Villanueva de Oscos combines monastic history with trails through forests and mountain pastures. Waterfalls, a historic workshop and seasonal festivals are among the specific discoveries to be made here. When choosing a hotel, you might first consider whether you are more interested in heritage and crafts or in landscapes and routes.
Monastery History and Traces of Mining
The Monasterio de Santa MarÃa de Villanueva de Oscos was founded in 1137 by King Alfonso VII and his wife, Berenguela. For centuries, it was the organizational centre of the agricultural and economic region of western Asturias. The parish church belonging to the monastery preserves original elements of the monastic church: a Romanesque apse, Baroque altarpieces and the tomb of Juan Ãlvarez Osorio. These details make the church a tangible entry point into the architectural and monastic history of the town.
The traditional architecture of Villanueva de Oscos is also shaped by particular materials: stone, black slate, wood and glass. There are also traces of Roman gold mining, as well as other mining activities to extract iron, copper, lead and zinc. Together, the monastery, architecture and mining offer different perspectives on the history of the municipality, without needing to be combined into a single narrative.
Forests, Pastures and Waterfalls Along the Routes
The Ruta del Silencio begins in San Cristóbal in Villanueva de Oscos, passes through abandoned villages and dense forests, and reaches the Celón and Picón waterfalls. Celón is 50 metres high and Picón is 60 metres high. The two heights offer a specific comparison along the same route; the abandoned villages and forest are also distinctive stops along the way.
The Senda Verde del Agüeira reveals a different landscape. It passes through natural birch, oak and holly forests, as well as the mountain pastures of Lama, Chao de Bureiros and A Folgueirúa. The route runs through the RÃo Eo, Oscos e Terras do Burón Biosphere Reserve. Those interested in tree species and pasture landscapes will find different features here from those described along the Ruta del Silencio. The Ruta de los Bosques leads to the Carballeira de Pacios, a well-preserved natural oak forest.
The Por los Balcones de Villanueva cycling route follows a mixed track of wide paths and local roads and is easy to cycle. As a mountain biking route, Por los Balcones de Villanueva is a circular route that starts and ends in Villanueva de Oscos. Information about the terrain and the circular layout help distinguish this route from paths whose descriptions focus mainly on forests, pastures or waterfalls.
River Landscape and Regional Setting
The Santa Eufemia recreation area lies in a meadow where the Villanueva and Pasarón rivers meet. Native vegetation, meadows and gently sloping hills define its surroundings. This offers another landscape description alongside the forests and pastures along the routes. Villanueva de Oscos is one of the Asturian municipalities within the RÃo Eo, Oscos y Terras de Burón Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO in 2007.
Crafts and Seasonal Festivals
The former FerrerÃa Mayor de Santa Eufemia has been brought back to life as a workshop combining blacksmithing and macramé. Its offerings include handcrafted items, tours and workshops. Its former use as a ferrerÃa and its present-day combination of two crafts give a visit a different cultural focus from the church and monastery.
The VÃa Crucis Viviente is recognized as a festival of tourist interest by the Principality of Asturias. It is seasonal; the specific dates vary from year to year. In early August, the Festa dos Frailes takes place at the monastery in Vilanova as a community event featuring music, art and heritage. The specific dates may vary here too, so it is advisable to plan and check them before travelling.
Find a Hotel That Matches Your Interests
When planning, consider which of these discoveries matter most to you. If a festival is a major reason for your trip, check its specific dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Villarquille, Ron, Gestoso.
Return to the main travel overview: Villanueva De Oscos.
