Grado: Architectural History and Routes Through the Landscape

In the historic center of Grado, the cultural heritage is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Architectural history, river routes and rural landscapes offer different points of reference for planning a stay around your interests, from historic buildings to paths along the Cubia.

Architectural History and Cultural Landmarks

The Palacio Miranda-Valdecarzana was originally built in the 15th century and completely remodeled in the Baroque style in the 17th and 18th centuries. Its rectangular floor plan is arranged around a central courtyard, with towers at the four corners. The building thus reveals both its early origins and later changes in the Baroque style.

The Puente de Peñaflor also connects several chapters of history. It was built in the 12th century and rebuilt several times because of flooding. It was the scene of significant battles during the Peninsular War and the Spanish Civil War. Both its architectural history and the eventful episodes in its past are part of the bridge’s story.

The Museo Etnográfico y de Historia de Grau/Grado was founded in 1982, and its collections are spread across three locations. San Martín de Gurullés is a former abbey founded by women in the 12th century. Its church is considered the best-preserved Romanesque church in west-central Asturias. Grado’s cultural heritage therefore includes both Baroque-remodeled architecture and a Romanesque building with a history as an abbey.

Routes Along the Cubia and Through Grado

The Senda Fluvial del Río Cubía is a short, easy trail along the Cubia, a tributary of the Nalón. It links the town with a natural setting. Halfway along, you can see the Jardín de las Mariposas y Polinizadores, and there is a recreation area near the trail. The garden is a specific landmark along this short riverside route.

The Ruta del río Cubia, which follows the Cubia basin, is a separate route. The Camino Primitivo de Santiago runs east to west through Grado. Without detours, the stretch from Peñaflor to El Freisnu is approximately 8.5 kilometers. The Camín Real de la Mesa runs north to south through Grado.

For planning your day, this information answers different questions: the Senda is short and easy, while the Camino section has an approximate distance. The directions of the Camino Primitivo and the Camín Real also help you understand the course of both routes through Grado.

Rural Landscapes and Trip Planning

The floodplains of Grado, fed by the Cubia and Nalón rivers, provide fertile land for high-quality horticulture. The rural landscape also includes farmsteads, livestock, meadows and forests, as well as numerous interesting routes. So, alongside its buildings and named trails, agriculture and the landscape offer other themes to explore during your stay.

The Primera Flor includes the Certamen de la Faba Asturiana IGP and related products. Program details vary from year to year; if you would like to include the event in your trip plans, check the dates for your travel period.

Grado can be reached from Oviedo via the A-63 motorway or the N-634. Check traffic conditions before setting off. When looking for a hotel in Grado, you could first consider whether you would rather spend your time exploring architectural history, taking the short riverside trail or covering the approximate distance of the Camino section.

Discover more destinations: Grado, Sorribas, Baselgas, Ribadesella, Muros De Nalón, Tineo, Villanueva De Oscos, Ribera De Arriba.

For the regional travel overview: Asturias.