.

Discover more destinations: Sanzo.

Return to the main travel overview: Pesoz.