In Ocero, stone cortines, traces of mining from different periods and a viewpoint overlooking El Bierzo come together. You can plan your trip around a range of interests: the traditional purpose of the cortines, the history of mining or a route to a panoramic viewpoint.
Routes Between Cortines and Mines
The Ruta de los Cortines connects Sancedo and Ocero. The circular route focuses on the restoration of 14 cortines. These circular stone structures were traditionally used to protect beehives from bears. Both the route and the traditional purpose of these structures are therefore part of its cultural and historical theme.
The Senda del Hierro is a route for hikers and cyclists, where visitors can explore a mining complex with six iron and gold mines dug into the rock. These mines have been worked since antiquity. Another 3 km route runs alongside a stream and connects iron mines with several cortines. Here, the history of mining and of protecting beehives come together along a single route.
The routes differ in length and profile: the Senda del Hierro is 6 km long, while the Ruta de los Cortines is a 13 km circular route. The access route to the Mirador Picón 360º is 6.5 km round trip. Its gradient is 5 to 8 percent, and it is considered easy for hikers. Trail conditions can change, so it is advisable to check them before setting out.
Mining History and Architecture
The Rigo Valley in Ocero is home to five tunnels from former iron ore mines that operated between 1957 and 1959. This is a clearly different period from that of the mines along the Senda del Hierro, which have been worked since antiquity. Together, the two traces of mining show different historical periods.
The town’s architecture and heritage are also among its attractions. The parish church of Santa Ana in Ocero is under comprehensive protection. The Negrillo de Santa Ana de Ocero is part of the Bierzo route of carved trees. The former school building is rectangular and made of masonry; its corners are built of dressed stone, and there are entrance porches on both sides.
Vallelongo I is a cheese-maturing facility in a repurposed former iron mine in Ocero.
The Mirador Picón 360º
The Mirador Picón 360º is located in Ocero and Vega de Espinareda. From there, the view extends across the whole region of El Bierzo, as well as parts of Galicia and Asturias. The access route starts at Plaza de Santa Ana in Ocero and leads through the surrounding mountains to the viewpoint.
Other routes branch off from the viewpoint, including the Senda del Hierro towards San Vicente. The approach to the viewpoint and these branching routes offer different points of reference for planning: one leads from Plaza de Santa Ana to the panorama, while other routes continue from the viewpoint.
Discover more destinations: Las Murias, Valderrueda, Santa Lucía de Gordón, Rioseco De Tapia, Cerezales Del Condado, Las Médulas, Ardón, Santa Cruz de Montes.
For the broader travel overview: León.
