Valdepiélago between the Curueño and historic routes

Valdepiélago begins with a tangible trace of its history: in the town centre, a medieval bridge stands above the Curueño. At the same time, Valdepiélago is closely connected with the Curueño River. The town therefore brings together a historic crossing and a defining river landscape in one place.

Culture

In the old town of Valdepiélago, there are old manor houses, noble coats of arms and intricately crafted arches. Near Nocedo, a Roman pontoon bridge spans the Valdeoville stream and once served the Calzada de la Vegarada. The historic structures differ significantly in their form and in their connection to routes and waterways. While the old town displays architectural details such as coats of arms and arches, the pontoon bridge points to a specific historic transport link.

The stone Ermita de San Froilán is also one of the area's notable structures. It is located beside Valdorria, at an altitude of more than 1,300 metres, among rocky cliffs. Thus, different historic settings stand side by side around Valdepiélago: town architecture, a Roman crossing and a high-altitude stone chapel.

History

The Roman road from Puente Villarente to Vegarada becomes clearly visible from Valdepiélago onwards and today forms an interrupted route. The Calzada de la Vegarada is considered the area's most important historic road. Its course connects the visible Roman road structure with the pontoon bridge near Nocedo, which once served the Calzada. As a result, the road and crossing emerge as related but distinct traces of the past.

Nature

More than 20 orchid species have been recorded in the Valdepiélago area. Access to the waterfall has been prepared from the road. The diversity of plant life and the waterfall represent two different aspects of nature within the area: one the documented variety of species, the other a specific landscape feature by the water.

Things to do

The walking route is marked with four informative panels that guide hikers and provide information about the landscape and its historical context. It leads through the valleys of Valdorria and Valdecésar, which is now called Vacesal; San Froilán withdrew there as a hermit in the 9th century. The route, the valleys and the present-day name of Valdecésar thereby connect the landscape and recorded history along a shared course.

The same area is also home to a climbing site with walls up to 50 metres high. The walking route and climbing site therefore represent different forms of movement, while the historic places along the route provide another focal point. In Valdepiélago, culture, nature and active exploration of the area are each represented by specific places, structures and landscape features.

A holiday apartment in Valdepiélago can be assessed on the accommodation pages based on travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions.

The wider selection of local accommodation also includes Ranedo De Curueño.

Other local destinations: Candín, Carracedelo, Meroy, Balouta, Valderrey, Ocero, Destriana

For the higher-level travel overview: León.