The best traffic-free bike rides around Cabranes

A beautiful and peaceful place

The Les Praeres pass, meaning "meadows" in Spanish, is a beautiful crossing point for the surrounding peaks. There's also a bar and restaurant with a mountain atmosphere. As if that weren't enough, there's a deer, rescued as a puppy by the bar's owner, who freely roams the area like a pet.

The Church of Santa María de la Oliva in Villaviciosa, Asturias (northern Spain), is a jewel of the transition between the Late Romanesque and Iberian Gothic periods. --- 🏛️ History and Architecture Building: Constructed around 1270 after the signing of the charter of Aldonse X "el Sabio" on October 17, 1270, it marks the development of Villaviciosa. Style: Constructed of ashlar, the building combines Romanesque elements (massive base, semicircular vaults in the apse) and Gothic elements (portals with decorated pointed archivolts, tympanum of the Virgin, rosettes). Plan: Single rectangular nave with exposed timbers, two-bay choir with pointed barrel vault, then ribbed vault. Decoration: The portals (south and west) feature sculpted columns (zoomorphic and anthropomorphic capitals), archivolts decorated with zigzags, rosettes, and Gothic details. --- Evolution of the Building The structure has been modified over the centuries: the addition of the sacristy in the 17th century, the Chapel of Solitude, interior renovations, a fire in 1936 during the Civil War, and restorations in the mid-20th century (notably by Luis Menéndez Pidal). --- Practical Information (Asturias Tourism) **Opening Hours:** From October 1st to May 31st: 10am–6pm daily From June 1st to September 30th: 10am–9pm Free guided tours in July and August, Monday to Saturday, 11am–1pm and 5pm–7pm. -- Why visit? Water Tower: one of the last great examples of Gothic-Romanesque architecture in Asturias. Rich sculpted elements: portals, tympanum, and decorative rosettes. Authentic atmosphere: the absence of major alterations has preserved its raw, historical charm.

Villaviciosa is a place worth seeing

The Villaviciosa Town Hall building is a building steeped in history and remarkable features. Location: Town Hall Square, in the heart of Villaviciosa. Style: Eclectic architecture with elements reflecting different eras. History: The original building dates from the 17th century, although it has undergone several renovations and expansions over time, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries. Characteristics: It features a sober and elegant main façade, with balconies and ornamental elements characteristic of the period of its renovation. The Villaviciosa coat of arms stands out on its frontispiece. Functions: Houses the administrative and political offices of the Villaviciosa municipal government. Significance: It is a symbol of civil power and an important landmark for the residents of the municipality.

This is a tough, short, and famous climb, as well as an icon for local cyclists due to its appearance in La Vuelta. It's almost 4 kilometers long, with 505 meters of elevation gain at an average gradient of 13%. You'll face gradients of up to 20% while enjoying spectacular views.

Track in very good condition, with not much gradient. Beautiful in autumn

A very nice and cyclable stretch through the forest, on the banks of the Piloña River, ideal for avoiding the N-634 with a lot of traffic. Suitable for Gravel, Hybrid and MTB bikes.