Vigaña: Archaeology, Mountain Views and Hiking Trails

Vigaña’s archaeological history is particularly tangible in the area around San Pedro de Vigaña: grave goods from the necropolis of the Church of San Pedro de Vigaña are part of the permanent exhibition at the Archaeological Museum of Asturias.

Culture

The necropolis of San Pedro de Vigaña is a burial mound cemetery with slab graves. It was excavated in two plots: El Val.le, with nine burials, and Entelailesia, with 54. The oldest grave in the necropolis dates from the 7th century AD and contained a sword, a knife, buckles, nails and a flint stone. The burial mound necropolis of San Pedro de Vigaña is included in the Inventory of the Cultural Heritage of the Principality of Asturias (IPCA).

The Castro de Vigaña is also one of the site’s notable archaeological remains. It has been dated from the 6th century BC to the 1st century AD and is a significant expression of Castro culture. The Las Corvas archaeological area includes Neolithic hearths around 6,000 years old and was identified as the first open-air settlement from this period discovered in Asturias.

Vigaña preserves well-maintained rural casonas. The museum, excavation and cultural heritage inventory each place different emphasis within the overall theme.

Historical topics, the landscape and physical activity appeal to different interests. You can consider these areas one after another or with different focal points; no fixed order is necessary. The structure of your day can remain guided by your interests.

More local pages: Belmonte, Cutiellos, Alvariza.

Landscape

Vigaña lies at an altitude of around 650 m on the foothills of the Sierra de Arcéu and offers views of the Pigüeña Valley and the mountains of Belmonte. Vigaña can be reached via a local road that climbs from the AS-227 at Las Llamas.

The combination of altitude, valley views and named trails can be weighted differently depending on your daily schedule.

Hiking

The Ruta de la Braña de Estopiellu (PR.AS-201) starts in Vigaña, passes through the village and climbs to the Church of San Pedro. In less than 40 minutes, the route reaches the high pasture of L’Estoupiel.lu, where there are huts designated for livestock use. From the high pasture of L’Estoupiel.lu, the route can be extended northwards to connect with the Ruta Vaqueira (PR.AS-145).

The different route details help you plan a hike according to your preferred duration and direction.

Cycling

The one-day, 46 km circular route Ruta de la Escanda. Camín Real de la Mesa passes through Vigaña. It is suitable for bicycles of all kinds.

Hiking and cycling represent two different forms of activity. You can compare the time frame, route characteristics and direction separately, without combining both options into a single itinerary. The choice of focus is up to you.

To the main travel overview: Belmonte De Miranda.