Discover Villaviciosa through its architectural history, Holy Week traditions and landscape. The Villaviciosa Estuary reaches into the town centre, and the Northern Way of St James runs through Villaviciosa. The area also offers walking routes and Rodiles Beach. Highlights range from a portal relief to a pilgrimage route designated a World Heritage Site.

Church, houses and history

The historic centre is home to palaces and houses bearing coats of arms. The Church of Santa María de la Oliva was built in the late 13th century in the late Romanesque style and also features Gothic elements. Hunting scenes can be seen on the capitals of its south portal. Its construction period, Gothic features and portal carvings offer different insights into the building.

Another historical landmark is the Casa de los Hevia: it housed Prince Charles of Ghent from 19 to 23 September 1517, after he came ashore at the port of Tazones. The permanent exhibition “El Primer Viaje del Rey” features furniture from living and bedrooms, information panels, reproductions of important documents and a replica of the famous Order of the Golden Fleece. It also includes a model of the “Engelen”, the ship that transported the monarch from Flanders.

Holy Week and exhibitions

Villaviciosa is home to one of Asturias’ oldest Holy Week traditions; the annual programme may vary. The Holy Week Museum Room displays almost all of the figures, carrying platforms, lanterns and banners used during Villaviciosa’s Holy Week. An audiovisual presentation explores the religious, cultural, artistic and historical significance of Holy Week in Villaviciosa; its availability may change. The objects used in processions are thus presented alongside an overview of the tradition from several perspectives.

Exhibition visiting arrangements may change, so check the latest information before visiting. Villaviciosa has a permanent exhibition on jet, “Azabache Jurásico de Villaviciosa”, as well as a School of Jet Craft.

Estuary and Camino

The Villaviciosa Estuary has been a partial nature reserve since 1995 and is listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. It extends into the centre of Villaviciosa. The Northern Way of St James passes through the town and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those weighing up nature and cultural interests will find two distinct highlights here: the protected wetland and the designated pilgrimage route.

Walking routes and distances

Along a seven-kilometre section of the Ruta de los Molinos del Río Profundu are the ruins of more than twenty old watermills. The Ruta de Carlos V is just over eleven kilometres long and offers hikers a special experience. These figures refer to different things: the mill route distance is for a section, while the figure for the Ruta de Carlos V is the length of the route. If you are planning a hike, bear in mind that trail conditions may change.

Rodiles and other interests

Rodiles Beach is located in the municipality of Villaviciosa. It offers surfing on its famous left-hand wave, considered one of the best in Europe. Surf conditions vary; check the latest conditions before your visit if this is one of your planned activities.

Discover more destinations: Cabranes, Selorio, Miravalles, Amandi, Collado, Argüero, San Miguel, Cazamular.

Return to the main travel overview: Villaviciosa.