Hórreos and paneras are part of Prieres’s traditional village landscape. Two different passages add to this village architecture: there is an underground passage in the main lane, and Casa La Salona preserves another that crosses the village’s main road. This makes it possible to distinguish a passage within the main lane from a crossing of the main road as separate architectural features.

Architecture and local history

Numerous traditional stone and timber buildings have walls made of cebatu, a hazelwood wattle. This gives the village landscape a specific detail of traditional construction: cebatu refers here to the hazelwood wattle in the walls. Casa de Nemesia also preserves engravings dated to 1638. This date provides a precise point of reference for local history alongside the architectural features.

The chapel is dedicated to Santa Ana. An account published in 2022 dates its reconstruction by local residents to 1895. Traditionally, Prieres’s patron saint’s festival is associated with July 26, the feast day of Santa Ana; the festivities include a procession and the “puya del ramu.” If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check that year’s program.

Landscape and activities

Prieres lies on the right bank of the Orlé River, below Picu Les Llames. It is also one of the villages and hamlets in the Redes Biosphere Reserve. These references place the village within the landscape at different scales: Orlé and Picu Les Llames identify the immediate surroundings, while the reserve provides the broader regional context. Prieres also has a recreational area with a viewpoint.

Prieres is reached by a short, steep road that branches off the local road to Bueres. Take this access road into account when planning, and check current road conditions before travelling.

Tanes, Prieres and Abantro together form a route through the Tercia de Tanes. Prieres is also a starting point for excursions along the Cordal de Trapa mountain ridge. These are two distinct travel options: the Tercia de Tanes is a route linking three villages, while the other option concerns excursions along a mountain ridge. Check local route conditions before planning an excursion on the Cordal de Trapa.

In autumn, the rutting of the deer in the area around Prieres, near Peña Burllar, can be heard through their roaring for about a month. An early start may offer the opportunity to photograph males displaying to attract mates; viewing conditions vary.

Considering Prieres as a place to stay

When choosing a place to stay, you can assess Prieres according to the focus of your trip. Its architectural and historical features are part of the village itself; the Tercia de Tanes brings three villages together in one route; and the Cordal de Trapa offers excursions along a mountain ridge. The deer rut adds a clear seasonal focus in autumn. This makes it easier to weigh up local culture, route type and time of year.

Discover more destinations: Merás, Escobal, Robledo, Pimiango, Tresano, Coaña, Camuño, Candamo.

For the wider travel overview: Asturias.