In the very heart of Asturias, where green hills meet rugged slopes, one of Spain’s most unusual monuments is hidden. At almost 840 meters above sea level, atop L’Arquera, rises a sculpture that not only adorns the landscape but becomes a part of it. This is not an ancient castle or a sacred church, but an iron horse, as if leaping out of a dream, frozen mid-jump on a massive iron bench. You won’t find this place in tourist brochures, but it can forever change the way you see Asturias.
Travelers who have made it here speak of a strange feeling: as if you’re standing at the edge of the world, with the horizon stretching into infinity. On one side, the blue expanse of the Cantabrian Sea; on the other, the majestic Picos de Europa; and below—a mosaic of villages, meadows, and abandoned mines. There are no crowds here, no hustle, just wind, silence, and a sense of absolute freedom.
A symbol of freedom
The sculpture, named ‘El Libre’ (‘The Free One’), did not appear here by chance. Its creator, Carlos Ordiz, a farmer and artist from a nearby village, decided to bring his vision of independence and strength to life in metal. Nearly two thousand meters of iron rods and half a ton in weight— all so that everyone who climbs to the summit can not only witness the art, but become a part of it.
The iron horse is not just placed on a pedestal—it rises on a special platform that also serves as a bench. When you sit on it, you find yourself inside the sculpture itself, surrounded by metal and air, facing an endless landscape. On clear days, even distant mountain ranges and the thin line of the sea on the horizon can be seen from here. It’s a place where you want to linger, to feel how time comes to a standstill.
The Path to the Summit
The road to this unusual monument is not an easy one, but that’s exactly what makes the encounter especially rewarding. Usually, the route starts in Sotrrondio—the administrative center of the municipality. From here, the trail climbs upward, gaining nearly 600 meters in elevation over eight kilometers. The path runs through ancient villages, pastures, forest clearings, and even passes a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Covadonga.
This route is chosen not only by seasoned hikers, but also by those seeking solitude and new experiences. Along the way, there are abandoned mines reminding travelers of the region’s industrial past, as well as modern rest areas where you can catch your breath. Every turn reveals new vistas, and the final ascent to L’Arquera is a true challenge for anyone unaccustomed to mountain trails.
Art and Nature
The main feature of this place is the remarkable blend of contemporary art and wild nature. The iron horse seems to have grown straight out of the earth, its silhouette echoing the curves of the hills, and the rust on the metal resonates with the color of autumn leaves. There are no familiar tourist signs or souvenir shops here, but instead there’s a sense that you’ve entered a space where people and nature don’t oppose each other, but complement one another.
Many come here for the photos, but leave with the feeling of having witnessed something deeper. This isn’t just a viewpoint — it’s a place of power where everyone can find their own meaning. Some see the iron horse as a symbol of overcoming, some as a reminder of the past, and for others it’s simply a chance to pause and see the world from a new perspective.
A new point of attraction
L’Arquera is gradually gaining fame not only among locals, but also among travelers from all over Spain. Artists, photographers, hikers, and those simply seeking a break from city noise find their way here. The place isn’t crowded yet, but it’s already growing its own legends and stories. They say that at dawn it’s especially beautiful: mist drapes the valleys and the iron horse seems to come alive in the first rays of sunlight.
This corner of Asturias is an example of how personal initiative can transform an entire region. Inspired by nature and a desire to share his sense of freedom, one person created not just a monument, but a new symbol for all those seeking unique routes and fresh experiences.
Carlos Ordis is not only the author of the sculpture, but also someone who managed to unite Asturias’ past and present in his creation. His ‘Free One’ has become an integral part of the local landscape, while the artist himself stands as proof that art can be born not only in museums but also atop mountains. His works have always sought harmony with the environment, and the iron horse on L’Arquera Mountain is the best evidence of that. Today, this place inspires new creators and has become a magnet for those who value true freedom.
