Far from the bustling tourist trails, at the very heart of the Asturian municipality of Cabrales, lies a true hidden gem: the village of Asiegu. Here, time seems to slow down, and nature and humanity exist in perfect harmony. Spread out across verdant hillsides, the village offers guests breathtaking views of the majestic Picu Urriellu, better known as Naranjo de Bulnes. Asiegu is more than a dot on the map—it’s a gateway to authentic rural Spain, the kind many seek but few manage to find.
It’s no surprise that in 2019 the Princess of Asturias Foundation awarded this village the prestigious ‘Exemplary Town’ prize. This was in recognition of the local residents’ dedication, who, with remarkable love and perseverance, preserve their cultural heritage, unique natural landscape, and centuries-old way of life intimately tied to the mountains.
Frozen in time in medieval quarters
A stroll through Asiegu is a journey into the past. The village is made up of nearly twenty small neighborhoods, each with its own character. In the oldest, La Calleya, you’ll find buildings whose walls witnessed the events of the Middle Ages. Stone houses draped in velvet moss and heavy wooden doors exuding a subtle scent of antiquity create an unforgettable atmosphere. The local church of San Miguel guards true treasures—restored 16th-century murals considered among the finest examples of rural Baroque in the region.
A breathtaking panorama
Winding cobblestone streets connect neighborhoods with poetic names, leading to viewpoints where the horizon is crowned by the peaks of Europe. One of these enchanting spots is the Tebrañdi pasture, used by shepherds since time immemorial. From here, you can take in all three ranges of the Picos de Europa, Mount Sueve, and the Cuera ridge. The view, especially at sunset when the sun bathes the rocks and stone rooftops in golden and crimson hues, leaves a lasting impression. The majestic silhouette of Urriellu against the blazing sky is a sight worth traveling here to experience.
Living Traditions and Flavors of Asturias
Asiegu is not an open-air museum, but a place where traditions are alive. A vivid example of this is the sculpture group “La Venida de les Vaques,” dedicated to the return of cows from the pastures. It’s not just a monument, but a true work of art created by José Saagún, celebrating the hard work of shepherds. In addition, at the initiative of local residents, a unique route called “Ruta’l Quesu y la Sidra” was established. It lets visitors dive into the region’s gastronomic culture: visit cheese dairies, descend into caves where the famous Cabrales cheese matures, and stop by ‘llagares’ — traditional Asturian cider houses.
Connecting with Nature Through Art
Local residents have come up with another creative way to share the beauty of their land with visitors. The “sponsored benches” project invites anyone to symbolically “adopt” one of 21 benches placed in the most scenic spots. Each bench offers a unique view of the surrounding landscape, creating a special route for meditation, contemplation, and reflection. These are not just places to rest—they are points of attraction that help you form a deeper connection with nature and appreciate the importance of preserving rural life. Asiegu offers its guests a priceless experience, reminding us that there are still corners in Asturias where every stone and path can tell an amazing story.
